I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Joanna Weaver, author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
Welcome, Joanna. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Please briefly describe for us your latest book.
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World actually came out seven years ago, but WaterBrook Press is celebrating their tenth year in publishing by re-releasing it in a beautiful hardcover edition with two-color art inside. The text and the message remain the same, and it still has a twelve-week Bible study included in the back, but I think your readers will love the new look. I know I do!
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
Well, it all began with the desire to write biblical fiction. I've always been fascinated by the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. But as I looked at the rest of their story found in John 11 and 12, I realized that there was much more than just a novel in these two sisters from Bethany. And as I began to outline the actual book, God reminded me of a title from a retreat I had attended many years before: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." The speaker never even spoke about the theme, but it stayed with me and resurfaced as I wrote the book. I remember thinking, "Well, the book might stink, but what a great title!"
What do you want your readers to take away from this book?
Number one, I hope they come away with a deeper understanding of how very much they are loved by God - both Marys and Marthas alike. It isn't our personality type or even our giftings that matter. We are all invited to sit at Jesus' feet.
I also hope readers will go away with a refreshed hunger to really, truly know God -- not just about Him -- and with the tools to actually do it! I was 28 years old and an associate pastor's wife before I discovered the methods that helped me carve out a quiet time with the Lord.
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