Inspire, Spring 2004

20 Spring 2004 I did a debate on MSNBC with a Southern Seminary professor, and then an interview with The New York Times Magazine , and ultimately ‘The Today Show.’ All in all, I’ve done more than 350 interviews throughout the world about Revolve . From print newspapers to radio to TV to you name it — even the Harvard Business Review and a Canadian magazine for Asians! Honestly, there was no human that could have devised such a media phenomenon. It’s only described as a God thing!” Looking back, Laurie is in awe over the opportunities that God has allowed her to have as a result of Revolve . Laurie said that in 2003 Revolve was the #1 selling Bible. “In eight months we have sold more than five times what we expected to sell in a year!” she exclaimed. Laurie says she’s learned several things through this experience. “First of all, people really do have a desire to know God. But let’s face it – why would you want to know God if the only impression you had of Him was people arguing or debating over His love for homosexuals?” Secondly, she says, while the media is certainly part of the world, they will report Truth if Truth is presented to them in a loving, non-condemning way. “I think the reason the media like Revolve so much is because Revolve is in the format they communicate,” she stated. “Who doesn’t read magazines?” What’s most exciting is that Revolve has presented Laurie with countless opportunities to share her faith with the media. She noted, “I’ve had many journalists, after the interview was over, ask me, ‘Now, can you tell me a little more about your faith?’ Or ‘I try to understand the Bible, but I don’t get it.’ Or ‘I had no idea Christians could be so fun.’ Or ‘You mean God isn’t a judgmental God who is angry with me because I drink?’ and the list goes on. Many conversations have taken place because of Revolve .” Even with its popularity, Revolve has had critics. Some argue that putting the message of the Bible on the same page as beauty tips is wrong and sends a bad message. They are saying, in a sense, that Revolve trivializes the Bible. Laurie, however, sees it differently. She explained, “The entire message of the Bible is about a God who became a part of culture so that He could reach people. Paul said he became all things to all people so he could win some. I think more than anything else I know, Revolve personifies the message of the Bible. It shows people that God is right where they are. He cares about every single detail of their lives. He cares about dating, school, work, and yes, beauty.” Like many magazines, Revolve covers a vast array of human interest topics, including some that many churches avoid — like teen pregnancy, cloning, tattoos, and divorce. “If you do hear it discussed in church, it’s a lecture of condemnation, not an encouragement of discussion or a forum to safely ask natural, curious questions and receive honest, human feedback,” Laurie added. “The questions we answer in Revolve are legitimate and from the mouths of teens. The answers are from our team of experts. Revolve has been known to start many discussions between teens and their parents on topics that have traditionally been taboo. My dad even told me he wished Revolve had been around when I was a teen so he would have had an idea of what I was going through!” Thomas Nelson plans to update Revolve every 18 months with new images and content. Currently only the New Testament is available in this magazine format; however, sections of the Old Testament are expected to be published within a year. Coming soon is Refuel for teenage guys and Becoming for adult women. For more information on Revolve , Refuel , or Becoming , visit TNP’s Web site at www.ThomasNelson.com. Laurie Whaley, NCV brand manager for Nelson Bibles, prepares for an interview regarding Revolve with “ABC World News Tonight.” To date, Laurie has done more than 350 interviews.