Intersection Column | Children are Our Heritage

by DiAnn Mills

Children are our world’s most precious heritage. They deserve love, nurturing, protection, medical aid, education, and so much more. As a former foster mother and mother of adopted sons, I hold a deep passion for the wellbeing of children. My commitment helped spark the story behind Canyon of Deceit.

In the novel, the eight-year-old daughter of a Russian professor is thrust into a web of greed, hatred, rivalry, and political strife by unscrupulous men. When she is kidnapped and taken to an off-the-grid area of the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas, her desperate father contacts a wilderness survival expert. She, in turn, enlists the assistance of a Texas Ranger known for his expertise in crisis negotiation.

The rugged terrain of the setting acts as a formidable antagonist alongside the kidnappers.

Alina, the kidnapped child, must face the wilderness of fear. She doesn’t understand why ruthless men held her captive in the rocky cliffs of an unfamiliar area. Her hope lies in her father’s love for her and the many lessons he’d taught her about courage and strength.

The heroine, a wilderness survival expert, cherishes every child she encounters. She refuses to stand by and do nothing while a child struggles in the wilds. The hazards of narrow, rocky paths and the lack of available water are real dangers—but even more so are the armed men holding the little girl captive.

The hero, a Texas Ranger with a deep sense of justice, willingly steps into peril to help rescue the innocent little girl and return her to the father who loves her.

Life is never an easy path to maneuver, especially when hurdles take us through the unknown. Each of us will face seasons of fear in our “wilderness moments.” The Bible tells us these are times of spiritual growth and change designed to transform us into stronger people. Whether our challenges are personal, psychological, professional, or spiritual, God always provides a way for us to endure and survive with Him guiding our path.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

My hero and heroine face their fears in the wilderness to rescue a child. That thread leads my heart back to “Children are Our Heritage” and my passion for this story. What are seven ways we can protect children?

1.     Stay alert to unsafe situations and know who to report potential crimes against children.

2.     Educate the children in your life about dangerous circumstances and emergency solutions.

3.     Teach body safety and help children be aware of establishing boundaries.

4.     Support those who take on the role of a foster parent and offer encouragement, information, guidance, and community support.

5.     Love our children, and that doesn’t mean just our own but every child in this world.

6.     Pray faithfully for children everywhere to recognize and respond to warning signs.

7.     Cherish the children in your life.

Writing Canyon of Deceit deepened my sensitivity and compassion for children. May we open our eyes and hearts to our most cherished heritage.

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About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling? For more information, visit diannmills.com.

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About the Book

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from a former colleague stating that his young daughter, Alina, is missing, she reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner for help. Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt.