I love pondering mysteries.
Probably my favorite enigma is how an ordinary
person fights incredible odds to blast a way of freedom for herself, as well as for
others.
Like Giselle, the protagonist of my newest story, Her Name Is Gatekeeper.
Giselle’s story was inspired in part by a woman from the Old Testament
named Rahab. Something about Rahab traveled through the centuries and grabbed
my heart even before I began writing Gatekeeper.
Rahab was probably a successful businessperson. Her inn was built within
city walls, open to travelers from a major trade route through a massive desert.
Sadly, Jericho, her home, was a city steeped in victimizing women and children.
One day something in her heart recognized, then opened a gate for the
freedom two Israeli spies represented.
In my story, Giselle Basir is a feisty teenage girl who longs to be free from
life under the thumb of an angry mother. She has no plans for greatness.
Until a cry from the very people she’s been taught to despise moves her
heart with compassion.
She discovers, like many of us, that a gift inside has been hidden by layers of
hurt and misunderstanding. Of course, there are lots of other obstacles she has to
overcome. Like an ancient dragon.
Eventually, her eyes open to courage and goodness that travel alongside her
on an epic journey. And that makes all the difference when you’re fighting a
dragon!
Like Rahab and Giselle, our wrapping may not look very special. Maybe
pain hides a gift in us, also.
My hope is that we look away from the wrong mirrors and into perspectives
that show us who we’re really meant to be. What we see, like Giselle, may surprise
us. After all, it’s better than we imagined and bigger than our history shouts.
May Giselle’s story challenge but also bring you hope. Be on the lookout for
those Rahabs – those unexpected gatekeepers who open doors of freedom for
others.
After all, it takes one to know one.
A writer’s coach and novelist, Laurel Thomas loves crafting stories about ordinary
characters who rise against impossible odds to accomplish the extraordinary. She’s written for inspirational magazines, ghosted nonfiction, and currently enjoys her favorite role as storyteller.
Three of her novels, River’s Call, When Stars Brush Earth, and Stones of Promise have won numerous awards. Her Name Is Gatekeeper just released December 2025! Through Write Your Heart Out! she teaches and supports emerging novelists with one-on-one coaching, a bimonthly round table, and small group intensives.
Check out Laurel’s latest release, Her Name is Gatekeeper, and her other books at: