This Successful Author Spotlight is also available in Spanish.
In another first for the Xulon Press Successful Author Spotlight series, this article featuring Dr. Awilda González-Tejera, the author of a book on Philippians, Colossians, I and II Thessalonians and Philemon and her most recent What God Didn’t Know, a study of Hosea, researching how the Israelites did not include God in their decisions on government, will be published in both English and Spanish! (Spanish version will be available shortly). Dr. González-Tejera (who has spent her career teaching areas including the Pauline Letters and the New Testament, from Fuller Theological Seminary in both California and Texas to New York’s The General Theological Seminary) has dedicated her life to teaching the Word of God in whatever arena or venue God provides. She is dedicated to training her students and God’s people on the tenets of the Word of God. One can tell from a conversation that our good doctor is dedicated to teaching!
As we discussed her latest book, What God Didn’t Know, already published in Spanish and soon to be published in English, she expressed the following vision for the purpose of this book. “It is about having a relationship with God in which we ask Him about our issues, even those that, for some reason, we would like to hide from Him, and how to make decisions according to His will. It is interesting that we can maintain a relationship of prayer and seeking of God, but at the same time there may be some area, concern, or temptation that we dare not to carry to His presence. What we do not consult with God is what can lead us to make wrong decisions that will affect our lives. Another important point about this book is that I decided to write it because many people who came to my conferences asked me to write about Christian living with solid biblical foundations. We need a profound understanding of the Bible. This book provides a heavenly and profound message brought to an earthly simple format. I also included in my book living experiences, both personal and of other people to illustrate the principles presented in the book.”
As we started our conversation, I asked “What one past experience changed the course of your life?” and Dr. González-Tejera responded “In first place, my conversion to Christ. But there is another experience that changed my life. God allowed me to travel to several countries that are very poor, like Haiti and the Guarao natives in Venezuela, and work with the people there. They are in extreme poverty but they worshipped God with such joy and passion. That was twenty years ago. I learned how this people worship and serve God even without the material things that we call blessings from God. When I came back from those mission trips, I realized that I learned to appreciate more the blessings God had given me. We must worship and served God even if we lack those kind of blessings. It changed my life and changed my worship.”
Because of her experience in writing both books on theological subject matter and Christian living, I asked her “What is your writing method when you start a project?” She explained “Sometimes, it is easy if I am asked to write on a specific subject, like the book on five Pauline letters. Other times, like my recent book, I have to have a clear idea about what I want to write. It must get my particular attention. After I get the main idea, I ask to myself “what is the purpose of this book?” Then I do an outline. You have to have a map, from where you start to where you end.”
When I asked her “What is the most important life event you have had?” she reflected “Being a mother. I think many women will agree with me that the most important event is not reaching a professional, ministerial or financial goal, but to be a mother. When I had my first child, my life changed completely. Being a mother is the greatest joy and greatest responsibility—to raise this child to love God and live for Him. It’s the most important thing!”
I proceeded to ask her “What message do you want shared by the story of your life?” She responded “Knowing God is not an intellectual concept– it is a life experience. It starts with conversion to Christ, but it is also a way of life. If you read Philippians Chapter 3, Paul says that he wants to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. That is the essence of my life—to know Him! And all that it entails—my life’s pursuit—to know Him”
I asked Dr. González-Tejera “What would you tell others about your relationship with Christ that would inspire them?” After a moment, she said “We must live each day of our Christian journey presenting to God our life and our self. In Christ, God has given us the dignity of a new life. This makes us what we are, but living according to God’s plan and will is up to us. God has done His part and now we have to do our part. We must choose God in all opportunities in life.”
When I got to my signature question “What will they write on your gravestone that will sum up your life?” She reflected for a moment and said “She passionately loved and served God with all her heart, soul and strength.”
Wanting to probe deeper into this theologian’s heart, I asked “What inspires you?” She spoke passionately as she proclaimed “The Word of God and God’s presence in my daily relationship with Him–how He deals with me.”
Knowing what the Word means to her, I asked “What is your theme scripture and why?” She was caught up in thought and then responded “Romans 8:26-27 26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
She expounded “It is that intercession of the Spirit what helps us when we are in need. This is a very strong message. The spirit of God intercedes for us and gives us assurance of what we have in Christ.”
Coming from the Hispanic community, I asked Dr. González-Tejera what was one thing that she found different in her culture than in what she observes in American culture? She expressed “Being Hispanic… we are very passionate. We easily express our emotions, also to God. In my relationship with God I openly express my feelings and emotions to Him– He deals with me passionately.”
As we drew to a close, I asked her “When you get to heaven, what do you want to hear The Lord say to you?” She breathed a sigh of contentment and whispered “Enter in to your rest thou good and faithful servant.”
As I reflected on our conversation, I sensed one important thing: She loved our God with all her mind, soul and spirit and pursued Him in her worship and daily life so that He was pleased with her decisions because He was at the center of them all!
And that came through loud and clear – Dr. González-Tejera loves the Lord passionately!
