I have a book that is being published and launched in April. Many wonder why I chose my first Historical Fiction Novel to be about the Samaritan Woman. The answer is probably nothing like you would expect!
I’m not sure if it was Photine or me, perhaps both of us, who needed our stories to be told, seen, and heard.
I was first introduced to Photine by my fiancé when we just started dating. He was a gentle, devoted, and faithful man. He spent most of his life around service, education, and ministry. He was a faithful husband and father for over 25 years. His life, though not without trials, had been steady and devoted to the church.
However, my life has been a lot different than his.
I was raised by a terminally ill mother and a recovering alcoholic father. I remember my early years as attempts to survive the day, every day. I grew up familiar with neglect, abuse, hardships, and quiet resilience in faith.
We met, slowly grew close, and started dating within a year. Things were going well, and I knew for sure I was falling for him.
I remember the day clearly when I decided to tell him the truth – the whole, entire truth. We met at a pub we had visited before. Looking at his warm and kind face, I emotionally and mentally prepared myself to say goodbye. I didn’t want things to go far – I didn’t want to hurt this kind gentleman. I took a deep breath and said, “This has been wonderful, but before we go any further, I need to tell you who I really am.”
He looked puzzled. “Okay,” he said simply and calmly.
Holding back my tears, I looked down at my hands and rushed to speak.
“You’re a great man, but we’ve lived such different lives. You’ve loved once, married once, and raised beautiful children. You went to college right after high school—like people are supposed to. I’ve done everything upside down. I’m just now going to college. I’ve been married and divorced four times… I’m not like you. I guess I’m just… broken.”
Silence.
Should I look up or just leave? How do I know what he thinks?
I looked up. I am now glad I looked up.
His gentle, loving eyes didn’t have judgment or a frown. Not even a trace of any disapproval.
I realized then that he truly saw me.
Then he said the words that changed my life:
“So what I’m hearing is… you’re like the Samaritan woman.”
At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant. But he went on:
“You have loved. You have lost. And all of it made you who you are.”
In that moment, shame lost its grip on me.
From then on, the Samaritan woman, Photine’s story became mine – and I decided to truly tell her story to the world. That’s how Beyond the Well was born.
But she wasn’t the only one.
Soon, other Biblical women surfaced with their silent voices, unbreakable faith and perseverance, stories, and an urge to be heard. So I listened.
And I wrote.
In the months ahead, I’ll be sharing these stories—these Obscure Women of the Bible—who, in their quiet courage, have something powerful to say to us today.
Stay tuned, and thank you for walking this journey with me.
Find out more at: https://authorlaureebrown.com/
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