By: Staff Writer
March 4, 2022
A provocative new book from a first-time Bahamian author is breaking down taboos on people having sex before marriage and how God can lead them to wholeness.
Leesa McFall, author of the new book, “Confessions of a Fornicating Church Girl,” spoke with Caribbean Magazine Plus about why such a risqué title for a debut book. She told us: “I chose the title of my book, Confessions of a Fornicating Church Girl for a few reasons. Firstly, I chose the title because it is an attention grabber. I believe that people would not pass my book by without at least picking it up and trying to find out a little more about what’s inside.
“Secondly, I chose the title of my book because it speaks to the religious taboo surrounding the topic of sex outside of marriage, particularly when it comes to girls and women. In no way am I glorifying sin, however, in my book, I speak freely and candidly about my struggles with sin and shame, the things that lead me to it and how the grace of a loving God lead me into wholeness.
“Lastly, I chose the title of my book not only because it is an attention grabber, but because it also fully captures much of my story in just 5 words. In my book, I share the struggles I faced as the daughter of a preacher who had two children out of wedlock.”
She added: “In no way is my book risqué. My book is geared more towards telling the story of my struggles and how I found my way to wholeness.”
Ms McFall always wanted to write a book and she described what inspired her at this point in her life: “The thing that inspired me the most was knowing that there are so many other girls and women in my community who have struggled with the very things I have experienced and may not know how to overcome the emotional strain that comes along with it. I wanted to serve as a beacon of light and hope, to let them know that they aren’t alone. Sometimes we carry the key that can help unlock the potential and hope in others. If we choose not to open up and share our testimonies of healing and hope, we run the risk of denying that same hope and freedom to those who may need it most.”
She also said: “I would like it if readers are able to walk away feeling inspired. I would love it if after they have finished reading my book, readers are able to walk away believing in the grace of a loving God and how in Him, there is always a chance to begin again. No matter how difficult your journey may have been thus far, there is always hope to believe in yourself again and to begin again. The journey to Healing and Wholeness is a continuous one and I hope my readers can grasp that with a little faith and determination, they too can overcome any obstacles.”
Ms McFall was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas where she still lives on the island of New Providence, Bahamas. “I always enjoyed writing stories, poetry and essays when I was in school. I like to believe that I see words in colour and I enjoy painting pictures with my words. After writing poetry and scripts for church Christmas plays during my teen years, I figured It would make sense to aspire to become an author later in my adult life.”
The faith based approach is not a bad first start for this first-time author and she details she does not plan on stopping at this first book and will publish more material in the near future.
The official launch of Confessions of a Fornicating Church Girl will be launched on March 19 at 11am virtually. Please check Ms McFall’s Facebook page for more details on how to participate.