This book, In a House that Love Built, written by Journey WIlliams, has sparked interestingly heated conversations as to whom the characters were based upon. Although they were loosely based on people the author personally knows, you may be able to relate. Can you find a character which resembles you? Who are you?
Main Character Sketches
Katina Jeffries Lowery: A contemporary Christian woman and the main ingredient of the mixture, which sets the foundation of the story. She is a sweet person, but refuses to take crap from anybody, other than her husband. She chooses her battles, and this journey begins and ends with her.
Martin (Arvel) Lowery: Tainted by his past of being raised by a mother, who was mishandled by his father, he began to follow in his footsteps. He attempted to change by becoming a Christian - hiding in church and its events - but was seriously unable to control that which had a stronghold over him.
Martin A. Lowery, II (Mart, Jr.): Arvel and Katina's oldest son. He is introduced as a helpful and considerate young man who has lived long enough to know that a woman needs love and a little help from time to time.
Kevin Levar Southerland: "Mr. Wonderful" was Katina's cribmate. His mother and her grandmother made sure they remained friends through the years. A staple to every party, sleepover, picnic and family outing, he plays the role of big brother - showing up every time she needs him, especially during crises.
Destiny Ka'Mair Lowery: The angel who graced Katina's life as her second-born child. A beautiful baby, as she is introduced, who is an easygoing child. She grows up quickly and moves out of the way for everybody else.
Lula Mae Jeffries (Gramma): From Bennettsville, a small town in South Carolina, she migrated north with her husband in the 1940s. They raised their chidren in the north, where segregation was not as harshly felt as at home. Gravely affected by the drug epidemic that swept the Nation's Capital, she was forced to raise Katina in her older years, training her to become a woman of God.
Fred Allen Jeffries, Sr. (Papa): From a small town near Bennettsville, SC, he married the youthful Lula Mae and brought her north to live a better life, with better job opportunities than could be achieved in the south. Although time is fading fast for him, we just know that Papa is"Da Man."
Madie McQueen (Aunt Madie): A tell-it-like-it-is Christian and Katina's favorite aunt ever - the mother Katina always wanted. Having only one son, she made sure her family came first, instilling outreach as part of her giving lifestyle. She is the thread that kept the family together over the years, and despite certain challenges, continues to do so.
Paul Sebastien McQueen: The product of a first-time sexual experience, he is an adult virgin who changed his mind about looking for a wife when he saw his current choices. A well spoken and astute mechanic, he began his own limousine company and became licensed to drive as well. His fleet is widely used for many celebrities who live near or visit DC. He loves Katina like a sister, and offers much unwanted advice.
Deliece Ayana Johnson: A Howard Graduate and Detroit native, Deliece is Kevin's fiance'. She loves her job as a librarian at the main branch in the University District. She enjoys reading and working with people who enjoy reading. A very beautiful individual, she is slightly jealous of Katina and the relationship with Kevin, but years of acquaintance help make her secure in marrying the man she loves..
The list of characters continues ... just get the book!
Note:
To the readers who may question the language and the explicit adult nature of the book, please understand that God meets us where we are. This book was not intended for those who have "arrived." It was intended to let those of us who struggle at times, through our trials in life, know that God is not dead, nor is he sleeping. Its sole purpose is to entertain, provoke our hearts towards faith and ultimately give God the glory.
(Please refer to 1 Corinthians 10:23-33)
