Tessa Dunn, behind the children's book "The Angel Feather," joins us to unpack her journey of bringing a long-held story to life. At its core, this tale is a heartfelt exploration of faith and embracing the unseen, a message that's not just for kids but for all of us trying to navigate this wild ride called life. Tessa shares her inspiration from a real-life encounter with a former princess turned nun, revealing how that moment sparked a passion for storytelling that's been simmering for decades. As we dive into her creative process, we discover how her book aims to instill hope and a sense of divine protection in both children and adults alike. So, grab a comfy seat and tune in; this conversation about faith, angels, and the magic of storytelling is one you won't want to miss!

The Angel Feather is more than just a children’s book; it’s a heartfelt exploration of faith, belief, and the sometimes-overlooked presence of angels in our lives. In this episode, Tessa Dunn shares the compelling backstory of her book, rooted in her childhood meeting with Mother Alexandra, a fascinating figure with a royal heritage who later became a nun. Tessa’s journey from a hesitant storyteller to a published author is both relatable and inspiring, as she recounts the encouragement from her husband and friends that finally pushed her to put her thoughts on paper.

As we chat, Tessa elaborates on the themes of her book, emphasizing the importance of faith in the unseen. She draws parallels between the imaginative beliefs of childhood—like the existence of Santa Claus—and the belief in angels, pointing out how adults often dismiss the latter despite their significance in many religious teachings. This ironical take on our selective beliefs opens up a discussion about how we perceive spiritual entities in our modern lives. Tessa's insights into the Eastern Orthodox perspective on angels add depth to the conversation, illustrating how these beings are revered and acknowledged as protectors and intercessors. Her hope is that both children and adults will find reassurance and encouragement in her story, reminding us that we are surrounded by a heavenly host, even when we can’t see them.

The episode is peppered with humor and warmth, making it an enjoyable listen. Tessa's candidness about her writing process, the challenges she faced, and the collaborative effort with her illustrator adds a layer of authenticity to her journey. The discussion culminates in a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, not just in a religious context, but as a guiding force in our everyday lives. For anyone looking for a little inspiration or a rekindling of their childhood wonder, Tessa Dunn’s The Angel Feather offers a beautiful narrative that resonates across generations.

Takeaways:

• Tessa Dunn shares her long-time dream of writing a children's book inspired by personal experiences and a remarkable figure from her past.
• The book 'The Angel Feather' teaches children about faith, hope, and the unseen forces surrounding them, aiming to connect with both kids and adults alike.
• Tessa emphasizes the importance of listening to our inner voices and faith, especially when navigating life's challenges and uncertainties.
• The discussion highlights the contrasting perceptions of angels across different Christian backgrounds, revealing a lack of awareness in some communities.
• Tessa's journey shows that despite initial hesitations, pursuing creative passions can lead to unexpected support and validation from friends and strangers alike.
• The podcast explores how storytelling, especially in children's literature, can instill hope and positivity amidst the negativity pervasive in today's world.

Links referenced in this episode:

• evangelospress.com
• amazon.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Amazon
• Evangelos Press