Jack Eason is a pastor at Cross Roads Baptist Church in Upstate South Carolina as well as the Crossover CUPS Mission, a nonprofit group serving the local Church and missions-related organizations around the world. He also consults with a variety of nonprofit ministries, helping them develop successful approaches to fundraising and development. He is the father of two adult children and often speaks to high school and college students about the issue of loneliness and the power of togetherness.
Jack and his wife, Lynette, who is a well-known Christian suspense author, live in South Carolina.
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What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?
I think for me, the story of Daniel best describes my journey. I’ve been fortunate to have a few friends, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who have stood with me through the journey of faith. Many times, we all believed God in different situations even when other people said we were crazy. I think, too, the challenges we face and the abrasiveness of a culture that pushes against the things of God cause me to pick Daniel.
The Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?
More times than I can count. He does that over and over again in our lives because so often we think we know best. I remember when the economy tanked in 2007-2008 and we had put our house on the market. We thought we were moving to Nashville, Tennessee. For two years our house was on the market. I lost a job in the process, and found myself on a new path that I would not have chosen if God had not detoured me.
Let’s talk about your new book, The Loneliness Solution (Revell, October 2020). Please tell us about it.
I’m excited about this book. Prior to Covid-19, there was already a loneliness epidemic. Now with the pandemic and holidays approaching, loneliness is a real issue. The main heart of the book is to help people move out of loneliness and discover and harness the power of community. God created us and wired us for community. We can’t survive without it, and the purpose of this book is to help lead people into finding meaningful connection through real relationships.
How do you define loneliness? How is loneliness different from being alone?
I enjoy being alone. As a matter of fact, I am with people…a lot! Traveling, speaking, etc.; there are many times that I just want to be alone. Being alone is a choice. Loneliness is an overwhelming feeling of not having any connection. You can be lonely and be in a group of people.
A few fun questions…
When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?
I’m trying to stay away from “comfort” food and trying to eat healthy, but my vice is a nice cold glass of sweet iced tea!
In the story that is your life, are you the tall, dark stranger; the romantic lead; the mythical warrior; the mad scientist; or the child in an adult’s body?
Ha-ha! My wife would probably say the child in the adult’s body, or the mad scientist. But I’d like to think I am the romantic lead.
Your wife, Lynette, is a well-known Christian suspense author. Can you give us a sneak peek into what it’s like living with a novelist? Especially a crime writer?
I am so proud of her. She’s non-stop with her writing. I can’t keep up. Let’s just say with some of her stories I have started sleeping with one eye open!
Thanks, Jack! It’s great to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.
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For more information about Jack, visit his website and/or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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