Recently, Fran Bosa, who volunteers with us, published a memoir. The book is titled One Life On Earth. Last week, we connected over email to ask Fran about her new book and what inspired it. We also wanted to see how an author promotes a book during a pandemic, and learn about Fran’s volunteer work with M2/W2. The following Q&A is the result. Enjoy!
M2/W2 Association: Congratulations on the book. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?
Fran Bosa: I believe I was called by God to share my story to help others. It was a constant prompting that never went away for many years. I only wanted to share my experiences to bring glory to God and show that He can turn ashes into beauty if we allow him.
M2/W2: Could we describe your book as a memoir?
FB: Yes, it is my personal experience of my journey on earth. We all have stories to tell, and by sharing our experiences with others, we can help them overcome their personal battles and bring healing to their own lives. I believe God uses broken people to help others and to show how He transforms situations and past pain.
M2/W2: How long did it take to write?
FB: Over five years. However, the writing part I found easy; the challenge was getting permissions for every quote, song, or poem. For example, I used “On the Wings of Prayer,” a poem by Helen Steiner Rice, who is deceased. I had to find out who owned the legal rights to that poem. 50 percent is owned by a museum and the other 50 percent by another museum. Therefore I needed permission from both.
M2/W2: Can you share a highlight of the publishing process?
FB: It felt good to finish my manuscript after many hard times and years. I knew I had to be obedient to God and press on even though I felt vulnerable airing my dirty laundry to the world. I knew that if I can help even one person then it was worth it. The joy for me is expressing who the Lord is and how He changes lives. He restores, heals, and forgives. I would say my book is my story, but the bigger part is God’s story. How love can overcome the unthinkable. How God is love. The victory we receive through the cross and the transformation in life is only by God’s grace and forgiveness.
M2/W2: Who are your favourite authors?
FB: Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer, Rick Warren, and so many other Christian authors have helped me and shaped me into the women I am today. I love self-help books and learning from them. I have a home library full of these books and just love them all.
M2/W2: It must be difficult to promote a book in this time of social distancing. Can you describe your approach?
FB: Yes, it is a challenge. I did host 50 people at book launch and celebration at my friend’s house, and it was perfect. The sun came out and we had chairs spaced for social distancing outside and that day was a blessing. I would enjoy speaking at local churches but at this time that is not possible. I know if this is what God requires of me, He will open those doors at the right time.
M2/W2: What do you have planned for the future?
FB: Live one day at a time. I honestly hesitate to answer this question as no one knows the future. I truly put my life in God’s hands and see where He leads me. My heart’s desire is to follow him, so you never know where that can lead and when. If I have a list of my wishes for the future, I might be setting myself up for failure. I believe my purpose is to help spread the gospel. I said to God, “Wherever you want me, I will go!” Let’s wait and see…
M2/W2: How long have you been volunteering with M2/W2?
FB: I first started over 25 years ago in Burnaby, BC, at Oakalla prison. I read about M2/W2 Association in my church bulletin. Then in 2018, I read about it in my church newsletter and my instant reaction was I need to do this again.
M2/W2: Can you describe a memorable moment that occurred while volunteering?
FB: I have one match whom I have been with shortly after I started in 2018. She calls me “mom.” When I express love and no judgement to my match she lights up. Then I express to her that no matter what you have done in your past, there is nothing you can do for God to love you more than as you are right now. To listen to my match even when it’s hard and just to be a friend and have compassion for her. I do end up in tears at times, and my heart breaks for people in prisons, their pain and past. Sometimes circumstances lead them there.
M2/W2: How has volunteering with M2/W2 affected you?
FB: I am thankful for my life. I see how many people are truly hurting. I see pain, sorrow, and despair. It affects me hard at times. I was supposed to go out with friends after one evening at the prison, but after difficult discussions I was drained and had to go home to pray. My heart breaks for all the people in prison and for their own past pain. Many times I ask myself, “If I had their past, who would I be?” I see how badly they need Jesus and how much they can feel loved by our volunteers. Just being there shows them they are worth spending time with and we believe in them. I talk to myself before going to make sure I am emotionally equipped and to be strong and to be there for my match 100 percent.
Thanks, Fran, for taking the time to answer our questions! One Life On Earth is available at Amazon, House of James in Abbotsford, or Fran’s website.