An Interview with Olivia Stith, Author of If God is My Lover, Why is My Bed Still Cold?

Single mother, evangelist and author Olivia Stith from Chesapeake Va. discussed with me her new book "If God Is My Lover, Why Is My Bed Still Cold?" . The title alone provoked immediate interest from single Christians selling an overwhelming number of pre-order copies before the book's January 2007 release date.

PR Trends (PRT): What inspired this book?
Olivia Stith (OS): I was sitting home one day after a conference and had just started to think how lonely I was going from one event to the other doing God's work yet, I was still single. I had been through all the "seek ye first the kingdom of God" speeches from friends and family and I wanted answers from God. I just wasn't catching this "being happy in Jesus alone without a man thing." So God began to deal with me on various areas in my life that needed transforming. He began to minister to me and reveal things about me that I found would be relevant to other women who were going through the struggle. Many things He showed me were simple every day things that I had to get straight before He would allow me to enter into a relationship with a soul mate. After going through that process I thought to myself, "Hey, this can help other sisters out there."

PRT: In your opinion, why is a book of this nature important?
OS: I think in this day and time a book that deals with the full process of courtship and marriage is important. So many men and women are out there seeking for the perfect mate in the wrong season or for the wrong reason and this is affecting their spiritual lives and ministry. The enemy loves boggling our minds down with loneliness or confusion in being alone to take our focus off what God is trying to show us. I feel by me writing this book women and men can see that God does not intentionally sit and try to force us to walk alone. The key thing is we need to go through a process of learning Him and ourselves then go to the next level with someone. The book will be an eye-opener where the reader can say, "Oh yeah I never thought that could be an issue of why I'm single." And God sitting back saying, "Yes, now you see what I've been saying!" I can't wait 'til the book comes out, many people will be surprised after reading it. God is not complex in explaining things to us. He knows our minds. It's all in black and white and simple truths that I am sure will led many on that path to the "one" God has destined for them. The book is going to set many lives on the right course and strengthen their spiritual and natural lives as well.

PRT: Tell me a personal experience from your life that led to this venture.
OS: Well, I used to date under the concept that if a man was in church and said he was a Christian that's all it took. You looked at each other and Boom! That's it. He's saved. You're saved. It had to be a union made in heaven. Ha! Was I wrong? Of course I was because people are people. They have personalities, pasts and their own personal issues even church folk. I had to swallow that pill and look at things differently. I also realized that it's nothing wrong with seeking or waiting on someone who has similar interest or compatible with you in a life outside of church. Most of the time I was raised everything was church and more church. But God made us unique individuals with our own personal styles and we have to be led by Him to bring us someone who adds to the completion He gives us. I had to learn that to avoid a lot of disappointments. So now I'm content at waiting than just going out there blindly believing because if he's a church man then he's got to be the right man. It's not that simple. You have to find out who the person is when the church clothes come off.

PRT: Do you think you are the best person to tell the story about living single and Christian?
OS: Hmmm..well some may debate whether I'm the one to tell it. (laughing) However, I feel I'm overly qualified. (laughing more) I can relate because I've been on both sides of the fence. I know how it is to be married in the church and then suddenly the marriage has dissolved. You wonder how you can serve God and love Him yet your marriage didn't work. So I had to go through experiencing single-hood in that aspect. I know how it is to work in the ministry and giving God your all and waiting on Him to answer your request knowing you've been faithful and God takes His time. It's hard to smile and be patient at times. I know how it is to cry many nights because God says the relationship you feel is right is wrong and you're alone. I've been down the road. I study and teach God's word and I know how to break it down to give meaning to the reader without being preachy. I think that's important. People can relate better to me, to someone who's actually been through an experience than a scholar bringing scientific data. When my heart is aching and I've been praying, I don't want data. I want to hear from someone who can help me and you can't get any better than someone who is hearing from God. So yes, I feel I'm the one to tell the story! (laughing)

PRT: What do you expect or want people to feel after reading your book?
OS: I want people to put that book down and say, "Lord thank you. I'm almost there. I just have to make this small change! It's not as bad as I thought. I won't be alone forever." Really it's not that hard and I want to tell people. It's not some long drawn-out mysterious secret to being prepared for your soul-mate. We all know it starts with us and God. I don't think that will come as a secret. Readers will see that God is telling us to watch out for our change. I had fun writing the book. One thing I feel readers will walk away with is more insight on the everyday things they need to do in order to get on the right road.

PRT: Tell me more about your ministry and the services offered.
OS: Wow . . . my ministry, TriManna, is comprised of a variety of ministries split into three sections. I have a women's ministry, Women on the Road of Deliverance and a publishing company named TriManna Publishing House and coming soon media productions, TriManna Media. My main focus right now is on empowering the women of God through my books and speaking engagements. I just can't really put it all into words. Many times God takes me on routes that I don't expect. This summer He had me in Africa doing outreach work. That's how He operates in my life. I just flow with the way the Spirit moves. Right now it's touring and speaking around the country and world about the book and healthy relationships in Christ. Next year He may take me on a different route to produce plays or music. I never can say, I just pray and move by the Spirit. I keep my spiritual prayer warriors on their knees. (laughing) They are always wondering, "What is Livi up to now Lord." I smile and say, "Just wait and see!" (laughing)