An Interview with the Nicole A Jones, Editor of "Never Forsaken" by Bishop Ted G. Thomas
 |
| Never Forsaken by Ted G. Thomas |
I understand you served as Bishop
Thomas' Developmental Editor on his book “Never Forsaken”. What was that
experience like?
For
me it was a privileged experience. It’s always a pleasure working with someone
who truly has something to say and sound words to share. But I believe God
poured wisdom and understanding directly into me through my collaboration with
Bishop Thomas. I’ve been blessed by the
experienced.
How did your collaboration on this project start?
Mother* Charletta Clifton Thomas. I was set to work with Mother Thomas on a book but she changed her mind
and told me Bishop Thomas would be interested in writing a book... but I would
have to call him. Well, Bishop Thomas is the prelate of the Virginia First
Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ so naturally I hesitated.
Mother
Thomas told me on three separate occasions to contact him about the book.
Eventually, I sent an email to Bishop. Impressively enough, he immediately
responded to his email and the collaboration began. That was pretty nice.
Nonetheless,
I admire how Mother Thomas was mindful of Bishop and put his ambition above her
own.
You said Bishop Thomas immediately responded to his email. What was it like
working with an 81 year old?
It
was a pleasant experience. Ha ha. ha.
Honestly, I'm beginning to prefer it. You never have to guess how
seniors feel. They say what they have to say and keep it moving. I love it and
respect it!
Let
me also add, I love how Bishop is a senior person but he respected my skills
and my recommendations. Whenever, I suggested more input in a particular
chapter, he never got short with me; he respected my recommendation. And he
went back to the drawing board and added more to it. When we spoke again he had
all of the details. I believe this book is as great as it is because of the
wisdom and insight he continuously added to it.
What would you say you have taken
away from this book "Never Forsaken"?
Pure
wisdom. Some of the stories are hilarious but it shows that (for all of us) it
takes a process to get to where were going in God. But it’s a blessing to hear
and read how God is still rewarding our faithfulness and obedience to Him when
we put Him first.
Where can we find Bishop Thomas’ book “Never Forsaken”?
June
29, 2017
Interview
with Nicole A. Jones
Developmental
Editor of Bishop Thomas’ memoir “Never Forsaken”
==========================================
Never
Forsaken is a profound memoir of Bishop Ted G. Thomas Sr. It chronicles his
journey from Hoke County, North Carolina to Norfolk, Virginia and beyond.
Each
experience gained from his two hundred and fifty mile transition to the city
and his upward climb to community and church leadership transforms into
powerful messages and principles that encourages each
reader to apply to their lives.
This
book recounts Bishop Thomas’ life of humility through submission to God and
obedience to the scriptures. He affirms that if we seek God by putting
Him first in our lives, the material possessions we desire will be added to us.
*Mother or Mother of the Church: Mother of the Church (in Latin Mater Ecclesiae) is a title, officially given to Mary during the Second Vatican Council by Pope Paul VI. The title was first used in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose of Milan, as rediscovered by Hugo Rahner. Serving in such Christian denominations as the Baptist and Pentecostal predominantly African-American churches, "Mother" though shortened is used as a title of respect.
==================================
