Do you allow your job to define who you are?
Cynthia Ruchti calls readers to redefine who
and whose they are when life hits a sour note.
What’s the first thing mentioned when introducing two
strangers? Typically, one person introduces another by saying the individual’s
name, followed by his or her vocation. “This is my friend, Bob. He’s an
airplane mechanic.” “I’d like you to meet Sally. She’s a triathlete.” It’s natural
for people to derive their sense of self from what they do, not who they are. In
her latest novel, Song of
Silence (Abingdon
Press/April 5, 2016/ISBN: 9781426791499/$14.99), award-winning author Cynthia
Ruchti reminds us God takes a different approach when it comes to
identity and explores what happens when identity can no longer be linked to an occupation
or life’s passion.
In
Song of Silence, readers meet Lucy
and Charlie Tuttle who, despite their differences, can agree on one thing: They’re
committed to each other for life. The trouble is neither of them expected life
to look like this. Charlie retired
early, but Lucy has been completely devoted to her long-term career as a music
educator in a small Midwestern school . . . until the day she has no choice.
Forced into retirement because of school budget issues, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the music program her father spent years building disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent too. When her grown children have to move back into the family home, new challenges emerge, and the musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes. When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees — and hears — everything.
Forced into retirement because of school budget issues, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the music program her father spent years building disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent too. When her grown children have to move back into the family home, new challenges emerge, and the musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes. When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees — and hears — everything.
All authors put at least a hint of people
they know into their characters, and Ruchti’s husband recognized himself in
Lucy’s husband, Charlie. Although he was forced into retirement similarly to
Lucy, his approach to retirement more closely resembled Charlie’s. Ruchti
admits her reaction would have been more like Lucy’s. “What was only a minor
interruption for my husband would have been more devastating for me.” Ruchti adds,
“When Lucy’s occupation was stripped from her, she flailed and floundered. However,
who we are, and whose we are, are because
of who God is, eliminating long-lived identity crises. No matter our position,
station, work, or lack of it, I know I am His beloved child and He is my loving
Father. The rest are mere details.”
The
author also drew from her own life when creating the main character, Lucy, whose
name and influence were inspired by her fifth-grade music teacher. “Some
teachers leave a lasting impression on our lives and on our souls,” Ruchti
reflects. “Like the ‘Lucy’ I know, in the story Lucy taught the students entrusted
to her not only the enriching importance of music, but its elegance and ability
to communicate.” Ruchti’s father was also a highly-respected music educator,
and he added to her appreciation for how music could convey deep emotions such as joy, peace, sorrow, and strength.
Ruchti
hopes readers will not only find themselves lost in a compelling story, but
will hear in the background notes an encouragement to hold onto hope even when
life’s song is silenced, even when unexpected and unwelcomed pauses interrupt
the music.
About
the author
Cynthia
Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through
her novels, novellas, nonfiction books, articles, and devotionals, drawing from
33 years of on-air radio ministry. Ruchti has 17 books in print, and her books
have received numerous awards and nominations, including the RT Reviewers’
Choice, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year nominations, two Selah Awards, Christian
Retailing’s BEST, and was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, among other honors.
One of Ruchti’s greatest joys is helping other writers grow
in their craft. To that end, she has served as worship and devotions staff and
faculty for the Write-to-Publish conference and teaches at other writers’ conferences
across the country and internationally as opportunities arise. She also serves
as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.
Ruchti speaks frequently for women’s groups and serves on her
church’s worship team. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not
far from their three children and five grandchildren.
To keep up
with Cynthia Ruchti, visit www.cynthiaruchti.com. You can also
follow her on Facebook (Cynthia Ruchti), Twitter (@cynthiaruchti), and Pinterest (cynthiaruchti).
Comments