A Note from Janet Sketchley

 

This story is in no way an attempt to minimize the horror and tragedy of violent crime. It’s about the magnitude of God’s love, a love that writes no one off as unredeemable. The power of Christ’s shed blood is always greater than the evil, and that gives hope to each one of us.

 

To be honest, I wish there were a limit, a point beyond which God would reject a cry for forgiveness. I struggle with the thought of people who commit crimes like Harry’s—or worse—being welcomed into the kingdom of God. But I love this magnificent God who is not willing that any should perish. His mercy is beyond understanding.

 

It’s worth noting that most serial killers are psychopaths, and that studies show they’re not likely to be rehabilitated. I want to make a clear distinction between the redemption of a soul—offered to everyone—and the curing of a disorder, which would be a separate thing altogether. I don’t think Harry is a psychopath, but whether he is or not, I’ve taken the liberty to give him the miracle of release from his addiction.

 

It’s also worth noting that many people are exposed to domestic violence and/or pornography without turning into dangerous offenders. I do believe both influences are destructive and not in God’s plan for healthy living, but I didn’t have a hidden agenda in including them in Harry’s life.

 

In this story, Ruth and Harry both find spiritual help and growth through Bible study. Anyone who can read (or listen to audio books) can study the Scriptures, which are God’s word to us. There are a lot of good, contemporary-language translations. If you’d like to spend more time in the Bible but aren’t sure where to start, don’t just begin at the beginning. Pick something in the New Testament, perhaps one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). The key is to pray first, inviting the Lord to teach you, and then to read and reflect on a few verses or a chapter at a time.

 

Followers of NASCAR, Champ Car World Series and IndyCar Series will note that at times I’ve staged races at venues other than existing circuits. The early April venue where Harry crashed out of his final race is my own invention, and would have been held on the East Coast, obviously in one of the warmer states. When I started this book, Champ Car’s predecessor, CART, had Canadian races in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver but none in Calgary, and this is what I’ve based this story on even though these venues have changed. Readers who’d like to know more about the actual racing circuits can learn more at www.nascar.com, www.champcar-ws.com, and www.indycar.com.