2025 Local Authors Expo Spotlight: James & Vernestine Lomax

 

Faith, Love & Divine Timing: Meet Authors James & Vernestine Lomax at the 2025 Local Authors Expo

Faith, prayer and divine timing are at the heart of Invite Him In... and He Will Take it From There. Selah!, a new book co-written by husband-and-wife authors James and Vernestine Lomax. The couple's inspiring devotional encourages readers to seek God's guidance when it comes to love, especially for those who are single, divorced, or widowed and still believe that God writes the most beautiful love stories.  

Come meet the Lomaxes at the Birmingham Public Library 2025 Local Authors Expo, presented by the Tri-County (Alabama) Chapter of The Links, Inc. on Saturday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham, 2100 Park Place. They’ll join 30 authors from across Alabama sharing their books, stories, and creative journeys. This year's theme is "Local to Global." 

Follow the Local Authors Expo on the BPL website as well as our Facebook page for more information.

Their 33-day devotional blends scripture, reflection, and heartfelt storytelling drawn from their own journey of faith and second chances. James, a Birmingham native, and Vernestine, originally from Lucama, North Carolina, met later in life and married nearly a year ago,  a union they both call “an answered prayer.”

 The number of 33 days of devotions is intentional: James had been divorced 11 years and Vernestine 22 years prior to their union.   In fact, their story began long before their first conversation.

 “My niece and her husband, James’ best friend, along with my sister, unbeknownst to us, prayed for 365 days before they introduced us,” Vernestine recalls.

Learn more about the couple and their faith-filled love story in this Q&A with the Birmingham Public Library.

What inspired you to start writing?

James & Vernestine Lomax: God inspired us to write our perfect faith-based Love Story.

Can you tell us a little about your latest book?

James & Vernestine Lomax: What if your love story doesn’t begin with a date… but with a prayer? Invite Him In ... and He Will Take It From There. Selah! is a 33-day devotional for those who are single, divorced, or widowed, and still believe that God writes the most beautiful love stories. Stories that begin not in a coffee shop or dating app, but in the secret place of prayer. 

Before we ever met, a year of intercession was already paving the way. Two hearts. Two states. One divine orchestration. This devotional is a sacred invitation to surrender your timeline, align your heart with heaven, and trust God to bring the right person into your life: in His perfect timing, in His perfect way. 

Each day offers: A scripture rooted in truth, A heartfelt devotion shaped by real-life love, loss, and redemption, A Spirit-led prayer, An introspective action step, A meditative reflection, and Space to journal your thoughts and prayers.

Whether you've never worn a ring, once removed one, or now treasure it as a keepsake, this devotional will strengthen your faith, reignite your hope, and remind you that you are not forgotten.

God is always working behind the scenes. You’re not just waiting for a person. You’re being prepared for a purpose. It all begins with a foundation built on prayer. Invite Him In... and He will take it from there. Selah.

How has your experience as an Alabama (or Birmingham) author shaped your voice or storytelling?

James Lomax: Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, my voice was shaped by legacy: church pews, front porches, and generations who prayed more than they spoke. Birmingham taught me that every story is sacred, especially the ones written through pain, healing, and redemption.

As an author, I carry the rhythm of the South - rich in faith, resilience, and reverence for love that lasts. Alabama didn’t just give me roots; it gave me perspective. 

I write for those still believing… still waiting… still trusting that God has not forgotten them. Birmingham gave me my faith voice. God gave me the story.

If you could share one message from your book with the world, what would it be?

James & Vernestine Lomax: “Before the person, the ring, or the 'I do', there was a prayer. And that prayer wasn’t just about finding someone… it was about becoming someone ready. 

Our message to the world is simple: God still writes love stories. But the most beautiful ones begin when you lay your heart at His feet and say, ‘I trust You to author this.’ Whether you’re single, divorced, or widowed, your story is not over. Heaven is still turning pages.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

James & Vernestine Lomax: Write from your why, not just your words. Anyone can type a sentence, but when you write from a place of prayer, purpose, and authenticity, your story carries weight. 

Don’t wait for perfect grammar or flawless structure. Write the truth that’s burning in your soul because someone out there needs your voice, not your perfection. 

Start with obedience. The clarity, the audience, and the platform will come later. Just write. And as we say in the book, Invite Him in—and He’ll take it from there. Selah.

Where can readers find your books?

James & Vernestine Lomax: You can find our books at several locations, both online and in person. The website to secure a copy of our book is www.amazon.com under our name and book title. For a signed copy, you can visit www.thehouseoflomax.com or request one by emailing us at info@thehouseoflomax.com.

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist - The Birmingham Public Library