Eva Marie:  So, you're saying that even Christians can understand being shallow ... on a personal "I've experienced it" kind of way"?

Marita:  Yes, most definitely. On the flip side, when we are going through those tough times -- and generally I am referring to the daily hard knocks stuff, not the big tragedies like so many in Florida have faced this fall -- what we most want is a friend who will come along side us put their arm around us (even if only figuratively) and share our pain. The stories in “Happy Shallow” are like that for the reader who is in the midst of a tough place. They say, "I've been there. I understand."

Eva Marie:  M, you're listed as the general editor of this book, which is a collection of stories. What made you decide to allow others to tell their stories rather than just telling yours and then giving expository teaching? In other words, letting the stories teach the lesson?

Marita:  This book is a book I have wanted to write for a long time. My editor said. "No, No. Compilations books are a fad that will pass."

But the idea would not die. For me this book is special because through it I have been able to fulfill the publishing dreams of many.

Through the CLASSeminar, I have the opportunity to train hundreds of people each year in speaking and writing. Many of them feel called to getting their message out there. Through this book, a collection of stories, many people saw their name in print for the first time. When I handed some of the ones I know personally their first copy of the book with their words and their name in print, they cried. It brought tears in my eyes to see their joy. That makes this book special.

But, as I mentioned, the stories are a good model because they are like a friend giving you a hug.

In 2003 I had a particularly tough year which included my father's death in late 2002, my publisher killing two of my books, an employee having an awful accident that kept her out of work for three months, making the decision to end the SCWR (Southern California Women’s Retreat) which I had run for 23 years, and the death of my dream house.

During that tough time, a friend sent me a note that said something like, “Remember, you can trust in God.” It made me angry. "Like you think I am not? How do you think I am getting through this?"

Of course, I did not say anything to her, as I knew she meant well. But that was how I felt inside. That stuck with me as I complied the book. The story format is bite sized so the reader -- a person who needs to be lifted up can handle a short shot of encouragement -- a hug -- to carry them through. When you are in a tough place, I find we do not want a big, thick tome about the psychology of the issue. We need a friend and the story for mat provides that. Plus, each story was selected for its ability to leave the reader with a smile.