I know this sounds a bit like Dr. Laura, but what you could bring to the table would be unique. On many topics specifically, you could argue or reference an earlier time when black folk were not a watchword for massive out-of-wedlock rates. A time when education was valued, when discipline was enforced etc.. The past was no “golden age” but black folks on several counts did a lot better back then, than they are doing now. Such references do not just relate to “black” topics but are actually universal. There WAS a time when 14 year olds did not pose for nude photos and have it thought to be “cute”.

Another area that needs a strong female voice is Christian testimony as well- hard nosed common sense talk that is not combative in the Limbaugh mode, that blends female sensibilities with fortright common sense. I can’t think of many female media personalties like this.

One idea for a book I think maybe is staring you in the face- yourself, or you plus some close friends. Yes, you have a base of people who know you. I think a book that for example- takes you and say 2 other friends, and discusses how you each came to the place you are now at in your lives would attract attention and numerous sympathetic readers. You have seen hard knocks so you ran relate to some of the challenges people out there face. Lace it with practical advice and humor and you just might have a bestseller. You could make it different than the typical text heavy thing on the shelves. Throw in some inspirational pictures, throw in some quirky questionaires, throw in recipies. Intersperse the personal stories of triumphs, transformations and tragedies with short blocs where you lay out some conservative common sense. Recount humorous stories of when you showed up for a press activity and they found out you were black, a woman AND conservative. Include quiet reflections and prayers. Shucks, even reproduce excerpts of various “hate mail” that come via your blog. In other words, you could put together a book that would look and “sound” different.

You could organize it thematically. In William Manchester’s bio of Douglas MacArthur which I read recently he organized it around the theme of an army post- there was the start- reville, then the other bugle calls for later chapters then the closeout called “Sunset Gun”. At the end of the book Manchester evokes the metaphor of flickering movie reel being rewound- very effective I thought. If you had a theme to weave around the book’s strands and threads, it would look also give it a different look than many others who just go with straight narrative. Methinks you have all the info you need, right a hand to knock out a dynamite book, broad based enough to attract readers from all sides of the aisle.

Oh well. I am out of time. That’s my 2-cents for what its worth. Keep up the good work!

Your interest in music might cause you to be interested in the conversion of Jonny Lang. I mention it here, because it is the only experience that I’ve known that is somewhat similar to mine.

I was a well-read, vocal atheist the morning I walked out of my apartment, and as I crossed the street, God’s glory passed by. In what was probably less than two minutes, I repented of sin and became a stumbling (almost literally) follower of the Lord.

Since then, I’ve had a host of struggles, but, when I look back, I can see nothing but the transforming power of a risen Lord in my life.

By the way, the great story of Jonny Lang’s “vomiting Jesus” conversion can be found here:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2006/jonnylang-0906.html

The hardest thing I’ve done as a Christian is to turn my children’s safety and well being over to the Lord. I have found that sometimes the only thing I can do as a Father is to let the Lord watch over them and stop trying to do it myself.

I became a Christian when I was a child. So it’s a difficult question for me to think about. It was rather a long time ago.

So bear with me as I try to squeeze the gray matter.

Along with a sense of freedom and release, I remember a sense of fear of God during my conversion and for a little bit afterward. Not necessarily the fear of Him disciplining me for my sins, though I think that was probably part of the fear as my young mind grappled with sin and a desire to please my Savior (my adult mind still grapples with that ), but there was this greater feeling of my smallness and His immensity. I always knew there was something bigger than me out there, a Creator of the universe, but when I came face to face with Him it struck me to the core. You know what I mean? Fear and reverence and desire all mixed together.

As a young believer, I think one of the things that so surprised me, particularly in the public school system, was that so many people hated that He is and would openly challenge my faith in God again and again from students to teachers.

That’s what appeals to me, the simplicity of it all. And yet there’s a lot of depth to keep one busy, if desired.

All you really need is a basic belief. You don’t have to go anywhere, or listen to anyone, or do anything. And, I’m so lazy anyway! —Unless I’ve been doing it completely wrong, and you really are supposed to show up somewhere on Sunday, or else ….

Uh-oh.

You hit the nail on the head, for me, with this statement. My God is not only the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, He is the same across all nations, races and sexes.

What I love is just being able to tell – simply knowing – that someone is a brother or sister in Christ, even though we’ve not yet gotten around to declaring ourselves. Our souls recognize the connection without a word being said.