The Power of Story When We Lead with Love

How God can use one small “yes” in BIG ways

Dec 11, 2024

It was a hot summer evening with another gorgeous Kentucky sunset casting early shadows on the pool deck when I first met friend and fellow author, Rachael Adams. Neither of us had any idea that this chance meeting as two “swim moms” would evolve into deep friendship and the opportunity to partner together through some of our most passionate pursuits. While making the usual small talk, I asked Rachael how she spent her time. Never one to draw attention, she humbly shared that she was a Christian author, speaker, and podcast host. Oh, and by the way… she was writing her first book. How cool was that?!!! I offered to be a test reader or even edit her book if she was interested. We exchanged phone numbers, grabbed our wet girls, and headed out for the night.

About a week later, I hadn’t received anything from Rachael so I followed up and asked her if she would like me to take a look at her book. She was surprised that I brought the subject up again and felt it was more of an inconvenience to me than a privilege. I assured her that I not only wanted to help with the book, but that it would be an absolute honor. Two weeks later, we met at my house to talk through the first round of suggested edits. When we sat down and opened up the manuscript, Rachael started shockingly:

“Oh wait… you are like a real editor! I thought you were just going to take a look and give me a few notes!”

I laughed and responded, that yes, I was a “real editor” and I offered my assistance as a friend – no strings attached.

As I like to say here at Just One More Chapter, there is nothing that draws people closer together than shared stories. Unless of course… you are a writer vulnerably handing your book baby to an editor; entrusting your labor of love to another. That book, A Little Goes A Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life was an absolute joy to work through and a deep respect and friendship emerged on the other side. We recently completed Rachael’s second work together, Everyday Prayers for Love, which released on Dec. 3^rd and have just jumped in to her next book scheduled to release in 2027. While not working on books we adventure together with friends, serve in the same women’s ministry, pray together, and love to grab coffee or lunch when either of us can squeeze in the time.

Only the Master Weaver, our good and gracious God, who intertwines our lives as the most exquisite tapestry, could foresee all that was ahead when I moved cross-country four years ago to a small town in rural Kentucky, and took my daughter to practice with a new swim team. Rachael would say the exact same, which is why I asked if she would be willing to share a bit of her own story with us and how a single-small step of obedience led to the fulfillment of a dream the Lord put in her heart over six years ago.

MEGAN: Rachael, you are an author, speaker, and podcast host with multiple book publications, a nationally syndicated podcast, and a well-known ministry brand—Lead with Love. This all sounds so impressive when we summarize it in this manner, but it actually all started with a single, small step of obedience. Can you share with us how you started on this journey?

RACHAEL: My journey began with leading a women’s Bible study at my church. It was a small step of obedience that deeply impacted me. As I prepared lessons and shared insights, I felt God stirring my heart to take what I was learning and write it down to reach a broader audience. That prompting led me to work on a book proposal, which felt exciting and daunting. Trusting God, I attended the She Speaks Conference, where I learned more about writing, publishing, and ministry. It was a pivotal moment in my journey. While the road from that initial step to seeing my first book published wasn’t quick or easy, it was filled with God’s faithfulness at every turn. Looking back, I see how leading that Bible study was the spark that ignited this entire ministry. It taught me to say “yes” to the small things, trusting that God would multiply them in His time.

MEGAN: Once you took that first step of faith, how has God continued to write His story in and through you?

RACHAEL: I was sitting in a church pew one Sunday morning when I felt God ask me a profound question: “Rachael, you are my love offering. I’ve given you my love—how will you love the world around you?” That moment was transformative and the catalyst for The Love Offering podcast. I wanted to create a space where others could share their stories of living out their faith and loving others uniquely.

What started as a single idea has become something I could never have imagined. Six seasons later, I’ve had the honor of interviewing over 300 men and women from all walks of life. Each conversation has been a gift—a reminder of God’s love at work in the world and an encouragement to me and my listeners to continue saying “yes” to the opportunities He places before us. Through the podcast, my writing, and speaking, I’ve seen God’s hand guiding every step of this journey. Seeing how He uses our obedience to weave together something beautiful for His glory has been such a blessing.

MEGAN: Have you always been a writer? Can you share with us a bit of your journey as a writer that led you to this point?

RACHAEL: Writing has always been a passion of mine, but I wouldn’t say I’ve always considered myself a writer. My journey began with a simple desire to share the lessons God was teaching me. I started writing devotionals and articles for various Christian publications, but it was far from easy. For two years, I submitted pieces and received my fair share of rejections. Each “no” was challenging, but it also refined me and taught me perseverance. It was during that time that I learned to trust God’s timing and to embrace the process of becoming a better writer.

Eventually, I connected with my agent, and we worked together to fine-tune my book proposal. That process took another two years of writing, revising, and praying, but it was worth every moment. When we finally pitched it to publishers, the door opened for my first book, A Little Goes a Long Way, to be released. Seeing that book published was a dream come true, but it also began a new chapter.

Now, with my second book, Everyday Prayers for Love, coming out, I’m overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness. The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but every step has been part of His plan to grow me as a writer and share His love with others through the words He’s given me. It’s a privilege to reflect His story through my own.

MEGAN: While you share a great deal of your own story through your books and speaking engagements, actually the majority of your ministry is focused on promoting the stories of others through your podcast, The Love Offering. Can you share with us why you created a podcast for this specific purpose?

RACHAEL: When I started The Love Offering, I wanted to create a space where people could celebrate the ways God is working through ordinary acts of love. I’ve always been inspired by hearing how others live out their faith in practical, everyday ways, and I felt called to highlight these stories. There is so much beauty in the body of Christ when we come together and share what God is doing in and through us. My podcast allows me to amplify the voices of others, to encourage listeners, and to remind us all that God uses our unique gifts and callings to further His kingdom. It’s been a joy to hear and share these stories, and I believe they help us see God’s love in action.

MEGAN: You have a new book releasing, Everyday Prayers for Love. If I am not mistaken, there is actually a special story behind this particular manuscript. Can you share that with us?

RACHAEL: Everyday Prayers for Love has such a special story behind it. When I first started dreaming about becoming an author, this was actually the book I initially pitched. I poured my heart into the proposal, believing it was the message God wanted me to share. But after pitching it, the doors didn’t open the way I had hoped. It was disappointing at the time, but I now see that God had a different plan—and timing—for this book.

Fast forward six years, and while I was working on other projects and growing in my writing and ministry, a connection I made through a mastermind group led to a publisher approaching me about writing Everyday Prayers for Love. Such a “God moment” took me by surprise and reminded me of His faithfulness. The timing was right this time, and the opportunity fell into place.

Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown in those six years—not just as a writer but also in my understanding of love, prayer, and what it means to walk faithfully with God. It’s been a beautiful lesson to trust His timing and know His plans are always better than ours. This book fulfills a dream I thought might never happen, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.

MEGAN: One final question: can you share with our readers why you believe so strongly in the power of story and its impact on your own life as well as on the lives of others?

RACHAEL: Stories have a unique ability to resonate with our hearts in ways nothing else can. They allow us to see ourselves and our struggles in someone else’s journey, reminding us that we are not alone. For me, hearing others’ stories has often been the catalyst for my own growth and healing. They’ve shown me God’s faithfulness, challenged me to trust Him more, and inspired me to live a life of love. Through my ministry, I hope to continue sharing stories that point people to Christ and encourage them to see how He is writing their own beautiful stories.

How have you seen God use your small “yes” in BIG ways? Click on the comment button and share!

The Power of Story When We Lead with Love

How God can use one small “yes” in BIG ways

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