An Interview with Deborah McCarragher: Author 

Sylvia:  Welcome Deborah. Please give our readers a brief introduction of yourself and a little about your book. 

Deborah: It’s a pleasure Sylvia.  I began my journey of creative writing soon after coming to know Jesus as my personal Savior in 1989 and I enjoy using my spiritual gifts of encouragement and teaching as I share my personal testimony with others. I have been a small business owner for over 25 years and formed Alabaster Box Publishing several years ago as a vehicle for producing and promoting my Christian writing projects.  I am a devotional contributor to the E-magazine “Ruby for Women” and “Living Better at 50+”, as well as for the print magazine “An Encouraging Word.”

Mission Possible is a unique book in the Christian marketplace.  It addresses a subject that is often overlooked and misunderstood.  It is a candid look at my struggles and quest to reach my husband for Christ.  I became a believer seven years into our marriage, and this book is my personal testimony.  It applies Scripture and biblical principles to everyday struggles encountered within a spiritually mismatched marriage.  Mission Possible won the 2010 Readers Favorite Gold Seal Award for best Christian Non-Fiction book, and was nominated for the Christian Small Publisher’s Association Book of the Year Award in 2009.

Sylvia: Congratulations on the success of your book. What inspired you to write your first book? 

Deborah: I was involved with a local intercessory prayer group at the time, and was prompted by God during prayer to write down what He was conveying to me about my husband and his salvation.  It was quite literally written while inspired, and without much effort on my part.  I typed on the computer as He led me to bible verses and topics to talk about.  I remember writing down the names of the (7) chapters during prayer time on a tablet – just looking at them afterwards in awe.  It was quite a moving experience.

Sylvia:  Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Deborah:  My advice would be to “follow your heart” and write what you are passionate about.  Share it with your friends and others who might benefit from its message.  Since my book is non-fiction, I shared it first with other women in a spiritually mismatched marriage and got their feedback before I pursued it further.

Sylvia: Why should we buy your book? 

Deborah:  My book is one of hope and encouragement.  It is my personal testimony.  Because the book is relatively short – it is easy to read and the Bible study questions at the end of each chapter offer additional material for self-reflection and growth.  I have kept the price reasonable (both in print and as an e-book) to make it affordable for readers.  This book represents a ministry – not a livelihood.

Sylvia: Is there a special place that you prefer when you write? 

Deborah:  I enjoy writing outside on my patio when the weather is nice.  I love being outdoors with nature. I generally write in my office, and I always carry around a note pad for jotting down ideas and God-inspired thoughts.

Sylvia:  What is your POWER WORD?

Deborah:  My Power Word would be PERSEVERANCE. Endurance is key to winning the battle in your mind.

Sylvia:  Great word! What primary advice do you have for women who are married to “non-believing” husbands?

Deborah:  I think the most important advice is to have faith in Who God Is and His sovereignty.  We can’t “pre-package” our spouse’s conversion experience, and God will always do what will bring Him the “most glory”.  We also have to remember that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood.  Our spouse (if unsaved) isn’t governed by God’s Spirit – so we have to release them from that accountability.  We must have faith that rests in God and not in our own understanding, or by sight!

Sylvia:  Very interesting!  What’s the main message that you’d like readers to take away from it?

Deborah:  I would love readers to discover that God has a plan for each marriage that is in spiritual disunity.  It involves us, but it is always done HIS WAY!  I want readers to know that it is a process that evolves over time, that we must not put God in a box, but give Him room to move in our spouse’s life.  They need to know that because we are not perfect and continue to sin, that Satan will try to discourage and influence us (women) to believe that our “mission” is not possible – but with God, all things are possible!

Sylvia:  Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Deborah:  Just that I know how difficult it is to be married to a spouse who doesn’t share your love and devotion to the Lord Jesus.  I, like many of my readers, get frustrated and disillusioned, but I know God has perfect timing and our best interests at heart overall.  He wants our spouses to come to a saving knowledge of Him and embrace a future together that brings glory to Him.

Sylvia: Thank you Deborah. I enjoyed learning about you and your book. How can readers contact you?

Deborah: Thank you as well for your interest, Sylvia. My contact is below.

Website: http://www.Spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
Blog: http://www.Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com

Sylvia Browder

Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.