February 4, 2008
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Editor’s Note: Tavis Smiley’s new book, LOVE WINS: True Stories of Transformation and Triumph will be published by SmileyBooks in Fall 2008. SmileyBook’s New York Times bestseller “The Covenant In Action” has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work and for an Essence Magazine Literary Award.
Alice Jackson, a long time fan of Tavis Smiley, was thrilled when she tuned in to the Tom Joyner Morning Show and heard Smiley announce that he was inviting submissions for his new book LOVE WINS: True Stories of Transformation and Triumph. “I've always dreamed of sharing my life story. So when Tavis challenged listeners ‘to send in that one unconditional love story that would be an inspiration to others,’ I thought, “this is so exciting!”
“Each year as we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday, I am deeply moved by the power and the promise of unconditional love,” said Tavis Smiley. “From hallelujah deliverances that that changed the world, to silent victories shared only heart-to-heart, Dr. King’s life encourages each of us to stop and reflect on the miracle working power of unconditional love.”
SmileyBooks is accepting 500-1,200 word submissions for LOVE WINS throughout the month of February, Black History Month, a time for reflection on the enormous contributions African Americans have made to American culture and spirit. Submissions for LOVE WINS can be made online at www.smileybooks-lovewins.com or mailed to SmileyBooks, Love Wins Submissions, 33 W. 19th St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10011. Selected entries not included in LOVE WINS will be featured on www.tavistalks.com.
What is an “unconditional love” story? A true story which reveals the power of selfless love and service in our lives. From the tale of a father's unwavering devotion to his family against the odds - to the sacrifice of a soldier’s life for his country - to the constant faith of a friend who believes in us - to the strangers who unite together against injustice. These are the stories of daily life that rarely make the news. As Dr. King said, "when I speak of love, I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality."
Whether it's taking a stand for a child’s education or raising the bar and proclaiming our humanity by being more and doing more -- unconditional love connects us to the transcendent power that is greater than each individual. Tavis Smiley invites each of us to sit down and put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and share our most powerful unconditional love story.
“There is great
healing to be discovered through sharing our stories,” says SmileyBooks
president, Cheryl Woodruff, “because when we dare to talk about the power of love,
Love Wins.”