When I published my first book, “Never Thought I Could Ever Be’, so many people messaged me telling me that they too wanted to do the same thing but did not know how to start. My response to them and to any of you who desire to be an author is to tap into your purpose. I have wanted to write a book for many years. I have always journaled, but I wasn’t sure where to begin or how to go about putting it in the form of a book. However, I was sure I wanted to share my story.
I took this thing, this urgency, this pregnant purpose in my belly to the Lord. The Lord began to deal with me concerning my past. You know those secret things nobody knows about but you and God. When I began to really think about what I had endured, I was hesitant. In fact, I was crippled by fear. I felt I was stuck in quicksand not able to move and not willing to call for help. My experiences were ugly and hurtful. I was afraid to talk about them aloud let alone write about them.
In my quiet time I would pray to the Lord. I would say, “No, I can’t talk about this, or I can’t talk about that.” I was very concerned with what they would say - my friends, my family, my co-workers, and my students. The Lord began to minister to me. My daughter you are overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the words of your testimony.
This book isn’t for you, it is to break the chains of bondage that are hidden in plain sight on others. It is to show others that they too can be overcomers and that the shame of their past shall no longer keep them bound. Moreover, I am here to share with you that what we do and what has been done to us is Not who we are. I also know that when there is purpose, and we don’t follow through someone else will pick up the charge and go forth.
Once you get down in your spirit that writing a book is what you are going to do, I caution you to do your homework. There are so many businesses out there that will promise you the world in terms of editing, formatting, typesetting and the like. After my experience, I learned that you can do it all yourself with the help of YouTube, Fiverr, Facebook groups, your friends who are great at proofreading, and the numerous self-publishing sites available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingramspark, etc. I spent a lot of money, but you don’t have to. Once you complete your research. Begin writing.
I had to tell my story, and you need to tell yours. When I say there is something so powerful that happens in the spirit when we are transparent and surrender our hearts to the Lord. I would sit in front of my computer and weep for hours. The process of writing down one’s transparent experiences is very therapeutic. Who knows once healing takes place the past is an afterthought? It no longer matters.
I’m better for this process. I am walking in the newness of life. But for the grace of God. If you desire to tell your story, so that others can be made whole, the time is now. It’s a new year and we need to be concerned with our eternal state, our overall health, and our mental well-being. Not just our own but that of our community. Step out on faith, put in the work, and God will do the rest.
Write the vision - make it plain - Habakkuk 2:2
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