Embracing Eternity, Author Q&A with Laura Bailey

We are excited to have author Laura Bailey with us today to talk about her new book, Embracing Eternity. We talk about Ecclesiastes, wisdom and hope. Thank you, Ms. Bailey, for taking the time to speak to us.

Hey your copy of the book, here!

Modern Witnesses (“MW”): Hi Ms. Bailey, we congratulate you on your new book, Embracing Eternity. Your book discusses how issues often stem from not having the proper perspective. What lead you to this realization?

Laura Bailey (“LB”): I spent much of my life wanting the benefits of a relationship with God without completely surrendering my life to Him. I lived both in the world and of it while trying to maintain the appearance of a good Christian. That double life led to constant inner conflict and turmoil, but all that changed when I handed over the reins to the Lord and surrendered my will to Him in every aspect. Doing this taught me to shift my perspective from temporary ( site-based) to eternal (faith-based). 

MW: If someone reading is having difficulty finding that needed perspective, what would you advise them as first step(s)?

LB: It’s the rote Sunday School answer, but get into God’s Word. If you’ve never read the Bible cover to cover, start there. There are numerous Bible-in-year reading plans and podcasts; grab a friend or join an accountability group and prioritize reading the Bible in its entirety. Ask the Lord to give you the desire to read and study the Scriptures. Even those of us with the best intentions are easily distracted. We must call on the Lord to open our hearts to receive His Word. Making sure you are involved in a local church and have Christian friends to support and encourage you in your faith will help you keep the proper perspective. 

“Ask the Lord to give you the desire to read and study the Scriptures. Even those of us with the best intentions are easily distracted.”

MW: Your book draws on a lot of wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes. What is your favorite thing that you learned from King Solomon in the reading and studying of this book in preparation for your own book?

LB: Solomon uses the phrase “meaningless” over 38 times in Ecclesiastes. While studying, I learned that the Hebrew word for meaningless is hevel, which means vapor or smoke. This new definition changes the meaning of Solomon’s words. He isn’t saying that our life here is without value, and that nothing matters, instead he is arguing that in light of our brief time on earth, we should spend time our time wisely.

MW: What do you hope readers will take from the day-by-day journey with your book?

LB: For many, Ecclesiastes evokes feelings of doom and gloom. I am hoping readers will see that Solomon’s words aren’t meant to drive us to despair but give us hope. When we realize the reality of mortality, we prioritize the things that matter. We stop worrying about leaving a mark, chasing the American dream, growing our bank accounts, or worrying about what others think of us. Our worth, identity, and significance are in Christ; it’s not about what we can achieve but what Jesus accomplished on the cross. The book of Ecclesiastes frees us from the burden of living an important life by earthly standards; we were created for eternity! 

“The book of Ecclesiastes frees us from the burden of living an important life by earthly standards; we were created for eternity!”

MW: One of my favorite days in the book is day 11, “The Dangers of Checklist Christianity.” Why is this so important to guard against?

LB: Sadly, many people are filling the pews on Sunday, doing all the “right things,” and are the model Christian outwardly. But they don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I know because I was one of those people. For years I read my Bible, avoiding the “big” sins, on the outside my life checked all the christian-girl boxes. But, inwardly, I was lost. I accepted Jesus as my Savior at a young age but never surrendered to God as Sovereign. God wants our undivided hearts. He looks at our motivations; He examines our thoughts; it isn’t enough to say we believe in God; our lives should show that we are Christ’s followers. 

MW: As we enter the holiday season, what mindset or rituals keep you centered on Christ and the reason for the season?

LB: It’s going back to that perspective, engaging in the “hard heart work,” as I say in my book, to get us on track when we’ve been swayed by the secular over the sacred. Practically speaking, the last few years, I’ve tried to write out everything I want to do, family events, church gatherings, season celebrations, all good things, and determine what will bring our family closer to Jesus or distract us from the reason for the season. Some things we still engage in because while it may not be directly tied to our Savior’s birth, it brings our family closer or an opportunity to serve and bless others ( faith in action). 

MW: What are your top three essentials? (It can be anything you don’t leave the house without…)

LB: coffee, mascara, notebook/pen

MW: If you had to define Christianity in one sentence, what would it be?

LB: Choosing to serve God over self, every day. 

Get your copy of Embracing Eternity, here!

For more Laura:

Instagram and facebook: LauraBaileyWrites

www.LauraRBailey.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX