Why I Decided to Collaborate with Hope*Books
When I was little, I was obsessed with stories. My parents were great at reading me stories whenever I wanted to hear one, and I watched my mom tear through books. I grew up and fell deeper in love with stories once I realized I could share my own and believed I had something to share with the world.
Personal testimony of God’s power in our lives is always needed, especially in a world that wants to discredit God’s grace, love, and active presence. But it’s also scary to share what’s personal, because it’s not always accepted or taken in with kindness and respect, but instead with criticism and judgment.
In full transparency, several years ago, I wrote a story for a new series about stories of overcoming that the online magazine I was working for at the time was starting. I poured my heart out and hit submit. I felt good about the work and the hope it would bring to others. After months went by, I heard back that my story, while vulnerable, wasn’t “overcoming” enough and didn’t highlight God’s work enough because I still had struggles and pain in my life.
After that experience, I doubted myself and the value of sharing my story. What if I’m not living life the right way? What if I’m not experiencing God because I’m not where other Christians think I should be? If I’m still struggling, have I experienced God’s power or missed it? I spiraled so far out for a moment, I wondered if I was even saved. But then I dialed back in, quit working for that publication, and came back to trusting what is true. Just because I know struggle doesn’t mean God is absent from me.
I started writing again for myself, and slowly began sharing pieces of my story with others again.
I decided to contribute to Anchored In Hope with Hope*Books, because what I experienced through my diagnosis and journey with pectus excavatum, a congenital birth defect causing the sternum and rib cage to be concave, changed my life in more ways than one. I may have gotten a literal new breath for life, but God drew me closer to Him through my suffering. He used the experience to grow my endurance, character, and ultimate hope in Him. I’m honored to share my journey and encourage others in their season of suffering to lean into Jesus, because His arms are already around them.
This is why I write to encourage women to lean into God’s strength and know God for themselves. He is waiting for you and wants us to know Him. I chose to write with Hope*Books because they align with my belief that there is hope in every story that God is writing with our lives. Working with them was also a redemptive process. I wasn’t told my story wasn’t good enough; my story was welcomed at the table.
I would like you to check out Anchored In Hope. Nine other authors and I share stories of clinging to hope amid life’s ups and downs. When you order your copy, you are supporting authors and their dreams. And on behalf of all of us, thank you for considering ordering a copy.
