BEATITUDES AND WOES



When you explore the Beatitudes and Woes of the Bible through the stories of 13 Christian authors in this uniquely powerful anthology, you'll find tales of courage in the face of suffering, persecution, unexpected loss, self-sacrifice, joy in spite of circumstances, tears suppressed and expressed, love from the heart, kindness shown to friends and strangers, a monster slain, an alien plague, high adventure, a comedic hero finally taking a stand, a lost love found, and much more in these beautifully-crafted tales.



Where did the idea for this Collection of Short Stories come from?

One day, several months ago, in a Facebook group not so far away, an author posted this:

…I think it would be cool if someone organized a speculative anthology where each story is based on one of the 9 Beatitudes in Matthew or one of the 4 woes of Luke. 13 authors, each assigned/choosing one of those verses, expressing it in fantastical story form…



That author, C.W. Briar, had created a firestorm.



Immediately, interest piqued. Christian authors and readers jumped on the bandwagon of this wonderful idea. Of course! Why hadn’t we thought of it before? General online excitement ensured as authors clamored for a chance to be one selected for this project. After all, most of us could recite these verses forwards and backwards.


But had we ever had a chance to explore them in a deeper context? What better way to do that than through the universal language of story?

-Parker J Cole.



Each story ends by quoting Jesus–from either one of the nine “blessed are” statements in Matthew chapter five or one of the four “woe to” sayings in Luke six.



Featuring:



“AS THE PROPHECY FORETOLD” by C.W. Briar ∞ When a prophet comes promising the family's power to defeat an ancient dragon, the emotional conflict is tied to the father's hope to provide a better life for his wife and son.



“THE DOOR TO WISHES” by Parker J. Cole ∞ Chaz knows the child his alien wife carries isn't his, but finds an ability to wish for dreams to come true.



“RIGHTFULLY OURS" by Steve Rzasa ∞ The Duval family is fleeing through space from a colony where they once lived. Achille Duval finds himself having to stand up for the truth and do what's right when no one else is willing.



“BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL” by Lelia Rose Foreman ∞ Will a jealous thief of podvines and pigs on one of Talifar's islands face justice? Or mercy?



“WONDERMIND AND THE ALMOST KING” by Gen Gavel ∞ Khaled has seen heaven and returned from the throne of God. Will he live his God-given life on Earth, or will he choose to give it up in the face of an oppressive ruler from afar?



“THE TEARS OF THE EMPEROR” by RJ Conte ∞ Laki wants to do the will of God; shed magical tears that will cleanse his island from sin, but he also wants to protect his people, especially his sister, from the suffering his tears could bring.



“CINEMA BENDIGA” by Hillari Deschane ∞ A strange group of people have been committing crimes against the state--or have they? Will the letter of the law be upheld, or will the investigating detective allow himself to find true righteousness?



“THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT” by JL Ender ∞ A comedic superhero finally makes a heroic stand against nefarious villains.



“HEARTSTONE” by AT Hamlet ∞ Ever, a lonely boy from the weakest of twelve tribes must face haunting tasks in a dark cave for the right to see his Maker and to revive his people.



“HOPEFIRE” by Rachel Kimberly Hastings ∞ A young elf and defender of her brother's prophetic vision faces persecution, but finds an unexpected ally in the least likely of places.



“THE PATH OF MERCY” by Rebekah Loper ∞ Rillaph, facing the demand that her family provide a sacrifice to the mountain gods, has to chose between betraying someone she loves or the Rishka people she owes her life to.



"THE PROMISE” by Andra Marquardt ∞ Cantis has to decide how far he should go to protect his sister, even if it means facing the worst that space pirates can do.



"SOMETHING IN THE WATER” by Randy Streu ∞ The mirth of the first colonists around Saturn turns to sorrow at an unexpected finding.