We were lucky to catch up with Darlene Gaston recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Darlene thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I am blessed to have begun building my legacy in my thirties. My husband and I have two sons in their twenties, forming a legacy we hope will endure for generations. Beyond our family, my books are another cornerstone of my legacy. Like timeless literature or art, they capture my story, experiences, and wisdom, contributing to the historical record in written word.
My prayer is that readers will discover the freedom and “easy and light” yoke Jesus promised in their Christian journey. I also trust that my great-great-grandchildren will follow Christ. I hope people will remember me as a catalyst for change in the church, returning to the original truths of faith found in the Bible.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Over the past five years, I’ve written two impactful books, *Time to Really Live Free* and *The Door Is Open*. I never imagined becoming an author, though the seed was planted in sixth grade when I wrote my first book, bound and shared in the elementary school library. I assumed any future writing would be fiction, fueled by imagination rather than the rigorous study required for non-fiction. Yet, this was my calling.
At forty-seven, while serving as a prophet in my church, God revealed the transformative truth of grace to me. When I shared this with church leadership, they resisted, so I turned to writing to reach those open to the message. My inspiration stemmed from a deep desire to share the freedom I’d found. I wanted to guide readers step by step through God’s revelation, helping them break free from guilt, condemnation, and fear to embrace the boundless love and grace of God.
My journey—from legalism to freedom—offers readers a path to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. I long for others to experience the truth I’ve discovered, as Paul describes in Galatians 2:19-21 (MSG). He abandoned the futile effort of pleasing God through rules, choosing instead to live as God’s man, empowered by Christ’s life within him. His ego faded, and he stopped seeking approval or striving to impress God. Christ lived in him, his faith fueled by the Son of God who loved and died for him. Paul rejected rule-bound religion, recognizing that if rules could save us, Christ’s death was unnecessary. My own shift from legalism to grace drives me to share this truth, so others can live free.
I hope to begin writing my third book by the end of 2025. Currently, I have two events planned to share my message with my community and others across the United States.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to share the transformative grace of the New Covenant with the world. I long for everyone to embrace God’s grace fully and challenge religious “truths” that contradict the biblical truths in my books. My desire to guide readers toward freedom from legalistic rules and misconceptions about God’s nature fuels my perseverance, even when I feel like giving up. At times, challenges like low book sales or limited social media engagement feel overwhelming. Yet, the freedom I’ve found—and that readers have discovered through my books—reignites my commitment to continue as an author and speaker.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Those less familiar with the creative process, may not realize the time and effort authors invest in identifying a topic and expressing it concisely. Often, people suggest ideas—such as new topics or additions—before reading the book, unaware that it’s already written, edited, and headed to print.
One of the most valuable ways readers can support an author is by writing reviews after reading the book. I cherish every review, feedback, and discussion from my readers. Questions and thoughtful comments post-reading are especially meaningful to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darlenegaston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlene_gaston_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarleneGaston-Author/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-gaston-
- Twitter: https://x.com/darlene_gaston_
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@darlene_gaston_
Image Credits
Rachel Dickson (headshot photographer 1st photo only)