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A Christy for Christy
Posted in Events on Wed, July 16, 2008
In 1970, a young mother named Alice Douglas read Catherine Marshall’s seminal work, Christy. Six months later, she named her newborn daughter after the lead in that story. Twenty-two years later…
I married that Christy. This past weekend, Chasing Fireflies won the 2008 Christy Award, named in honor of Katherine Marshall’s work. This got me to thinking. Several years ago, when I was at my bottom, I reached down to pull myself up by my own bootstraps and they were broken. Along with parts of me. My Christy reached down, met me where I was and gave me the freedom to be me when I needed it. When I wasn’t sure I could. When my folder of rejections was growing thicker by the day. And she did so in the face of some strong pressure to the contrary. Yes, I’m honored that Fireflies won the Christy Award (after having been a finalist on two previous occasions) but it would be unfair to say ‘I’ won it.
Christy did.
Congratulations, Charles. I’m so glad winning the Christy was so meaningful on so many levels. God is so good to give us what we need at the times we appreciate them the most. Best wishes to you and your family.
lisa
Congratulations, Charles on the Christy Award. I believe that all of your books deserve that recognition. I discovered your books via your one of your former Bible school teachers, Harley Tefertiller. Harley and his wife Theresa are very close friends of mine, having grown to love each other in our work together at Ouachita Christian School in Monroe, Louisiana. Theresa told me about Wrapped in Rain and When Crickets Cry. I read them quickly and fell in love with your writing. You are an immensely gifted storyteller. My sister, Chrys Howard, is an editor for Howard Books a mark of Simon and Schuster, and as I have continuously spoken of your books to her, she regrets that Howard’s doesn’t have them! I pray God’s blessings over you for your continued success in your career as a novelist. I just know you have much more to tell us, your reader/fans. I pre-ordered Where the River Ends months ago. It was thrilling to pull your book out of my mailbox yesterday.
I began reading it last night and I am hooked! It’s another great story.
Prayers for you and your family, Charles.
What a gift God has blessed you with.
Yours sincerely,
Joneal Kirby, West Monroe, LA
Charles,
I met both you and Christy last Wed. evening at Barnes and Noble, along with your adorable sons! It was a rare privilege I will treasure always. Even after that brief meeting, I would say that your article “A Christy for a Christy” defines who you are: humble, unassuming, filled with love, and always the gentleman. The quietness of your spirit speaks volumes about who you are and Whose you are!!!
I am praying blessing on your entire family!
In His love,
Lisa Reinhard
Charles, I enjoy frequent updates from Elaine and Steve about your life, and never cease to come away from those conversations without feeling blessed. Just to think of the profound influence your dad had on Harley’s life in a junior high Bible class makes it very clear why you have strong, moral characters swirling in your head for the stories you masterfully tell. Your parents and grandparents pointed you to God who gave you the gift. God bless you, Christy, and the boys as you touch countless lives through your writing. My friends are “hooked” on your books as are our adult children. Several of my fellow teachers joined Elaine and me at Lake Burton for a retreat of sorts. I make it clear they couldn’t enjoy the trip without reading When Crickets Cry. Several were finishing the book on the boathouse as we listened to the crickets sing.
We’re cheering for you,
Theresa Tefertiller, Houston, TX
I just finished “Where the River Ends.” AWESOME story! I live in Folkston and grew up in and around North Florida and south Georgia. The descriptions you gave were so true to life! I couldn’t put the book down. Thank you!!!
I can’t wait to read more from you,
Christy (yes, I am another Christy named after the book) Spurlock