Two Roads: Two Meanings Part 1

This is the third in a series of articles that explains the inspirations that led to "The Rose's Thorn."  Warning, there are mild spoilers in this article; so if you want to remain totally unspoiled, please do not read this until you have at least gone 75% through the book.

You may have already noticed that the title includes the tag "A Two Roads Novel."  You might ask what is the importance of that descriptor and what it means.  Obviously part of the reason is to have some indicator that this will be a series of books, Lord willing, and hopefully it sounds cooler than "A Twilight Saga" or something like that.   On the other hand, it's an apt description of the choices the character in "The Rose's Thorn" make.  For both Christopher and Isabella, it symbolizes the two destinations they might have found themselves if they had made the choice to stay or leave and what the implications of that are. 

Perhaps Christopher's regret is most palpable and annoying since he thinks upon that choice quite frequently with the return of Belle.  But isn't that a part of life that we can all relate to?  The what if of decisions made or not made are a guiding principal that shadow my life certainly -- regrets of if I had asked that one girl out, said that thing to a friend that I was too afraid to or even becoming more serious about writing this book ten years ago as opposed to now.  These are the things that can bum me out and drive me to go listen to sad songs to make feel better.

There's a chance you might feel the same regarding the choices you've made in your life.  I hope you understand that I've been there and still am there in some form or another.  Perhaps that's the curse of having an overactive imagination and sensitivity that one of my friends fondly calls me "being a girl."  It's can be downright discouraging to be in that place of regret, but I'm reminded that there is no such thing as coincidence.

Romans 8:28 tells us "we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, according to His purpose."  No matter how much of a wrong way or detour we think we might be, for those who love God, it's going to work out --- and that's what hope is.   It doesn't necessarily need to be a regret because we are right in the center of where we need to be.   Isabella's point of view of her choices, though grim, is helpful because all the choices we make --they make us into the stronger person we are today. 

My encouragement to you -- do not dismay in the circumstances you find yourself in.  Each step you've taken is constantly making you the person you need to be -- and God is leading you somewhere that will be fantastic if you let Him.  Instead of wallowing in your regrets, learn from them and soldier on.  One of the secrets of this books is that no matter which road is chosen, this is where all roads lead.  Next week, we'll touch on the second meaning of "Two Roads."

--Jonathan