PHALABORWA: ‘Before saying I Do’ and then she did it…

Non-fiction and factual author, Charity Sehlake, recently launched her debut book titled, ‘Before Saying I Do’, on Saturday, May 4 at CU Guest House.

The Phalaborwa resident, and also a mother of three, said that she has always been a fan of writing.

The book focuses on the journey before the wedding day, and what a couple should know before making a life commitment.

This journey, according Sehlake, is influenced by various factors such as family, friends, money, religion, culture and many other factors that stem from the environment the couple find themselves in.

In the book, Charity takes a person through a journey of self awareness and helps a person prepare for an important stage of their life, marriage.

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“Marriage is a relationship that when you commit to it, it’s a lifetime journey. If you are looking to get married this is a must-read book, and if you are already married it is just as important to assist you in understanding the fundamental steps you may have missed,” Charity spoke during her launch.

Speaking about her book, Charity explained how she had to re-write the first few chapters five to six times as she believed it did not portray what she had in mind.

“Only in 2018 October, did I get it right and just wrote non-stop, until I completed the book. When I started writing this book, it was intended for the married people due to the challenges I am experiencing and more especially seeing young people getting divorced,” she explained.

“It worries me to see young people not being able to last in a relationship, so because I have been in a marriage for 32 years, I realised I should write about it and help other people who are struggling,” said Charity, mentioning that she also had downfalls in her marriage as well, but overcame it.

Charity also explained how a complete stranger assisted and gave her insight in publishing her book. She also explained that she gained her insight for the book by attending men and women’s conferences to identify what both genders are complaining about.

“God has called me to change other people’s lives about my own experiences and about the things I am also writing about. Also because of what they will read in this book. It will change the way they perceive life. My ministry is in writing,” she continued, also stating that she encourages her own daughters to get married to lifetime partners.

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She then elaborated that in a marriage a person needs to love themselves.

This, according to her, could be achieved by giving yourself time alone to think about things and do things you love.

Not only is this book Charity’s first book, but a beginning of a series of books. She said the next book she will be working on will be ‘After Saying I Do’.

Makwena Maahlo told the PHALABORWA HERALD that she found the book launch very interesting.

“I was glad that I got to understand the writer’s emotions and context in relation to what she was trying to emphasise in the book. I recommend the book to any person who wishes to get married,” said Makwena.

‘Before Saying I Do’, is for sale at R180 per book, and to get a copy of it just send her an email at info@scsehlake.co.za .

If you wish to have it posted via the Post Office an additional cost of R50 would be added and R100 for PostNet.