If you’ve ever ridden a roller coaster, you know the anticipatory thrill mixed with dread fear as you come to the top of the tracks, just before you descend at full speed, plunging downward, downward, downward, until just before you hit the group, the car comes to a rest and you do it again. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden on a roller coaster, at least in a theme park. I ride an emotional one each day. Sometimes each hour.
As I approach the September 1 public release of my book, I’m feeling the thrill of being at the top of the roller coaster. Now is the time to check my belt to see that it is secure. Today I went over my schedule with my wife, mapped out a projected course, and have been recruiting partners to share the load. While I want my book release to go off with an explosion, I know better than to implode making it happen. I remind myself that God is in control, no matter what I do or don’t do. My goal is not the number of book sales (though it would be nice to break even). My goal is to reach as many as will be reached with the Good News of God’s love for those impacted by brain illnesses.
This week kicks off my launch campaign.
Tonight, Eric Riddle and I will be recording a discussion of When Despair Meets Delight on our podcast Revealing Voices.
At 10 am tomorrow (Monday, August 10), I have an interview with a local radio station – live streamed here: QMIX 107.3.</a.
Thursday, August 13, Lord willing, I will be traveling to Ingram Spark in LaVergne, TN (just outside Nashville) to pick up my books. I’m praying they will be ready then so that those who ordered in advance can receive their copy next week. I also want to have them in hand for the third and fourth events for the week.
This Saturday, August 15 from 10:15 – 11 am Eastern US time is the When Despair Meets Delight Virtual Book Launch I sit down with Pastor Mark Teike and discuss mental health ministry in general and my book in particular. This will be an interactive Zoom event where you have the opportunity to raise questions and make comments. The first 100 to register will be able to participate, so sign up today by clicking this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Finally, provided my books are in hand, I will host a Virtual Book Signing on Sunday, August 16. Those who have pre-ordered books prior to the signing will receive an invitation to Zoom in.
It’s going to be a busy week and I could use your prayers. I find strength in knowing I’m not in this alone.
