Write to the Point with Morgan L. Busse

Today we get write to the point with Morgan L. Busse. I hope you find her interview as interesting and heart touching as I did. Read to the end, she has a giveaway!

Tell us about yourself, family, where are you from, how long have you been writing?

I am married to a pastor and have four children (including a set of twins). That alone keeps my life pretty busy! We are originally from the Pacific Northwest, but now make our home in Kansas.

I have been writing for nine years now and published my first book last year with Marcher Lord Press. I write speculative fiction for the adult market. In other words, I write fantasy. But unlike most fantasies where there are elves or dragons or orcs, my story focuses on a woman who has the power to see inside the soul in a world similar to ours.

Sounds intriguing.

How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior?

I grew up in a family that went to church, but for me it was something I did every Sunday. I knew all the Bible verses and stories and looked like a good little girl on the outside, but I was not so good on the inside. Two events changed my life: the death of my grandmother when I was 11 and the divorce of my parents.

I became a bitter, hateful girl. I knew about God and his love, but could not understand why He allowed such hurtful things to happen in my life. I wanted nothing to do with Him.

One summer when I was 12, I had to take my younger siblings to a VBS (Vacation Bible School). I sat in the back, arms folded, with a sullen look on my face. I did not want to be there. But then the man in front began to speak about Jesus and something started to change inside of me. He talked about how Jesus still loved us, no matter how bad we were, and that He died for us.

I already knew all of this, but for some reason it stuck that afternoon. It was like my heart was thawing out. When the man asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus or rededicate his or her life, I found myself heading down the aisle. I don’t remember much more, only going home that night with such joy inside of me that I thought I would explode. Months later, my mother remarked on how much I had changed: that I hardly lost my temper and was patient with my siblings. 

Tell us about your latest book(s). What do want your readers to take away after the last page?

Daughter of Light is the first book in the Follower of the Word series. It is the story of a young woman named Rowen who—with a touch of her hand—can see inside the human soul. She first discovers her power at the beginning of the book and it costs her. The village is terrified of her, they accuse her of witchcraft, and banish her.

The rest of the book is Rowen’s journey in discovering who she really is, why she has this gift, and who gave it to her.

Ultimately, I want readers to come away with what it means to follow God. It is not easy, and it may cost you everything, but in doing so, you find who you really are and what life is all about.

Sounds great. It reminds me of how people often react to the Holy Spirit, it can scare some people, or may even offend them.

How often do you blog and what do you cover in your blog?

I blog once a week. I am passionate about authentic Christianity, the kind that is not afraid to ask questions or be real. I share about a time I lost my faith, or where is God when you are hurting. I also love books, so I do book reviews once in a while when I find something to share.

 What are you reading right now?

I usually read a non-fiction and fiction book at the same time. Currently I am going through the Starting Point material for my church (it is a curriculum for people who are new to Christianity and the church and who are exploring who God is). I am also reading an ARC for a friend that is a fairytale retelling. I love fairytale retellings and am really enjoying the book.

Our church uses the Starting Point material 🙂

Can you share with us a Genesis 5020 in your life?

When my husband and I first entered ministry, we never dreamed we would go from one church to another over a span of 10 years. In our limited knowledge, we thought only pastors who had sinned or were “bad” were kicked out of their churches. Sadly, we came to realize this is not so.

We were let go from one church a couple years into ministry. It came as a complete surprise. One day my husband had a job and the next, no job. And when a pastor loses a job, he and his family lose more than an income: they lose their church support group, friends, and way of life.

My husband thought about going back to school or teaching, but he couldn’t shake the knowledge deep down that he was called to be a pastor. We talked, and I agreed. I know my husband more than anyone, and this is his life’s calling. So almost a year later, we found ourselves at another church.

And then two years later, God moved us on to another church.

Then history repeated itself. My husband came home one Saturday morning after a business meeting and handed me a letter. He had been fired with no reason given. I didn’t know what to think. For three days I walked around in a daze. How could it be possible that we had been released from two churches for no reason? What had we done wrong? Why did God let this happen? Didn’t He care about us?

This time I went into a deep depression. There is an expression about the dark night of the soul and that is exactly what I experienced. We found a church to attend while we figured out our lives. But my trust was broken now. I went to church for the sake of my children, but I wasn’t sure I could be part of a church again.

And yet, I loved people. My heart broke for those who were lost and I wanted to help God’s people in anyway I could. Through the encouragement of two dear friends and the prayers (I’m sure) of many people I didn’t know, I slowly began to heal.

My husband came up to me a couple months later crying. He said if he could do anything else with his life, he would. But he couldn’t. No matter how many times we were beat down, he couldn’t shake his call to ministry. And I knew he was right.

We first thought God was calling us to church plant, but then God closed those doors. Then we heard from a church in Kansas. To be honest, I wasn’t sure anyone would want a broken family that had been let go by two different churches. But they wanted us, and when we arrived, it felt like we had finally come home.

I would not be the person I am today if God had not crushed me and remade me. It was through this pain I learned faith, humility, forgiveness, and love. I love God’s people more than ever, and I can understand the hurts of our congregation because I have been there: through unemployment, through sickness, through depression, and through loss.

I never want to go through what I have again, but as that verse says, what others meant for evil, God meant it for good. Only He can take the ashes of our lives and shape it into something beautiful.

Do you have a life and/or a ministry verse?

My writing verse is Romans 12:15. It reminds me to rejoice when good things happen to other writers and to weep when discouraging things happen to other writers. When I open myself up to enjoy the blessings God has brought into the lives of others, I find myself filled with pure and unselfish joy. My heart is light and free of envy or jealousy.

Where can we find you on the web?

My website is www.morganlbusse.com . I also have a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/morganlbusseauthor, and you can find me on twitter @MorganLBusse

Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to add?

The only thing I want to add is a big thank you Melissa for allowing me to share my journey with your readers.

You’re very welcome Morgan, it was a pleasure having you.

Readers, Morgan is giving away a copy of her book in your choice of format, ebook or paperback. Leave a comment by March 19th at 5:00 pm to be entered.