Local author's new book is an answer to prayer

Barbara Williams' first book, Dividing Asunder: The Invisible Inner Self, was released in May after five years of writing and editing. (T-G Photo by Micky Pietkiewicz) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Williams, a local author, had never enjoyed reading, until she asked for prayers that she would.

"One Wednesday night I asked my church to pray that I learn to enjoy reading. I thought it was a deterrent to my spiritual growth," Williams said.

Barbara's prayers were answered on that Monday when she began to read The Saving Life of Christ by Major Ian Thomas.

"I read a book on April 16, 1980, that changed my life and I haven't been the same since," Williams said.

"That was the beginning. Because of the change I saw in my life, I saw it as an opportunity to help others."

First book

Williams recently published her first book, Dividing Asunder: The Invisible Inner Self, which is based on Hebrews 4:12.

"The term 'dividing asunder' could be foreign to those who don't read the King James version," Williams said.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

This scripture is the basis of Williams' book, which is divided into three sections.

The first section deals with Genesis and how "Genesis is the key that unlocks the truth in other scripture," she said.

The second section deals with the specific difference in humans and animals. "This section deals with why humans are God's special creation," Williams said.

The third, and last section, deals with the difference in the heart, soul and spirit.

"We have invisible organs. We talk about these organs but they are invisible. This section deals with defining the functions of the invisible organs," she said.

Great divide

The book cover, designed by local artist Jerry Ward, shows a sword in the spirit, piercing the heart and dividing asunder.

"The heart has two sides that pump blood to different parts of the body. The invisible heart is also two-sided -- one side belongs to the soul and one to the spirit," Williams said of the heart which is being pierced by the sword, or the word of God.

"Jerry painted the cover (oil painting) which hangs in my study," Williams said. "He told me that we needed the book, now."

Williams admits that some say the book is very deep.

"I think of it as a swimming pool. You start at the shallow end and move on," she said. "This book has something for everyone -- something for doubters, seekers and believers at any maturity level."

Barbara wrote the book in three years, then spent the following two years studying the publishing aspect.

"I studied online, I studied books, I taught myself," Williams said

After reading The Saving Life of Christ, Williams' began research for a book that she would write.

"The book is a product of almost 30 years of research -- a result of 30 years of life experiences," Williams said.

Perfect timing

"From day one I believed that the Lord had a perfect timing for this," Williams said when asked if she wanted to finish the book in a certain amount of time.

"My sister helped me with the computer end of it, but I never pushed her or my publisher," Williams said. "I believed that God had a specific time for its release."

She said that her husband was gracious to give her the time she needed to work on the book.

"I would work on it anywhere from two to ten hours a day," she said.

Williams first intent with this book was to merely write it for her children and grandchildren. Williams has three children, Chad Williams, Troy Williams, and Susan Davenport. She is a proud grandmother of 10.

"My pastor (in Murfreesboro) encouraged me to make the book available to the public. I know that our moving to Shelbyville was about this book," she said.

Driven by message

Williams did not enjoy reading in school and had not planned on writing a book prior to reading The Saving Life of Christ.

"I was driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I was driven by the message," she said.

The first book signing at the New Covenant Book Store exceeded Williams' expectations.

"This was purely to help others. It's my gift to humanity," Williams said. She hopes that someone will read her book and their life will change just as hers did after reading The Saving Life of Christ.

"It was the tool the Lord used to change my life."

Dividing Asunder: The Invisible Inner Self, was released May of this year and is available online at barbarasbook.com and other online book stores. It is also available at the New Covenant Christian Bookstore in Shelbyville.