Why Not

Why Not?

Once I was told that I indeed supported the goals of others without doubting their ability. I do find this statement to be accurate. Because, why not?

If someone were to say that they would like to walk a tightrope strung up between two of the tallest buildings, who am I to say they can’t.

Well, I want to write in a blog. I have many thoughts swirling around in my head, and I think that they are supposed to be written. Perhaps to help me, but more likely, my words are to help someone going through the same thing with the same thoughts as I.

 Let me explain:

 I feel like I have experienced so many things in my life that will be of value to someone. Deaths of those too young; joys of new beginnings; fears, love, absences, growth.

After having a TBI (traumatic brain injury) at 16, I was limited as to what I could say clearly. I stuttered and couldn’t find the words I wanted to use. I would often say that I could write it down for someone if I felt like they didn’t ‘get me’.

 There it was; the reason that I write all started with my inability to get my thoughts across to someone verbably.

In 1990, fourteen years after the accident, I started taking a drug to help a chemical imbalance in my brain, a direct effect of the TBI mixed with the hormones after the birth of my two children. I feel like this got me back on track, or made me believe I was anyway.

Write!

So now I was even more aware of the need to write, although the actual writing didn’t take place for real until 2001. It was after my grandmother died.  It was then, as a tribute to her, that I began to record my life growing up in my first booklet “A lifetime in July”.  I jotted down the things that had happened to me, co-incidentally in July.

I would visit my grandparent’s house for a week or two, each summer. It was July 1974 that our high school band traveled to Europe and while we were gone, my granddad had a heart attack. He had several in fact, but he lived until we returned, to say goodbye, I think. Granddad died a short while later. It was in July two years later, that I had the debilitating automobile accident.

I gave the booklet to my family members, as a Christmas present. The next year, I gave each one my account of my accident. They were asked to make any corrections or additions that were strong in their minds.

A few years later, as I had my story all put together, I had some friends edit it. One of my friends did counseling for me pro-bono. She was the one that suggested I share in church.

Wait – Me?

I am a writer, not a speaker. I couldn’t. I stutter some, can’t find the right words lots, and I limp when I walk. I can’t get up in front…..

 Maybe not, but the Holy Spirit can do the talking, giving me the words, and God can open hearts to acceptance.

Ok, why not?

No argument held water, so not only did I ask to speak, they had me give the message in the Pastor’s absence.  It was well received.

They also handed out copies of my story printed by the church. Wow.

Next?

Shortly after that, my story was on Kindle. Printed, published, and sold. Then the most amazing thing touched me deeply.

 A woman in my church told me she sent one of those printed copies the church handed out to a relative whose 16 year old son had been in an accident, much like mine. They were happy to read it. She said it helped.

Aha ~ My Call.

The story was removed from publication and put on the church web page. Anyone who needs to read it, may – for free.

Writing? Like talking in the Pastor’s absence, I will let the Holy Spirit do the scribing by giving me the words, and much needed confidence. I will let God open the reader’s heart to acceptance.

So I asked ~ why not?

Yes, I would find a way to tell my story, share what God gave me. I would start a blog. I had the motivation of Jeff Goins, a writer, and encourager, who I have followed for years and I trust him. I will keep writing and I will tell my story along with other stories, to bring glory to God.

Because I have been saved for a purpose.

 (And I don’t want to walk a tightrope between buildings)