What are some indelible memories from your childhood?

As a child, I visited my grandparents’ home in the North Woods of Wisconsin. Many dear family memories stem from that place—like fishing expeditions on the lake with worms from the local bait shop, adventures picking raspberries for my grandma’s pies, reclining on an innertube while bobbing in the wake of passing boats, and much, much more. I quietly plot how I might spend more time there.

I also remember how, as a child, the core of my spiritual life was built in fruitful times of study and reflection. I took my faith very seriously, making lists of spiritual convictions while sitting on my bedroom floor. I filled my notebooks using the pens I had spent hours selecting at my favorite store, Office Max. (In my adulthood, I’ve simplified. I’ll just take a 0.38mm black ballpoint pen from Muji.us, please.)

Do you have any unique interests?

Photography was especially helpful to me after Noelle was stillborn in 2013. Within a few months, maybe even weeks, of buying a DSLR, I opened a photography business and sought newborn clients. Witnessing other couples bringing home living babies, and sharing in their joy, was one door back to the beauty of this present life. These days, I photograph our family experiences—vacations, day trips, or holidays. In 2019, we moved from Illinois to Texas, so we are currently exploring our new state. Lord willing, future DSLR opportunities abound.

What is one thing you've recently learned in your walk with God that you wish you could have known when you first became a Christian?

I remember being distraught and spiritually discouraged as a junior higher when the intensity of my feelings for God would fluctuate. Now, I would tell younger Lianna that feeling God’s presence and leading are not the measures of Christian maturity or authority. I would tell myself to stop relying on my intuitions and to focus on grappling with the meaning of the Bible as my authority to commune with God.

What experiences compelled you to write your latest book?

My grandfather was ill toward the end of his days. He wrote a book on Jude some years ago with Moody Publishers, in fact. The profound attachment that I experienced to him while he was on this earth centered on the Scriptures and the Lord, and I could see the ways he was faithful to Jude. I think I wanted to study Jude “with” this cherished family member and spiritual example because I was in the throes of losing him here. The verse, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith,” was continually on my mind (Heb. 13:7).

When you were writing this book, how did your life circumstances affect your writing style and perspective?

The opportunity to write Keeping the Faith came about while I was assisting my grandfather, a missionary to Japan and missiology scholar, with his final writing project. He has made an appearance a few times in these questions—he is very much on my mind, and I still weep readily when thinking of him because of how much I cherish him.

I assisted him simply because I was available to do so, not because I merited the position. I wanted to assist him with his work because I was enthralled with our theological conversations and wanted more. While working together, he reviewed a draft of an essay I wrote for the project. This was the most wonderfully-humbling feedback of my life. Because he was willing, as a grandfather in his final days, to wound the pride I didn’t see in myself reveals how faithful a servant he was. That he did not neglect his gifts of discernment and speaking truth when it came to me is one reason I feel his love.

What is your greatest hope for your readers?

I hope this book helps readers worship Jesus Christ—as studying Jude has done for me. I have become more convicted about what is true, more reverent toward my Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and more thankful to Him for the mercy, peace, and love of the gospel. Now that I know the epistle well, I plan to revisit it when I need an antidote to the world’s messages and self-centeredness. I will (and have already!) re-read Jude to bow and worship the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.