By Tonya Whitaker
NDG Staff Writer
McKinney native Joveeta Seals was once the talk of the town. Approximately 20 years ago, she received the calling to bring the unchurched to Christ by organizing a youth choir. To the normal eye, her mission should have earned applauds. However, some of her own Christian warriors took issue with her actions.
“He calls us to be ambassadors in Christ,” Seals said. “I still did it because God called me to do it. The devil was trying to use people I knew to bring me down. The devil will use the spiritually immature to block your progress. You cannot let friendly fire deter you from what you have to do.”
“As I was praying one day in the spirit I heard these words, ‘Tell my people they are fighting in the wrong battles and losing the war.’ This is my attempt to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.
It is stories like this that compelled Seals to write her first book, Friendly Fire: Fighting in the Battle and Losing The War. The author said too many times, Christians – regardless of denomination – get too caught up in internal fighting instead of staying the course and bringing people to Christ.
Seals’ book relays three messages to the reader: one, do not allow what some says hinder you from doing what God has called you to do; two, correctly identify the enemy; three, release the pain and not carry grudges against church members who hurt you.
“This book is about fighting people on your own team. Let’s worship God the way He wants us to worship,” said Seals, who is legal guardian of two boys.
Through the use of scenarios and scriptures, Seals helps individuals and churches resolve their internal struggles. At the end of each chapter, a prayer for people to follow is offered. Seals said it is important for people to pray to survive the friendly fire.
Seals, a licensed evangelist and member of New Outreach COGIC in McKinney, conceptualized the book 10 years ago. However, it wasn’t until last year that she decided to write the book. Friendly Fire is her inaugural book, but she has others planned. Seals’ first outing as an author contains a message that is needed today.
“The book is written to the ones who may be abusers and do not realize it. Christians can get so caught up in the work that losing site of who gets the glory is easily done. There are so many people who have been wounded in the church, and they decide to stay away from church, Seals said.
“Helping others and bringing God the glory is our focus.”
Friendly Fire: Fighting in the Battle and Losing The War is available for purchase at www.authorhouse.com or by ordering the title at a local bookseller or preferred online retailer.
