Longtime Carthage devotional writer Mary Sue Holder pens second title

Published 4:00 am Friday, December 20, 2024

CARTHAGE — Local author Mary Sue Holder has published her second title, “Jesus My Faithful Friend.”

With a focus on Jesus through the works of John the Apostle, Holder’s newest work details the attributes and character of the Son of God during his time on Earth.

Similar to her first release, “Meaningful Journey,” the new book is a step-by-step journey with Jesus. Working through the Gospel of John to the Book of Revelation, “Jesus My Faithful Friend” takes a different approach to the Son of God’s story.

“I focused on him as a person, in the way that he thought and felt. Also, his relationships with others and how he presented the word. Mainly, the central theme is his heart- how much loved and cared for those people, even the ones who rejected him,” explains Holder.

Bill Holder, late husband of the author, was the publisher at the Panola Watchman for 21 years before he retired. After Mary Sue’s retirement from Beckville schools as a counselor and teacher, she began writing for the Watchman’s church page.

During the end of her husband’s time on this earth, Mary Sue’s faith in her “faithful friend” was steadfast. As her life was changing, she held to the unconditional love of Christ.

“I started writing this second book while Bill was dying,” she said, adding her relationship with the gospel and Jesus is “living.”

“That’s why they call it the living word, it moves with life. One scripture that meant something to you years ago can mean something completely different now,” she said.

Saved for 64 years, Holder gives all of the glory of her life to her faithful friend.

“In the years of gathering this book together, I would be writing, and I could feel the Holy Spirit working through me. So really, these are not my books. These are really the books that God gave me to write,” she said.

Holder quotes Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Writing the paper’s church page for 20 years and completing her second book, Holder explains, “It has been my joy that God has allowed me to be a writer of His Word. A true blessing.”