Author Interview with Hayley Satrom

Today’s author interview is with Hayley Satrom. She is the author of the upcoming book in our 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, Forgiveness: Reflecting God’s Mercy (releasing this Wednesday, 10/7).

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in the suburbs of Washington, DC with my husband Rob, three terrific kids, and one precocious pup named Penny. Outside the home I work part-time as a biblical counselor for my church, Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Ten years ago I co-founded a biblical counseling ministry called Heart Song Counseling, and I continue to help direct that wonderful organization today. When I’m not counseling, I love to be outside with my family—taking walks, riding bikes, swimming in the pool, or even jumping on our family trampoline together. In addition to playing outside, we also love movie nights with popcorn and M&M’s.

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

Forgiveness is something I have personally wrestled with—in a major way—in my own Christian walk. I know how difficult it can be to fight anger and bitterness in my heart, especially when I’ve been grievously hurt by someone. And as a counselor, I see this struggle constantly in the lives of those I meet with. So I know there is a real need for a devotional on this topic. Thankfully, God has so much to say about forgiveness in his Word; it is really important to him. My hope is that the Scriptures and reflections in this devotional will speak to the hearts of those who struggle to forgive.

What book are you reading now?

As seems to be the case with the rest of the Christian world right now, I am reading Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortland. It’s become enormously popular for a reason. Such comforting reflections on the tender heart of our Savior. A must-read.

Do you have a favorite author? Who is it and why?

My favorite novelists are Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. I enjoy the way they develop characters, exploring the motivations of the heart. I’m a counselor because I love knowing people; I enjoy getting to peer behind the curtain and understand why someone did this or felt that way. What happened in the past that influences that belief in the present? I suppose it goes with the territory that I prefer authors with good character development.

D.A. Carson is probably my favorite theologian. I have learned so much from his books. My favorite of his is Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation. Chapter 9 of that book is my favorite chapter of any book anywhere. How’s that for specific? If you haven’t read Chapter 9 of Praying with Paul, you should go get your hands on that. It’s called “A Sovereign and Personal God.” So helpful that I have been known to make friends read it out loud with me just to enjoy it together.

Do you have a favorite movie? What is it and why?

My favorite movie is Pollyanna. I was named after Hayley Mills, so I can’t help but like her movies. Name aside, it’s a great feel-good movie and I only like feel-goods. My kids watch it with me now as if it’s newly released. I don’t think they realize how old it is. Which makes me an awesome mom!

Favorite sport to watch? Why? Favorite sport’s team?

Easy. College football, USC Trojans. My Alma Mater. Fight on!

What famous person (living or dead) would you like to meet and why?

I would really enjoy meeting the royal family of England. I just know we would hit it off and become friends! Tea time at Buckingham Palace? Yes, please!

If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

The Lord changed my heart through the book of Isaiah, so I will always feel a special awe for that book and the way it supernaturally transformed me. That said, whenever I feel spiritually flat, I usually turn to the gospel of Luke. So much to be inspired by in the person of Christ. But my favorite chapter of the Bible is 2 Corinthians 4:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.