Author Interview with Ellen Dykas

This week’s author interview is with Ellen Mary Dykas. She is the author of the upcoming book in our 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, Toxic Relationships: Taking Refuge in Christ (releasing April 7th).

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m from the Midwest and grew up in St. Louis, MO and still feel like I’m going home when I visit there from Philadelphia! I have, however, really enjoyed living on the east coast, and especially the spiritual community I’ve become woven into here. When I’m not involved in discipleship, teaching the Bible and writing, I love taking long walks, having coffee dates with friends or simply having an introvert-replenishment weekend!

When did you first want to write a book?

I’ve been journaling since I was a teen and am currently on my 82^nd spiral bound notebook! I’d guess it was in high school that I first started dreaming of what my future my be, and the idea of writing seemed far off, but here I am!

Which writers inspire you?

The kind of writing that inspires me the most is that which can take spiritual truths and apply it to my heart in such a way that it really is nourishing. In that regard, the writers who have inspired me the most are Amy Carmichael, Helen Roseveare, Elizabeth Elliot, Richard Sibbes, David Powlison, and more recently, Dane Ortland.

Have you always enjoyed writing?

A friend recently described herself not so much as a writer but a teacher who is an author. I liked that! I’d say that I’ve always enjoyed teaching and encouraging others and my writing is a way to express those ministry passions.

What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

As readers of Toxic Relationships will learn, I’ve had my share of toxic or sin-polluted relationships. The specific focus in my devotional is how Christ rescues and transforms us when relationships become idolatrous, or codependent. Not only has this been a pattern in my relational past, but in the lives of many women who have come to me for help through my ministry at Harvest USA. This is one of those “fire in my bones” topics that I’m passionate about sharing with others because I know how painful it is to be stuck in unhealthy dependencies that are destructive. I’m eager to help others move towards the glorious freedom and safe refuge which is ours in Christ. He alone can transform us to love others rather than craving that they make us feel OK about ourselves.