The Power of Story from a Reluctant Storyteller

Why am I here? Why am I writing? Why am I sharing stories?

First, thank you so much for reading Just One More Chapter! When you read the content shared here, you are prioritizing time with these words over the MANY other tasks that are likely screaming for your attention. That is a true gift. So, thank you! I pray the stories and messages shared here brighten your day and encourage your heart.

That said, perhaps you are wondering why I am here… why I am sharing stories.

When I started this journey almost three years ago now, it was with great reluctance. GREAT reluctance… For multiple reasons:

1) I was burned out! The past fifteen years had been filled with hardship. There was little left but shattered fragments of resentment, sorrow, and doubt. I had no idea if any of it could be restored or how I might go about piecing it all back together.

2) I had ZERO intention of ever being a non-fiction writer – like ever…

3) I had no interest in publicly sharing my heart, thoughts, and life with others for commentary and possibly even criticism.

Yet, here I am…

So many tears have been shed as I’ve wrestled with what I sensed the Lord was calling me to do. The initial seed was planted six years ago as I sat trembling in a hospital room next to my unconscious husband who suffered a traumatic injury that could not be operated on due to an unrealized threat of cancer. This shocking event happened less than a year after our entire world fell apart due to another serious health issue that resulted in multiple surgeries, addiction, and then abandonment by many closest to us. Crushed and desperate, I pleaded with the Lord for relief. Instead, I heard a gentle whisper: four simple words that are now the title of my first non-fiction manuscript.

I knew at that moment; I was supposed to write a book “one day.” That day was very far off in my mind – and that book would of course be a fictional novel. Obviously, that is not how it turned out.

I did not begin writing the manuscript until three full years later after I found myself in another hospital room at the bedside of my daughter instead of my husband. Though SO incredibly undesirable, God met me yet again in that small unwelcome space. Once we were released and settled safely back at home, I knew the Lord was prompting me to write “the book.” Though I knew this to be true, I could not get myself to begin. I did NOT want to put pen to paper and relive my pain in the pages of that book.

Then… a few more whispered words:

It’s not about you – It’s about them.

Those simple statements changed it all. I obediently wrote the book. Then, wrote a second book (a devotional). Then, rewrote the first book into a third book. Two and half years later, the final version is off to publishers with what my agent (and those cheering me on) believe are well-written words that offer encouragement and hope to readers. But it comes with zero established platform.

Enter Substack (where this blog is hosted)…

It was every bit as hard as I thought it would be to write the book. Not just once, or twice, but three times through (not including ALL of the revisions). It was gut-wrenchingly painful at times, and I felt like I wept my way through writing for two full years. While this process was indeed difficult, it was a silent solitary work between God and I… and my husband… and my therapist… OK, maybe not completely silent and solitary. But it was quiet, transformative work with nothing but the rhythmic sounds of my keyboard and the thrumming of my heart as it moved out of my fingertips and onto the page.

But a public platform… that was something altogether undesirable. When I “agreed” with the Lord to draft this manuscript, I had no idea of all that would be required of me to bring the full vision to fruition. Once I learned that building an audience (through ALL the avenues) was going to be required of me, I pumped the brakes – HARD. Full stop. I did not want to do this!

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the perspective), I was a bit too far down the road to turn back. I had already signed the contract with my agent months prior and I had already written the book(s). What was all of it for if the book(s) never saw the light of day?

Several months ago, my agent asked me why I hadn’t launched any of my platform “stuff” and I had a full-blown breakdown with her over the phone. The truth was - I was terrified. This time God’s prompting came through a declaration from my agent instead of the usual still small voice. She was so gracious and told me she would not push me. But she did boldly assert that she truly believed God gave me this message, that readers would be greatly impacted by it, and I should obediently continue to move forward.

I raised the white flag and surrendered… again.

However, I was faced with the same dilemma as before. I was not seeking self-promotion, recognition, or accolades. As clearly outlined, I actually preferred the exact opposite. What then was I to do? What sort of publication would I even create?

The Lord provided yet again… I was to share stories. Some would be my own, but many would highlight the testimonies of others. I have always LOVED stories. I love how they connect lives and hearts that might never find camaraderie without a connection through story. This is why they are so powerful! Whether shared across the table or through the pages of a book, compelling stories encourage and inspire us in ways nothing else can.

I fully understand this is not an original idea. It has been done before by reporters and authors for generations. I understand this concept is unlikely to quickly “grow a platform” but that was never what I set out to do from the very beginning. If I am going to share words with the world, I want them to mean much more than analytics and subscribers. I desire to sow seeds that will cultivate healing and hope; seeds that encourage hearts and bolster faith. I want to lay my sacrifice on the altar and trust that the Lord will provide everything that is needed – for me and for those who “one day” may read my words.

I began this journey as a reluctant storyteller. But now I know: this is not a career - it is a calling. How much easier it is to step out in faith with this perspective.

It’s not about me.

It’s about THEM.

It’s about YOU.

It’s about HIM.

Daily reminder I created for myself, printed, and framed which sits right next to me every day while I write.

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