The Hang Suite is Open…Come on in!
**Note: Of course, admission is free to enter The Hang Suite, however we ask that you let us know you’ve been here by leaving your first name (only) and city and state you’re representing in the ‘Comment Box’ below.
Welcome everyone to the Blessings of Purpose Hang Suite! I’m Lia Braxton (Conrad), the “Leading Lady” (wow, I like the sound of that) from the novel written by Alicia Hill Jones. After the book was published, I began enjoying a, much needed, vacation. However, it was cut short when Alicia called me back to host this “sneak peek” into the novel. Apparently, many of you have not read Blessings of Purpose and I guess she figured I could intrigue you with my commentary, but once you read the first chapter or even the first page of the book, you’ll be hooked! On the other hand, maybe you’ve already read the book and just didn’t want it to end. Well, whichever your case may be, this is the place for you to be! Other characters will be joining us along the way so, get ready for 7-weeks of fun, laughs, and thought provoking dialogue.
Now, where do I begin…oh yes, the “Prologue”. I was hoping never (well not this soon, anyway) to re-live that 1 ½ years of my life that was captured in the novel’s 267 pages. Since I’m grateful daily to be a living testimony of God’s grace and mercy, it would be selfish of me not to share my story. Alicia believes it will enlighten and encourage many people—it was her inspiration for writing the book. I hope you will be inspired by my story as well.
The first section of the book begins with some of my background as a teenager. This bit of information is important for how things play out later in the book. I was a wild child and everything I did was in the name of “fun”. Can I get a witness? My friends and I weren’t hurting anyone and at the time, it never crossed our minds that we were hurting ourselves. Actually, we felt no pain in doing whatever, wherever, whenever. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes that there’s “nothing new under the sun”; teenagers did and continue to do rebellious things in the name of “fun”. But it’s those unknown, unfamiliar consequences that no one is ready to face. The question “Is it really worth it?” is usually asked when it’s too late.
That fateful, life-changing Friday night, began like any other. We partied hard and didn’t want to leave when it was time to meet curfew. I don’t even know whose party it was, but the people there were much older than 14 year-old me (including my boyfriend). I believe it was someone’s house that, Andre (my boyfriend), knew. Anyway, free alcohol and weed (marijuana)…that was my kind of party. It was good–while it lasted.
Unfortunately, my closest friends, Candice, Andre, and Desmond weren’t able to be here today. I shouldn’t be either. It’s been many years ago and hard lesson to learn for all of us. I tell you, the images of that night will always be so vivid to me. The pain never goes away…I miss you guys! I think this would be a good point to end, before I get too emotional.
Thanks for hanging out with me and come back to The Hang Suite tomorrow for Chapter 1.
P.S.
If it seems that something is missing…like the juicy details…they’re in the book. So purchase your copy today to read along with this blog. Most likely you’ll finish the book before the end of these 7-weeks—it’s a page turner (check out the reviews on Amazon).
Blessings of Purpose, A Novel: The Hang Suite 