What Inspired the Book
The story of the Woman at the Well has always been one of my favorites. I love so many things about it that... well... I could write a book about it!
I guess it boils down to the fact that I feel anyone can relate to some part of this story. We all have a thirst deep inside that we cannot quench on our own efforts.
There are precious few that don't know how it feels to be separated and alone because of shame, guilt, and feelings of worthlessness. I certainly understand the loneliness and pain of what that's like. Guilt, despair, and fear, literally freeze us in place and keeps us locked in its grip. Like being thrown in a pit and held in chains, our lives become defined by our past and our failures.
Jesus, out of nothing but pure love and grace, went out of his way to free us from our past. He provides complete freedom from the bondage we can't get away from. Christ offers each of us a new hope, a fresh start, and a new life.
Just like the Woman at the Well, we can literally drop all our burdens at his feet, trading it in for the priceless gift of forgiveness. He's still waiting for us to come to Him, still offering the living water to every thirsty soul who requests it.
It's the great news of the gospels and a message that I feel compelled to pass on.