Francine Rivers' journey from a successful romance novelist to a Christian author is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. Born in 1947, Francine grew up with aspirations to write, influenced by her parents—a police officer and a nurse. She pursued her passion, graduating with a degree in English and journalism. Her early career involved writing obituaries and human interest stories, but she soon found her niche in historical romance, publishing her first manuscript in 1976.
Marriage Crisis and Divine Intervention
Despite her career success, Francine's personal life faced turmoil in the 1980s. Her marriage to Rick was on the brink of collapse. The couple relocated to Northern California, hoping proximity to family might help. It was there, through the simple invitation of an 8-year-old neighbor, that Francine began attending church. Captivated by the Bible teachings, she initiated a Bible study at home, which her husband Rick joined, and together, they experienced a profound spiritual rebirth. In May 1986, they were baptized, crediting Jesus for healing their marriage and changing their lives.
Writer's Block and Spiritual Growth
However, Francine faced another challenge—writer's block. For three years, she struggled to write, sensing that her writing had become an idol. Her husband confirmed this, encouraging her to reevaluate her priorities. Francine prayed for a change of heart, and her passion for writing diminished as her love for God and her family grew. She even helped Rick in his business, finding fulfillment in new ways.
Christian Author Testimony Transformation
While studying the book of Hosea, Francine felt a divine call to write again. This time, she was inspired to pen a story about Jesus' love, resulting in 'Redeeming Love,' published in 1991. This novel, a retelling of Hosea's story, became her statement of faith, emphasizing God's relentless pursuit and unconditional love. Since then, 'Redeeming Love' has touched millions, leading many readers to encounter Jesus.
Today, Francine continues to write Christian fiction, aiming to illustrate the Christian faith and address real-world issues. Her works, such as 'A Voice in the Wind' and 'The Masterpiece,' echo her dedication to sharing God's love through storytelling. As Francine says, 'God isn't finished with me yet. The good news is – He isn't finished with any of us.'
