Erven Kimble has been happily married to Jacquelyn Kimble for over thirty-five years and is the father of five sons and one daughter and has seven grandchildren. They are both natives of Houston, Texas. Erven attended the University of Houston, where he majored in Electrical Engineering. He later received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Logos Christian College and Graduate School.
Erven worked in cooperate sales and marketing for over 25 years with major computer companies; he served as a community leader and activist for over 30 years. Erven accepted a huge pay cut when he left his corporate management position to answer the call of God on his life to serve as Senior Pastor at a church in the northeast suburbs of Atlanta for over 24 years, where he grew to love, nurture and help hundreds of congregates grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Erven is the founder and CEO of Life ANEW Global Ministries, which offers virtual training that helps believers learn how to live out the New Life found ‘in Christ’. He is an accomplished teacher, community leader and activist, a licensed Christian Counselor, Racial Unity Coach entrepreneur and now an author. In addition, he is an international business developer, helping Christian entrepreneurs gain success in the Health & Wellness industry.
Pastor Kimble also worked as a Development Director with a nonprofit ministry; a career move which eventually led him to attend a life-changing weekend Men’s Retreat. There, his encounter with the Holy Spirit led him to understand the racial bias that exists in the hearts of so many believers in the contemporary Church. Now, God has challenged him and placed him in a position to address the generational racial divide that exists within the Christian community.
Erven Kimble authored the book and founded a movement called “Giving Voice to Truth… God’s Heart For Racial Unity”. This represents many of Pastor Kimble’s personal experiences navigating the racial divide. It highlights many years of social and economic differences in the black community and the Voice of God calling for believers to genuinely demonstrate the love of Christ and the justice of God in obedience to His Word.
The practical applications of many of the principles discussed in this book are explored in the series of virtual meetings called “Truth Talks About Race!”. The purpose of these interactive sessions is to help make the ‘information’ create a ‘transformation’ within the individuals that participate.
To get more information and to register, go to: https://www.givingvoicetotruth.com/register.
When it comes to how our culture should address the issue of Race in America, the voice of God is deafeningly silent. Public dialogue continues without much or decisive input from the contemporary Christian community. In fact, the Body of Jesus Christ in America as a whole, is pretty much divided along racial lines. This is clearly reflected in the split within the contemporary church along political party lines and social policies. To be sure, there is preaching about how we ought to, or how we want to treat one another as children of God. Each voice declares that they are on the right side of history or the right side of the political spectrum; but what about being on the right side of God?
Get to Know the Author!
How did you come up with the ideas for this book?
To be honest, I didn’t start out with the idea of writing a book. The book’s content results from me being divinely guided to do a very close personal examination of my own biases and things that were in my past that the Lord was really prompting me to deal with. For me, it was a journey of chronicle devotional responses — some critical truths that I believe God was revealing to me that reflected His heart toward the condition of many believers in the Christian community who had not really dealt with the issue of race and racism on a personal level. I think we tend to compartmentalize our lives and separate our spiritual and Christian beliefs from our political, social, and civic activities to the point that we really lose perspective and think that our personal behavior is okay. As I continued to process all the information and research at my disposal, I began to share them with other people who encouraged me to put all that I was being led to understand about the issue of race and racism, as relating to the Christian worldview, in a book. So, my motivation came from those that encouraged me that the content of my thoughts needed to be made available to others with similar experiences.
What do you hope your readers will learn/discover from reading this book?
I hope the prospective readers of my book will complete the book and believe that enough was said for them to feel safe and personally examine themselves. The book is not designed to be a condemnation or an indictment against other people’s beliefs. Rather, it’s to set the stage for an honest reflection, accurate information, emotional strengthening, and self-awareness that enables the reader to come to grips with some hidden or unknown tendencies and biases, then admit them to oneself first. Also, I hope that enough factual, accurate, truthful, and biblical information is provided to prompt a transformation of sorts that would benefit them while engaging in meaningful conversations across the racial divide.
I also host a follow-up to the book called “True Talks About Race”. These are a series of virtual interracial Zoom discussions. They are interactive and allow individuals to really express themselves, hear others and get some insight and experience in conversations across the racial divide. These Zoom talks are scheduled and made available on my website: https://www.givingvoicetotruth.com/register
What inspired you to write this book?
The overwhelming need and the obvious turmoil in culture concerning racial division and the decisiveness of this divide played out day in and day out, from one new cycle to the next. It’s clear the culture is struggling with the issue of race and racism. We have discussed it for generations in our country and across the globe with no clear answers on how to address it. This is such a deep-rooted social issue, and tragically, the Christian community is deafeningly silent on it. It appears that there is no doubt the contemporary Christian mindset is just as divided as the culture and without clear spiritual input; hence the problem seems to continue on and on. I remember having seen the same thing in the 1960s when the civil rights movement was being birthed. I ultimately learned that the reconstruction era had similar kinds of division and strife, and of course, with the civil war, you had a nation divided. Here we are 150 years later with still the same problem. It seems to me that the emotional and spiritual approach has been overlooked and this book is here to help address that and hopefully have some impacts on how to deal with this problem.
Any advice to give to aspiring writers?
I guess my advice to aspiring writers would be to connect with their passion. To find out what motivates and shapes their personal interest and try to share that with someone. For me, it was an inspiration I didn’t even know I had. I didn’t start out wanting to be an author. The call and the moment and personal conviction of the moment required that I respond by documenting this issue passionately and in my heart believe it would be helpful and beneficial to others.
What’s next for you?
I’m focused on completing the task. I hope to inspire and move more people to engage this issue from the standpoint of facts, historical, emotional or spiritual context and make it visible on a large scale. I believe my faith in the Bible and the supernatural power of Jesus Christ can change individuals and cultures. So, I will be promoting my book and “Truth Talks About Race” via the virtual Zoom talks. I will continue to write content about the subject matter because I did not cover quite a few things in my book, so I will continue in follow-up writing to help people gain enough confidence and be equipped enough to have conversations and build relationships across the racial divide.
What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?
The most difficult aspect of writing this book was harnessing all my spiritual inspirations and research together in a cohesive and professional way that befits an author. I’m an orator, a public speaker, and a preacher. Writing to speak to a crowd of any size is easy for me because speaking is a hobby to me. However, what is not easy for me is to professionally author a book that conveys a clear discussion on a complex subject throughout different areas of discussion. So, putting it all together, writing the content in a systematic and orderly fashion, and presenting ideas and streams of thought was difficult for me. I admire authors a whole lot more now than I did before I wrote my book.
Did you have to do any special research for your book?
Yes, I did and still do. I find myself doing lots of targeted research. I was immersed in all kinds of writings, articles, Ted talks, sermons, and books —historical and current events. I had to reeducate myself on European Colonialism and the history of Africans in North and South America, as well as in the world. I had to figure out the real truth that is often hidden. I had to look at the biblical history of Africans in the Bible and African civilizations. I investigated the history of the African continent, in the context of world history, and how African civilizations were unjustly and systematically left out of this human races’ narrative. Lots of research went into understanding the truth about the African diaspora throughout the whole world.
Why do you write? Is it something you’ve always done or always wanted to do? Or is it something that you started fairly recently?
I wrote my book because the subject matter of focus was so urgent, and the call or the motivation for me to get engaged in the conversation about race and racial disunity in the Christian community was so compelling. I felt like God had commissioned me to write this vision (this book) and make it a plan. So, for me, it was being obedient to the call. It was being obedient to the instructions to chronicle my thoughts and the passion that God had given me to speak the truth and help others connect with the truth and the facts about race and racism in the heart of individuals, including the Christian community, in such a way that brings about transformation and leads to the development of relationships across the racial divide. This was my first book. I never saw myself as an author or writing a book. I write sermons. I write speeches. I write articles, but I had never seen myself writing a book. However, I feel fortunate because it was absolutely necessary for me to do this.
In five words, describe your book.
Transformative Truth About America’s Racism!
Name 3 authors you would love to collaborate with
Tony Evans, Crawford Loriz, Andy Stanley
Among all the books you have read, which has significantly contributed to your writing style?
I cannot really say any books I have read contributed to my writing style. I suppose I never thought of myself as a professional writer.
JUST FOR FUN
Coffee or tea?
I am a coffee drinker myself. I prefer it black with no sugar. But in some cultures, this presents a bit of a problem, as it did when I was in Puerto Rico, where black coffee (without cream) is thought to be demon-possessed.
Lights on / lights off?
I do not require a lot of sleep. So, whether the light or TV is on or off when I’m about to sleep doesn’t really matter.
What are three things you never leave home without?
My visa card, some cash, and, sad to say, my cell phone.
Sleep in or get up early?
I tend to go to bed late, like way after midnight, so getting up early is not my thing if I don’t have to.
Three celebrity crushes you admire?
I only had one. That was Annette Funicello with The Mickey Mouse mouseketeers in the 50s.
Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a two-week book tour for Shut’em Down: Black Women, Racism & Corporate America by Co-author Dr. Tara Hines-McCoy. The book tour will run February 22- March 5, 2021.
Genre: Nonfiction/Anthology
ISBN-13: 978-0985031640
Dr. Tara Hines-McCoy, a native of Little Rock, AR is a compelling communicator who uses her gifts, her experiences and her faith to inspire women to take control and move forward in life. Dr. Tara has been a rising thought leader in corporate America for over 15 years specializing in Human Resources. She has worked for Fortune 500 and multinational companies with multi-state and regional leadership roles. Her professional approach equips leaders with the tools needed to improve business performance and increase employee engagement.
As a divorced mother of one daughter she has a vibrant personality that aids in her ability to connect with people on all levels. Dr. Tara has overcome life changing experiences throughout her personal and professional career. She has found a way to connect with women by encouraging them to move past their failures, by defining their own character in order to turn uncertainty to passion. An avid walker, lover of all thing’s basketball, football, and tennis. She is a self-proclaimed popcorn connoisseur. Of her many accomplishments, Dr. Tara is most proud to be a mother.
Shut ’em Down is the battle cry of Black women who have suffered abuse and trauma at the hands of corporate America. Composed of the stories of 20 Black women who have been impacted by racism in the workplace, this anthology not only offers us conversation starters on how to combat racism on the job, but also transformative ideas to create safer work spaces for Black professionals.
Chapter Title: Black Roadblocks
Racism is an interesting creature as it can be presented in such an unobscured manner that it slides right over your head. As you trek along in life, the smallest or biggest milestones and accomplishments will somehow take you back to that day and time you were faced with roadblocks. That is when you know for sure that you, too, have come face to face with some form of unacceptance, micro-aggression, racial hostility, double consciousness or colorism. If you are like me, you have told yourself that you are not bothered by these biases. However, together over time, they can create doubt, lack of confidence, and uneasiness for no logical reason besides the fact that, deep down, you are always trying to ensure you are as good or better than the white athlete, student, or colleague.
I want to recommend a helpful resource for authors! Read to the bottom for my review of K.M. Weiland’s new book. First, here’s the cover and her Amazon description:
Theme Is What Your Story Is Really About
Theme—the mysterious cousin of plot and character. Too often viewed as abstract rather than actionable, theme is frequently misunderstood and left to chance. Some writers even insist theme should not be purposefully implemented. This is unfortunate, because in many ways theme is story. Theme is the heart, the meaning, the point. Nothing that important should be overlooked.
Powerful themes are never incidental. They emerge from the conjunction of strong plots and resonant character arcs. This means you can learn to plan and implement theme. In doing so, you will deepen your ability to write not only stories that entertain, but also stories that stay with readers long after the end.
Writing Your Story’s Theme will teach you:
- How to create theme from plot and character.
- Why every supporting character and subplot should enhance the theme.
- How to prevent theme from seeming preachy or “on the nose.”
- What to consider in identifying the best theme for any given story.
- And much more!
Conscious mastery of theme will elevate every story you write and allow you to craft fiction of depth and meaning.
Take Control of Your Story Via a Powerful Implementation of Theme
My Review:
This is a useful resource for any author wanting to strengthen their novel’s theme. I’ve never read anything so in-depth on the subject! But don’t try to read this book when you’re tired or at less than peak mental alertness – it’s so deep and rich that takes a lot of brainpower to fully absorb the details. There are so many useful concepts here that I found myself highlighting dozens of separate passages, which I’ll have to look back over when I’m plotting out my next book. Thank you, K.M. Weiland, for another excellent writing resource!
Click here to buy Writing Your Story’s Theme from Amazon.
Genesis: Book of Beginnings
This book is a Bible Study of the Book of Genesis in the Holy Bible. The Bible text used for this study is the King James Version (KJV). This Book is the first book in the Series entitled Journey Through the Bible. Genesis: Book of Beginnings Book 1. This book is a Study Guide for the Book of Genesis in the Holy Bible. The Bible text used for the study is the King James Version (KJV).
It is fitting that we should start with Genesis, which is the book of Beginnings. Genesis: The Book of Beginnings is the first book in this series of Journey Through the Bible. Genesis means “the beginning” and it is a book of beginnings. It records the creation of the world and the beginning of the nation of Israel. Chapters 12-50 focus on one man, Abraham, and his descendants. Abraham, his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob are called the patriarchs of Israel. Jacob’s twelve sons are the beginnings of the twelve tribes of Israel. Through Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, the whole family settles in Egypt.
The word Genesis means origin or creation. Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, is a book of beginnings. It has been said that every major doctrine has its seed or beginning in Genesis. For example, the material universe, the human race, sin, the promise of the Messiah, languages and the Hebrew nation all have their beginnings in the book of Genesis. For this reason Genesis is called the seed pot of the whole Bible. Every great fact, truth and revelation is found in this book in germ form. The book of Genesis is essential to the understanding of all the other books of the Bible.
Moses wrote the book of Genesis about 1500 years before Christ. Moses received the oracles directly from God. They were not handed down by word-of-mouth (Acts 7: 37, 38). God can just as easily tell a person the past as he can the future. The book Genesis covers a time period of nearly 2500 years, from the Creation to the journey of Israel into Egypt.
To Get it for FREE Click on the Button Above
It is a writer’s job to draw readers into the fictional story so completely that they forget the real world. Our goal is to render them powerless, so despite the late hour, mountain of laundry, or workday ahead, they cannot give up the journey unfolding within the paper-crisp pages before them.
Strong, compelling writing comes down to the right words, in the right order. Sounds easy, but as all writers know, it is anything BUT. So how do we create this storytelling magic? How can we weave description in such a way that the fictional landscape becomes authentic and real—a mirror of the reader’s world in all the ways that count most?
Well, there’s some good news on that front. Two new books have released this week that may change the description game for writers. The Urban Setting Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to City Spaces and The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Personal and Natural Spaces look at the sights, smells, tastes, textures, and sounds a character might experience within 225 different contemporary settings. And this is only the start of what these books offer writers.
In fact, swing by and check out this hidden entry from the Urban Setting Thesaurus: Police Car.
And there’s one more thing you might want to know more about….
Becca and Angela, authors of The Emotion Thesaurus, are celebrating their double release with a fun event going on from June 13-20th called ROCK THE VAULT.
At the heart of Writers Helping Writers is a tremendous vault, and these two ladies have been hoarding prizes of epic writerly proportions.
Ready to do your part? Stop by Writers Helping Writers to find out more!
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Jesus (Matt. 28:19-20 ESV) The Great Commission is one of the most familiar passages in the Bible. Churches put it up in sanctuaries and kids memorize it in children’s programs. We’re all reminded on a regular basis that it’s our job to go and make disciples of all nations. Wait. Hold on. We’re supposed to be doing this? How?
A new book from bestselling author Brad Francis seeks to answer those questions. Go Make Disciples: How Jesus Did It, How We Can Do It examines the life and ministry of Jesus to discover how Jesus turned His inner circle from followers into disciple makers who “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). Brad searched the Gospels and identifies five different ways that Jesus made disciples—Example, Evaluation, Education, Equipping, and Experience—and suggests how we can adapt those same methods to modern life.
One reviewer said, “If you learn best in a conversational style, talking one-on-one with a relatable mentor, then this book is a must-read for every believer.”
Another went out of their way to praise the writing: “This book is clear, understandable, and very easy to read, not at all a chore to plow through like some theology books. Francis has a humorous, down-to-earth, conversational writing style, and you will feel as though you are sitting right there with him as you read. I don’t know when the last time was that I read a book this theologically sound, about this critical a spiritual issue, that was so interesting and entertaining that it just kept me turning pages.”
Plus! To celebrate the wide release, we’re giving away two collections of Brad Francis’ other books, which have all enjoyed time on Amazon bestseller lists: The Book of the Harvest, an inspiring short story about a man in heaven who discovers a special book that makes him reevaluate how he lived his earthly life; Emaline’s Gift, book one in The Magi Chronicles, a YA fantasy in which 13-year-old Emaline gets caught up in an ancient, magical war between the Christ following magi and the evil obeah; and The Savvy Demon’s Guide to Godly Living, a satirical novel for mature audiences about a drunk demon who inadvertently sparks a worldwide revival by telling a pastor precisely what his church is doing wrong. One collection consists of all three ebooks; for the other, the winner gets to choose between ebooks and paperbacks. But you can only win if you enter!
Here’s the review I wrote for The Busy Writer’ One-Hour Plot on Amazon:
*****
Here’s the review I wrote for The Busy Writer’s One-Hour Character on Amazon:
*****
Also, I emailed Marg McAlister and she was kind enough to email back (very promptly!) with the links to two of her websites which writers might find useful:
http://www.writing4success.com/ (hundreds of articles on writing, ecourses to sign up for, and all sorts of other resources for writers)
http://writing4success.com/blog/ (her blog, also featuring writing-related articles: some her own, others by guest bloggers)