New Year’s Greetings from Sarah Sundin! We’re kicking off another year of CAN author interviews with a chat with Kathy Howard, a multi-published author of Bible studies and devotionals!
Welcome, Kathy! Please tell us about your book Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Romans.
Recapture the awe of your salvation! Like the other volumes in the Deep Rooted devotional series, this 40-day journey through Romans uses the 4-R Bible study framework to help you interact with Scripture, not simply read it. These meaty, daily devotions will increase your hunger for God’s Word, encourage spiritual growth, and lay the groundwork for a life-long habit.
That sounds wonderful! What inspired you to write this book?
The idea for the “Deep Rooted” devotional series flowed out of a Bible reading community I’ve led for more than 5 years on Facebook. The format seemed to really resonate with women from all walks of life and areas of the world. The books are a way to help and encourage even more women to get into the Bible regularly. The reading pace allows them to go deep without making it time-prohibitive for busy women.
What surprised you the most during the research or writing of your book?
The book of Romans contains the longest personal greetings of any biblical letter. Although we often find these sections boring, this time I approached them with an open mind. I was surprised at how much I learned about the church in Rome, Paul’s years of ministry, and Paul’s relationships. I was especially excited about what I learned about the place women held in Paul’s ministry.
Such a fascinating topic—and so vital for women to explore. What was your greatest challenge in writing this book?
I choose to do a “Deep Rooted” volume on Romans because it holds a significant place in my own personal faith journey. But when it came time to get started, I felt overwhelmed. Romans is a theologically deep book. I worried that the big truths of Paul’s letter would be too much for the succinct devotional format. So, I began praying for wisdom and creativity. And of course, God was faithful. He showed me which truths to highlight in each passage and how best to present them. I am very pleased with the result.
I love how God does that! Why do you write Bible studies and devotionals?
Most Christians long to know God. God has revealed Himself to us in His Word. The way to know God more is to read and study His Word. But many Christians don’t feel confident in handling the Scriptures. That’s my calling. I work to equip and encourage Christians to get into God’s Word. My Bible studies, devotionals, blogs, and social media efforts primarily focus on this goal.
With so many books published, you must have some funny stories. Care to share one with us?
When my Bible study “Lavish Grace” released, I was excited to have a signing at one of the LifeWay stores in the Houston area. The bookstore staff had given me a prominent spot right at the front of the store. No one coming in to shop would miss me. However, many did avoid me. Then, one shopper headed straight toward me when she came through the door. “Finally,” I thought, “someone who wants a book!” I rested my hand on a stack of my new Bible study books and gave the woman my brightest smile. “Can you tell me where the Beth Moore Bible studies are?” she asked without preamble. As I tried to keep smiling, I pointed her in the right direction. Book signings are often humbling experiences.
Unless your name is Beth Moore, that is always the case. We authors do need humbling—but we also need support. And what could be more supportive than pets? Do you have pets and do they inspire your writing or hinder it?
We are definitely dog people. Although we’ve had as many as three dogs at one time, right now we are down to one. Remi is a mixed-breed rescue dog. Although originally our son’s dog, we kept Remi when Mark moved into the dorm his first year in college. When Mark later moved to a rent house and wanted to take Remi, we told him “No, Remi is our dog now.” Remi has been ours ever since!
Remi usually lies under my desk at my feet while I’m working. Since I wear flip flops around the house 12 months of the year, I can easily rub his fur with my bare feet. He enjoys it and for some reason it helps me think! However, Remi does have restless days when he barks at shadows and wants out constantly. That definitely breaks my concentration!
Remi sounds adorable! Now…almost all writers have beloved library memories. How about you?
When we were growing up, my mother often took me and my brother to the library. But when I found an old library book hidden in the depths of my childhood closet, decades had passed since any of us had visited. In fact, the Nancy Drew mystery was about 40 years past due.
My mother insisted on returning it. She considered it her duty as a member of the community. She even determined to pay the resulting huge fine.
However, when she marched into the library and placed the dusty tome on the librarian’s desk, she showed no excitement over the return of the long-lost book. She demanded no hefty fine. The librarian didn’t even want the book back. According to her, the book would have been replaced long ago. Mom had viewed the return as something of a mission, but was disappointed instead.
But what a lesson in conscientiousness and taking responsibility from your mother! A woman of integrity.
Thank you for sharing with us today, Kathy!
To learn more about Kathy, her books, and her speaking ministry, please visit Kathy’s website at kathyhoward.org and Kathy’s blog at kathyhoward.org/blog.
Writing for Him,
Sarah Sundin
Sarah’s website: sarahsundin.com
