Imagine finding out that your mother wanted an abortion when you were conceived. This is the hard but true reality for Vanessa Hyman who is the author of Chosen, her second book.
Hyman said the main reason her mother wanted to terminate the pregnancy was because of financial challenges, but thankfully, she did not go through with the abortion.
“My mother already had three children plus an eight-month-old baby and she was struggling financially. Not having my father in my life, having low self-esteem, struggling with living in a new country and trying to cope with my peers was difficult,” she said.
The 122-page novel which was published in January this year follows the story of Serena who tells Vanessa’s story of how she battled her inner demons whilst failing to understand that she had been chosen by God.
“When people read the book which took me a year to write they can expect the highs and lows of Serena’s life as I navigate through brokenness, pain and a sense of loss without a father present and involved in his child’s life. Then overhearing my mother tell someone that she wanted an abortion when she found out she was pregnant with me. They would see how I fought from being a victim to a victor mentally as I coped with bullying and criticism from my peers. Through Serena’s eyes the reader would also see how she learns to accept her flaws, finally heeding the call of God as she recognizes that she was chosen for a time such as this to share the gospel and to be a beacon to lost souls and an inspiration to those watching,” she said.
Hyman, who was born in Guyana and migrated to Barbados at age nine, said while writing the book was an emotional rollercoaster, she wanted people to know that God loves them regardless of their colour, class or creed.
“I would like people to know that we are all different and God made us this way for a reason. We are not our mistakes. God can use our mistakes and turn them into messages to minister and impact the lives of others if we allow him. Where you come from should not define where you are heading. As a Guyanese national living in Barbados from nine years old, it was a huge struggle for me as I was teased by many in my school even within my community by many people who said that my sister and I would never become anything.
“They would even go as far as hurling insults at us to go back home on a banana boat. But we kept proving them wrong. God will use whoever answers the call despite their background or race just like he did with Esther as she became Queen. Once you are willing and you position yourself, God will use you to fulfil his purpose. God has a purpose for each and every single one of us here on earth. Sadly, many wait too late and miss out on it or cause delays due to stubbornness. God is waiting on you to take that bold step of faith and find out the reason why you are here, why you survived or made it this far despite the many setbacks,” she said.
The author said the response to the book has been great as many people had been awaiting the release following the success of her first book The Waiting.
“I am pleased with the response thus far,” she added.
The book is available on Amazon or at the CLC bookstore. The author can be reached via Instagram @guardian_angel7.
(Write Right PR Services)
