Today is Five Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo Baker. The word prompt is release.
Four years. That’s how long it’s been since I wrote the first draft of my story. After writing it for the first time, I printed a copy and let it collect dust inside my nightstand drawer. But I could never forget that it waited there for me. For some reason, I was drawn to it.
Every couple months I would pull it out and make a change or two. And then one day I stopped fighting the feeling that told me my story didn’t matter and that no one would be interested in reading it. Instead of listening to that ugly voice, I went to work.
You see, my story is worth something. And so is yours. If we never tell anyone about our moments of pain then others won’t be able to see the tender beauty that came from the ashes. We will never be able to help someone else if we can’t share the sounds of our hearts. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to have lived through what I did and have nothing to show for it. I want my story to count for something more.
I need my story to lend hope and help. I want to be a support for someone else.
I lived through fifteen years of miscarriage, stillbirth, and secondary infertility. I know what it is to suffer loss and still have to wake up every morning and live life.
My book releases July 2nd. It is entitled, Nothing to Hold but Hope. I received my first advanced reader copy in the mail today and it was surreal. I’m telling my story. I’m shouting it out loud for as many who want to hear it.
God has opened doors which seemed impossible at first. Writers such as Holley Gerth, Christin Ditchfield, Lisha Epperson, and Amanda Erickson have endorsed it. God is faithful.
God is continuing to prove to me that my story needs to be shared.
What was once heartache has transformed into hope and weaved new dreams together. (Tweet that.)
The same can happen for you!
Allow God to work inside the most sacred places of your heart and just watch what happens.
Your story matters because you matter. You have worth because He is worthy. Your scars are lines in a story that have opportunity to shout His glory. Let them shout, friends!
Love,
Jennifer
PS: My book trailer will be out within the week and Nothing to Hold but Hope will release July 2nd!
So so excited for you!!! What a timely #fmfparty prompt.:)
Thank you, Katie!
I know that story – I’ve lived it, too. I’m so glad you released that story to encourage other women who have been there, too – to point the way in faith to God’s plan for them! Congratulations!
Thank you! I’m so sorry you’ve experienced the same pain. And yet, I’m so incredibly thankful we serve a faithful God who is able to take our tears and turn them to joy! God bless you!
Yes, Yes, YES!! Our stories matter so SO much. And Jennifer! I’m so excited for you. That your book is coming soon. God is so very faithful, and I am cheering you on sister, all the way! May many lives be changed because of your words. xo
Thank you so much, Jacque! I so appreciate your encouragement!
And there you are, holding a book entitled ‘nothing to hold… but…’ May you find your hands and heart full of hope as this exciting day comes. Thanks for sharing your story, and letting us celebrate the release of your book with you. x
Thank you, Ruth!
So thrilled for you, friend…congratulations! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Thank you so much, Mel!!!
This is such a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing! My first book came out in February, and though it is fiction, there was something freeing about sharing a story the Lord placed on my heart. I’m excited for what the Lord will do through your story!
Thank you, Kariss!