Today I have received a lot of news the most important being the recommendation and approval for out adoption of Riley. Right after I got that email I received news from the agent who expressed interest in representing my book. Because of the spiritual aspect he didn’t think my story would be a good fit for his agency. This was disappointing but GOD is the most important part of my story so I will not compromise on that. There is a place for my book, I just know it. My friend Emily already has a game plan and is printing off proposals to mail to different publishers. Good news is we have a great proposal so we will see what happens. Although I was sad it was really okay, my first thought was God is in control and my book is going to be published , I just don’t know how or when that is going to happen yet.
After that I pulled out the letters written to me from Kim’s class and re read them. I want to share one that truly touched my heart. As I read them I remembered what my passion truly is : to touch one life at a time by being the hands and feet of Jesus whether it is standing in a classroom, sitting across a glass partition at a jail, speaking to a large group, speaking to a small group, one on one discipleship, or writing to someone in prison. It is in those instances I feel I am operating in my sweet spot. So this has been an incredible week where my ministry is concerned: I heard from my friend in prison, I got these incredible letters from students I shared with, I was asked to share my story with the 3:16 group from Bryan Adams, a sweet girl from church let me know my testimony changed her life, I get to go speak at the prison I did time in on Friday and Saturday, and despite who I used to be today I am seen as a fit and loving mother. !!! That is pretty amazing. So I will count my many blessings and trust God and HIS timing. He is in control and I am still pumped up about FROM POMPONS TO PRISON TO PUMPS. It is going to happen. Here is one letter that captures them all. God knew I was going to experience rejection today so HE made sure I was surrounded by a lot of love and acceptance. HE made sure I felt Jesus right beside me.
Dear Mrs. Washington,
Thank you SO MUCH for coming and speaking in my class. It meant so much to me to hear your story even though you made me cry. But, I also laughed! I can’t even find the words to tell you how important it was for me to hear your story. For the rest of the day, after that class, every person I talked to, I told your story. It’s full of failures and triumphs and heartbreak and also what I think is a happy ending. Not many people are able to walk with God and stay strong after tragedy and you are a prime example of someone who could. I was amazed to see how the situations your encounter in life really transform and define a person. Lots of kids my age face bullying and judgment, including myself. I had always told myself to not let anyone see you cry, just hide it and be strong. Now I know that you can stay strong but that doesn’t mean you had to hide what’s on the inside. Sometimes talking about what you have been through can help you a lot. All my thoughts are jumbled up in my head and I don’t even know in what order to thank you !! I will most certainly check out your website and I’m counting the seconds until your book comes out because I want to share it with everyone. The woman that you talked to on the phone will never know how big of an impact she had on your life. Luckily, I get to share my feelings with you and say thank you. I really hope we can meet again.
Thank you,
XXXXXXXXX
This says it all , this is what it is all about ! Hopefully my book will happen because I do think it could help many but until then I will just keep reaching out in every way the Lord leads me, planting hope in one life at a time. Sharing the hope that was giving to meJ