I vividly remember the day. I can close my eyes and still see everything. I’ve walked through struggles and trials just like most of you. All of those have shaped me, changed me, and challenged me. But this one; this one was different.
I think it was around 2007. Life had handed me some pretty crappy situations. But I’d also done a nice job of screwing several things up myself. Suddenly, I found myself face-to-face with my own wrong choices.
For many years, my standard go-to had been journaling. I never really confided in people (that’s probably it’s own chapter), so I just picked up a notebook and pen and started writing. My intention had been that no one would ever read those pages. They were ugly. They were raw. They were painful. But that day, God planted a seed in me that He was watering day by day, month by month, and year by year.
Tobi Hough and I had attempted to attend Speak Up in Grand Rapids prior to 2023. But Covid…….well, I don’t need to waste time explaining that, do I? On a last minute whim, she contacted me and said, “Let’s go”. Neither of us were prepared for what God would open our eyes and hearts to. It was amazing and overwhelming. We came home exhausted. But just like every other part of my story, I can look back now and see the intricate timing and His divine plan being placed before me.
The last two years have been a beautiful testimony of His purposes in those journaling days. But I’ve now committed to more than journaling for myself. As of this past Tuesday, I’m working with Redemption Press to write what sounds like a memoir.
I’m humbled and grateful by so many of you who have come alongside me to be my cheerleaders. This is a tremendous responsibility to show how Jesus changed my life. It’s serious business to present how I bring everything back to my life verse of Proverbs 3:5-6. So the stage is set. Now it’s more than just talking about it. Now, it begins.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.