I can still hear Zela’s voice.

“You are a writer, Aunty Ronne? I love stories—what stories do you write? Will you read me a story?” Even now, to be introduced as a writer still causes me to take a step to steady myself. After all the words written, I’m a woman who would much rather encourage your dreams than tell you mine.

I responded, “I write stories about real things. I write stories about the best things.”

I write stories about renegade nuns who believe every human is worthy of great love, stories of young women who stare abuse in the face and say, “You will not define me,” and stories of stooped women who rise tall when they are invited to once again stand in the center of all that God has designed for them.

There are so many real things. But this—this is about the best things.

I think there are three…