Recently, I was talking about my latest release, The Last to Know, and the question came up about how I personally dealt with writing dark subjects such as the villain in the book. The Last to Know features a team of Behavioral Analysis Unit agents working with the FBI to take down a serial killer known as the Embalmer.
When I write a thriller such as The Last to Know, the darkness that is featured there is only part of the story. There’s so much more. As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world. And I think our light shines the brightest when we are facing down the darkness.
I love the idea of taking something truly dark and scary like the Embalmer character and pitting him against agents of the light. And I do see the agents of the Behavioral Analysis Unit as agents of light.
After researching the BAU and writing two books that feature the unit, I have a whole new appreciation for those who do this type of work daily. Imagine this is your job; to look into the mind of a killer and try to understand what makes him or her tick? It would be so easy to burn out if not develop a defeatist attitude when it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle. So, my hats off to all those who work tirelessly to push back the darkness.
As an author, before I even write the first word, I know who is going to win.
Just like we as Christians know how the story ultimately ends and who wins.
Knowing this helps us follow Matthew 5:14-16 when it says,
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Unlike fiction, we don’t always know how our story ends here on earth, but we do know who holds it in the palm of His hand and will help us face whatever darkness comes our way head on.
So, when you are facing down the darkness of the world, know that The Light of The World stands with you every step along the way. The battle is over. He has defeated death and darkness. We just have to do our part as agents of light and let your lights shine!
Mary
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