Why do I do this, Anyway?

You won’t believe how many times I have asked that question during the past few years. Well actually, if you know me personally, you will probably be able to guess. But whatever number you came up with … Multiply it by at least a hundred, and you might get close.

It’s no secret that I suffer from self-doubt. I’m happy to admit it almost every time I’m asked to speak about my writing because it is a big spiky thorn in my side. Yet as time passes, I grow more convinced that I am exactly where Jesus wants me to be, doing exactly what he wants me to do.

A couple of things have happened this year to strengthen and solidify my calling, and I wanted to share them with you today. Please excuse the lack of photographic evidence, but there are times when taking pictures just isn’t possible or appropriate.

Firstly, I had the huge privilege of speaking to a group of ladies at our local women’s prison in February. Thanks to the generosity of readers like you who believe in my ministry, I was able to donate 100 books to be given out at the discretion of the chaplaincy team.

Honestly, it was one of the best days of my life. The ladies had the chance to ask me questions, and one in particular totally blew me away. “If God said you could have your sight, but you wouldn’t be able to write more books, what would you choose?” I didn’t even have to think about my answer, and they seemed to understand when I told them I’d choose writing every time.

Our hour together ended with an impromptu book signing. They were so warm and friendly, and they didn’t care about my wonky signature or the fact that I couldn’t include a personal dedication. My heart behind doing this was to make these ladies feel seen, known, and loved, but I can honestly say I received that blessing back from them double-fold.

The second thing I’d like to share happened just a few weeks ago. I saw an article in the local paper about a reading shelter being set up in the town of Coleford during the month of July, and I felt that familiar stirring in my heart, telling me God wanted me to get involved. So I wrote an email, and a short time later, my husband and I were dropping off books at Coleford Town Hall.

Then the unexpected happened. I was scrolling Facebook when I came across

this article

and practically fell off my seat.

I wasn’t expecting any of this, but once again, their blessing to me far outweighed the one I gave them.

This is how Jesus works, and it is how he has been confirming my calling.

I am working on a new novel, and all I can tell you so far is that it focuses on a whole new set of characters. Don’t panic, all you Benny fans. I will be getting back to the Wellanders. This is just where I feel led to fix my focus for now, and if you liked the Benny books, I am confident you’ll enjoy this too when it’s finally ready for public consumption.

So please keep praying for me as I battle self-doubt and move forward in my ministry, and please let me know how I can pray for you. We are all in this together, even though we face different challenges as God calls us to different tasks. It is a blessing to be able to support one another in prayer and friendship.

Until next time.

God bless you all.