5Q :: The ‘Reality’ of faith-based writings for Roger Deloach

Roger Deloach is a man full of dedication.

When the Denfeld alumnus (class of 1969) isn’t busy managing the career of his daughter, singer Christina Deloach, he writes what’s in his heart. And, like his faith-minded daughter, what’s in Deloach’s heart most prevalently these days is his belief in a higher power.

The local religious author, also known to many as a longtime stock car racer, is about to release the follow-up to “He Calls My Name.”

We sent a few questions about the new book, “Reality,” to Deloach:

Budgeteer: What inspired you to write this book?

Deloach: For some time I had a desire to sit down and write something for my grandkids that would speak to them down the road in case I wasn’t there to share with them personally. That led to the publishing of my first book, “He Calls My Name.”

Not having ever written a book before, I discovered how much I enjoyed the process and plunged headfirst into the new project, “Reality.”

When people read it, what do you hope they will take away from it?

The irony of writing “Reality” as fiction is that the characters and their lives are real.

We all know people like this, and most of us can relate to at least one of them.

I wanted to share the truth of scripture and touch on how it is accepted and rejected by people just like us. My hope is that people will end up discussing the subject matter of the book and will be directed to the Bible for the answers.

How did you find religion? Is it something you grew up with?

I jokingly call the ‘58 Chevy my “vehicle of salvation.”

I accepted Christ when I was 15 years old, being “driven” by that car to the one who would offer me eternal life. I could tell you that story here, but I would rather you read “He Calls My Name.”

Looking at the problems that face our area today, are there any that churches could have a hand in solving?

I believe that Jesus has the answer to every problem that faces us today.

He told us two things that would change the world if we would just heed his command.

The first is, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24)

In order to do that, we need to know the Jesus of the Bible, not the Jesus of man’s imagination.

The second is, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39)

As a Christian, I am not to look at a person who is lost as someone who hates the truth — but rather as someone who doesn’t know the truth and is in the exact place I was before I received the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

Finally, what’s next for you? Do you want to continue writing books?

Now that I have discovered this ability to share the things on my heart through writing, I don’t want to stop.

I’m not a pastor, or an evangelist, or a theologian.

I’m just like so many other people: someone who loves Jesus and wants to share his truth with others. I don’t expect that people will just accept and agree with what I write, but I am very grateful that they would be willing to read what’s in my heart and consider the one who placed it there.

NEWS TO USE
Roger Deloach will celebrate the release of “Reality” from noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Jesus is Life Bookstore, 2228 Mountain Shadow Drive (across from Bridgeman’s). His daughter Christina will perform Christmas music at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. See www.christinadeloach.com for ordering information.

Tags: budge a and e, arts and entertainment, roger deloach, duluth, books, 5q, faith, religion