A weird thing happened almost three years ago when I found myself in the neurological ICU as my wife was dying. People started reading my blog. Lots of people. Thousands of people. I’m still amazed at how God did that. All I was doing was letting people know how Stephanie was doing. I didn’t plan for Him to actually use my words for His good. But, He was determined.
Nearly ever since that time, God has been constantly reminding me that He wants me to do more with my writing. Countless people have suggested, encouraged, or even begged me to write a book. (They all expect autographed copies, of course.) Others are so encouraging whenever I write a blog post, saying it spoke to them. (Seriously, it’s not me that spoke to your heart! Please know that.) Every time I start to push those feelings and comments aside, He reminds me again that He’s asking me to do it. Whenever I think, “Nobody cares what I say” or “Who would want to read a book by me?” someone else comes along and says quite literally, “You should write a book.” And I can’t ignore it. I won’t ignore it. I just don’t know necessarily how to respond to that call.
Enter Jon Acuff and his START experiment, based on a book he wrote about going out and actually doing that thing you’ve always dreamed of doing. I recently joined this challenge and have made it my goal to get serious about defining what I want to write a book about. Along with that, I plan to blog at least twice a week for the next 3 weeks.
Frankly, I’m not sure what I’ll blog about, but I know that the more I write, the more I’m inspired to write. So I’m starting there. When we were in the hospital, it was “easy” to write. I was an emotional wreck at times, and so I spilled that all out onto the page as best I could. I had tons of material to work with. But I quickly moved away from that place where I was stuck in those emotions. I’m not content to live in the past. But with my blog, I wasn’t sure anybody cared so much about my present or my future. But regardless, God continues to point out the fact that I have lots I can say. I just have to figure out what those things are I should say.
So, here’s to hoping I do. Here’s to following His call and my dream. Here’s to writing about what He puts on my heart, even if nobody reads it. Here’s to trusting that the same God who put me and my family before the whole world with their hearts and prayers is the same God who will help me fulfill what He is asking me to do.
I look forward to reading! Thanks for having the courage to do what God has called you to do!
Hey Brad,
I’ve been keeping up via facebook, but I’m looking forward to keeping up here more and see what God has in store for you!
This is going to be a great new adventure!
Excited to see how God will use your writings! You are so talented and I’ve loved reading all your posts :)
Definitely write a book! I have referred friends to this blog when they are going through difficult situations and everyone I’ve talked to has said what an inspiration it is. I have always thought your story is one people need to hear. It is easy when the story is “I faced a situation, I prayed, God answered the prayer and it all turned out ok”. But, what about when it doesn’t turn out “ok” (from a worldly point of view). What does that say about God? Our faith? Those are real questions we struggle with and I think you can offer a perspective of having faith in spite of loss and struggle.
I agree 100% with what Rachel Westley has said! I too have referred many a friend to you blog over the past 3 years. Your words have touched many a heart, brought peace to many a troubled soul. I have been praying for you and your family the last three years. Thank you for listening to that still small voice and following the Lord’s leading in your life. Go for it!
Amen,and He will I am sure
Brad, He will lead you. YOU will follow. God Bless.