Sacrifice and Grace

When I tell someone that I write romantic suspense for the Christian market, I always laugh at the confused expression on their face. I can almost see them picturing a book cover that depicts a half-dressed Fabio sporting angel wings and a halo. Christian romance? Really? Is that even possible?

As a couple others have pointed out in their blog posts this month, we are involved in the greatest romance of all time—a love story that is still being written. “This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him. This is love. Not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John). This is the kind of romance every soul craves. One that involves sacrifice and forgiveness—one that is based on a foundation of grace and unconditional acceptance.

As I Christian writer, I am convicted to write deeper romance novels. I believe in true love. I know it exists, and I want to communicate God’s love to the world. I take great joy in explaining to those confused people that I write a different kind of romance. One that is not based solely on physical attraction. Yes, there is always a thread of physical chemistry between my hero and heroine, but it is not the driving force in their relationship. In every book, I strive to create a love between two people that emulates Christ’s love for us. One that speaks to every person’s need. It doesn’t matter if you write historicals or mysteries, or science fiction, if you can incorporate self-sacrifice and redemptive grace into your characters’ relationships, you are writing romance, and you will point hungry souls to the one love that will fulfill their every need.

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A lifelong storyteller, Sara Richardson is passionate about communicating reasons for hope. Previously she has been an advertising copywriter, an Internet communications manager, and a whitewater rafting guide. In addition to writing fiction, Sara has published nonfiction articles in parenting and family magazines. As a member of MOPS International, Sara enjoys speaking to moms’ groups. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from Regent University. Visit her at www.momstories.org.