Swan writes book on women's relationship with God

Cape Girardeau woman Deashia D. Swan didn't think she'd ever write a book. But through prayer she felt led to write about the women of the Bible and what lessons women today can learn from them. "When A Woman Loves God: You can take anything else, but you can't take a woman's love for God!" is Swan's first book.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I am a mother to Jaylah, as well as a daughter, sister, teacher, preacher, business owner, motivational speaker, author and above all, a servant of God. I was born in Cape Girardeau where I graduated from Central High School in 2003, and I received a bachelor's degree in biology from Southeast Missouri State University 2008, where I am currently studying for my master's degree in business administration. I am a co-founder of Steppin' Out Ministries Inc. and founder of Sigma Omega Mu Christian Sorority Inc. and The Impact Experience College Ministry on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Q: How long have you been a member of your faith?

A: I became a born-again Christian in 2003, which came shortly after my grandmother's death -- who was a great inspiration to me concerning the Christian faith. She taught me to chase after a relationship with God and not just settle for the religious aspect of it.

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Never did I ever think that I would write a book, but one day in my prayer time I kept hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit speak to me the words "When A Woman Loves God," and immediately I knew that it was a book that I would write. It literally blew my mind because all I could think about next was what was I going to say, who would read it, who would publish it, and how much was it going to cost? But then I was soon reminded that if God is requiring this of me, he will surely direct, speak and lead me along the way. I started writing June 1, and by July 1 the book was completed and ready to be edited. Not too long after I found the right publishing company God sent a major financial blessing from a random individual for the book's publishing to be paid for. Yes, God did exactly what He said! He is such an awesome God; all we have to do is stay willing and obedient.

Q: While researching some of the women in the Bible, what common threads did you find? Did anything surprise you?

A: Some of the common threads that I found in the Bible were with several individuals who I explain some in the book. But to give you an example, I use an awesome person named Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her willingness to give God her "yes." Mary gave God her "yes" to give birth to Jesus and she was impregnated with [him] by the Holy Spirit. Here the common thread is that God is still asking and requiring things from us today, where He is requiring for us to give Him our yes. The yes is needed despite how God brings it into our lives and how we might feel or believe others will feel concerning what God is requiring from us. The key is to always give God our yes. None of the common threads surprised me.

Q: In addition to being a recently published author, what other ministry organizations or efforts are you involved with?

A: I am currently a member of Christ Church of the Heartland, under the leadership of Pastors Zack and Diane Strong in Cape Girardeau. I am very active in Sigma Omega Mu Christian Sorority Inc. and Steppin' Out Ministries, from which we have started our college program, "The Impact" -- which is bringing in more and more college students weekly.

Q: What's your favorite Bible verse and why?

A: Wow, this is such a hard question because I love so many. But I would have to say Luke 14:23, "And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." I believe in this Scripture because this is and should be everyone's purpose on this Earth.

Q: Do you have any upcoming book signings or other events?

A: The next book signing will be 12 to 4 p.m. on May 12 at West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau.

Q: What's the greatest joy you've experienced in the ministry?

A: The greatest joy I have experienced is seeing souls saved and people's lives being changed.

Q: What's next for you?

A: I am currently working on producing a women's clothing line, a women's conference, my first stage play, and also my second book.