Thanks for your help . . .

. . . with something a little different.

If you remember the Biblical story of Job, you may remember the words of Job’s wife.  Few people recall much about her beyond the phrase, “Curse God and die.”

She did not actually say those words, but suggested to Job that perhaps he should.  They had lost everything, including their 10 children.  As Job sat on an ash heap, covered with boils and waiting to die, his wife uttered the infamous words – but why?

Now here’s the question: I’ve written a novel addressing that quote, but am stuck on a title.  I’ve considered titling the story “Curse God and Die” (in quotes) but hesitate to do so for a number of reasons (that I’ll withhold for the moment).

So what is your reaction to that title?  To keep things unbiased, I won’t suggest possible reactions – just give me your own first gut reaction by leaving a comment in the box below.

Thanks,

– Doc Cindy

About Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

CYNTHIA J KOELKER , MD is a board-certified family physician with over twenty years of clinical experience. A member of American Mensa, Dr. Koelker holds degrees in biology, humanities, medicine, and music from M.I.T., Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the University of Akron. She served in the National Health Service Corps to finance her medical education.
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8 Responses to Thanks for your help . . .

  1. Thanks to all of you who have contributed ideas. “Hope” seems to be the common theme, so I will investigate such a title. Sooner or later (. . . likely later) you’ll find an update.

  2. Ken says:

    “Curse God and die.” Sounds like a command, as in, “You should curse God and die.” It implies that all hope is lost.

    If even a smidgeon of hope exists, perhaps the title should reflect that – something about perseverance or tenacity or courage.

    The Bible speaks of times of “desolation” and “the abomination of desolation” – very dark times. But there is always hope for His people.

    If the novel is about someone who truly gave up and died, I don’t know why anyone would want to read that.

  3. Mariansdukie says:

    I would never read a book with a title like that to find out what is inside.

  4. sm79 says:

    That phrase as a title would not bother me. As for the reason, it’s a matter of pattern. Job is a picture of the spirit, his wife a picture of the flesh, much like the relationship between Adam and Eve. Eve’s “desire” was for her husband, that is to rule over him, but God stated Adam would rule her. The flesh desired to rule over the spirit, but God declared according to the pattern that the spirit would rule the flesh. This has been the struggle since that time. The relationship between Job and his wife, according to the account, is not that different. In spite of his blamelessness, she tries to convince him to go against the truth he knew, that he was innocent. Our flesh has such tendencies. Still in all, God preserves her much as He preserved Eve and as He will the bride of Christ who deals with the same struggles until she is perfected, until the spirit rules over the flesh, until Christ rules over the church and subjects her to truth. Now, that’s what I call grace. Be blessed.

    [Thanks, SM79, for your thoughtful and insightful reply. – Doc Cindy]

  5. CC says:

    If the concept of the book is spiritual survival in the face of TEOTWAWKI then”curse God and die” is a wee bit scary for me. However, if it is about faith during disastrous times, perhaps something on the order of “TEOTWAWKI…yet will I hope” (Job 13:15) or something that promotes hope and spiritual health. Just a thought.

    [Thanks, CC, yes, the book is about hope.]

  6. wheedle says:

    ” Hope for the Greater Good ”

    We all hope that the life experiences we endure, good and bad, will influence our lives in a positive way. When the day comes, when we draw our last breath, we hope that our existence was not in vain. I believe life itself equates to purpose.

    [Thank you as well for your emphasis on the idea of hope. It seems to be a common thread. – Doc Cindy]

  7. Nurse Carlitos says:

    I think we should always point people toward either hope or comfort, and never stray from that.

    [Good point – the book is one of hope. Thanks for your input. – Doc Cindy]

  8. irontomflint says:

    Um, ick!

    I think you should add the word “TO” to the beginning:”To Curse God and Die.”

    This way you are not uttering a command, but instead showing the folly of snapping your fingers in the face of your superiors.

    Ooh! Ooh! How about “Thanks for the memories”? Wait, no, that was Bob Hope…Oh! Think about “Thanks, but no thanks!” or try “Love you like a cold sore”
    I got a million of ’em! (Jimmy Durante)

    [I appreciate your humor, irontomflint. – Doc Cindy]

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