Friends, I am so very excited to introduce you to Dorena Williamson! Dorena is the author of the brand new book “ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us“, which releases today, May 1st. But Dorena isn’t just the author – she’s my aunt!! I had the privilege of interviewing her recently and I am so excited to share her with you so that you can hear her heart behind this incredible book that you should grab for your ministry.
Tell my readers a little bit about yourself.
Hello! I am a PK turned Pastor’s wife, so church sometimes feels like my second home! Together with Chris I’ve raised four amazing kids who are now 24, 22, 17 and 14. Two are graduating this year so this is a season of celebration! My new adventure as a children’s author stems from 22 years leading and loving a multicultural church in the Nashville, TN area. On the side I’m a stylist with Evereve, a national company focused on heart filled styling for women. When I find leisure time, it’s spent reading, watching travel shows or dreaming about tropical places to visit!
Racial reconciliation has been a longtime passion of yours. Was that the motivation for this book?
That was definitely a part of the formation of ColorFull. Over twenty two years of multicultural church leadership has cultivated a passion to help others experience God’s diverse kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Jesus invites us to enter the kingdom as children do, since they can teach us so much.
Tell us about “ColorFull”. What is the story about?
ColorFull begins with something we all have in common: friendship and family. A grandmother uses a teachable moment to reinforce God’s truth, that creation’s colors AND our skin colors are all a part of God’s colorful design.
What was your process for writing this story?
The idea for ColorFull grew out of frustration! I saw companies like Mattel and American Girl expanding their doll lines to incorporate more varied skin tones. Yet, Christians diminish God’s glory by being ascribed to colorblind rhetoric. I wanted to lend a new voice to the conversation and help teach kids that every person’s color is a beautiful handiwork of God to be fully seen and celebrated. Once I signed with B&H, we got an excellent illustration husband/wife team to bring the words to vibrant life. I’m really excited about how it turned out!
What are the main takeaways you want people to walk away with from “ColorFull”?
1. We need to be talking to our kids about ethnicity & skin color!!
2. Reinforce God’s truth in this area while your kids are young; raise the importance level on this conversation; let go of colorblind rhetoric and instead teach God’s intention in diverse creation.
3. Find teachable moments to impart wisdom.
4. Relationships and proximity changes everything. What you read, who you spend time with, what activities you engage with all shape a worldview that not only appreciates God’s diverse kingdom but helps advance the work of justice and restoration.
You have a follow-up book, “ThoughtFull”, in the works. Can you tell us a little about that?
Yes! ThoughtFull is book two in the series of three books. In this story, Ahanu, a Native American boy with Down Syndrome, models how to be ThoughtFULL – full of kind thoughts towards others. I hope this book reminds us that every person has value and is uniquely gifted!
Where can readers find “ColorFull”?
It releases May 1. Readers can order via my website and directly through LifeWay and Amazon.
Where can my readers connect with you on social media?
Facebook – Dorena McFarland Williamson
Twitter – @dorenawill
Instagram – dorenawilliamson
Website – dorenawilliamson.com
Friends, purchasing this book is such a great investment for the children and families in your ministry! I am happy that Dorena has agreed to give away a book to one of my fabulous readers. To enter, email me at kidminspiration@gmail.com with your response to the following question:
How do you celebrate the colors God gave us?
Responses should be received no later than 11:59 pm EST on Friday, May 5th.
