Red Pick-up Trucks

By: Tia McCollor, author of February release Steppin' Into the Good Life

For the past year God has had a sense of humor in how He speaks to me. I do most of my deep thinking and brainstorming while I’m in the car, so maybe that’s why He’s been speaking to me through bumper stickers. Yes, strange as it may sound, bumper stickers have caused me to do some serious reflecting over the past eight months or so. 

The most recent occurrence happened three weeks ago while I was weaving in and out of traffic (carefully, of course) so that I could make it to my son’s school in time to pick him up. My invisible companions were with me, Mr. Agitated, riding shotgun, and Ms. Impatient, in the back seat.  

I was going nowhere fast. Then I saw it -- the bumper sticker on the back of that red pick-up truck that was probably driving 30 MPH on a 55 MPH stretch of road. “I hope you follow God this close,” it read.

Makes you say…..hmmm. I must admit there have been times when I felt like I was waving to God from afar. If I’ve remembered correctly, in her book, He Speaks to Me, Priscilla Shirer refers to a GPS as God’s Positioning System. The great thing about God is that if you have the desire to draw closer to Him, He’ll let you tailgate! You can park right in His presence for as long as you like. 

 As the February 1st release of my fifth novel approaches, I’ve reflected on my writing career and the personal journey that’s come along with it. My novels – and this calling that God has put on my life as an wife, mother and author -- keeps me close to Him. I write stories about imperfect people and a perfect God. 

Sheila Rushmore, the protagonist in my upcoming release, Steppin’ Into The Good Life, is one of those imperfect people. She’s been chasing the good life since high school, and that chase has left her with no home, no man, and no money. But now that she’s decided to live for God…things will get easier, be better…right? At least that’s what she thinks. 

Sheila’s definition of the “good life” is not what it used to be. Neither is mine. But God wants us to have life abundantly (John 10:10). And we can. If we follow Him as closely as we follow red pick-up trucks.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Shelia Rushmore thought she'd be the last woman standing when it was time to fight for her man. Instead Ace, her boyfriend of two years, chose to reunite with his ex-wife, leaving Shelia emotionally devastated. It's a year later when Sheila is convinced that sneaking into their wedding ceremony will put closure on the gaping hole in her heart. But it's on the back pew of the church where a new relationship begins for Shelia. She can't explain the touch she received from God on that day, but she's determined to be a better woman-a woman of faith. Since high school, Shelia has been chasing her definition of the good life - it's left her with no home, no man, and no money. But now that's she's living life for God, things should get better, right? 

Shelia learns that living a faith-filled life isn't always easy. With faith, tough love, and some tough decisions, Shelia realizes that the life she'd been praying for she could have for herself is actually attainable. Being wrapped in God's arms, she decided, was by far the safest place she'd ever been.

MEET THE AUTHOR  

Tia McCollors is a national bestselling author who secured her spot in the publishing industry with the release of her debut novel, Zora’s Cry. She received her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina. After ten years as a public relations professional, Tia emerged as an inspirational speaker and author of faith-based novels. Her other titles include The Last Woman Standing, The Truth About Love, and A Heart of Devotion. In addition to being a novelist, Tia is a motivational speaker and instructor for writing workshops. Tia was voted as the Breakout Author of the Year by the Open Book Awards of the African American Literary Awards Show. Tia lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and children. For more information, visit her online at www.TiaMcCollors.com.