I just wrote a book, people! No ghost writer, no transcribing of sermons… I – WROTE – A – BOOK. All by myself. This girl who used to think she was stupid and inept with nothing to say. This girl who unfairly compared herself to her salutatorian sister and valedictorian brother. This girl who was born and raised in Spokane, Washington on the wrong side of the tracks, in a blue collar, working class family who went through seasons of life living on food stamps… I – WROTE – A – BOOK. This girl who got asked if she wanted to sign the “dumb rock” in high school, who was then petrified (no pun intended) to ask any further questions in case I looked like a fool… I WROTE A FREAKING BOOK! Take that, “dumb rock!”
Now before this becomes a prideful rant, let me take the “I” out of the equation and replace it with “we”…
This girl who has been abused, cornered, terrified, controlled, broken, ashamed, fearful, confronted, lied to, betrayed, cast aside, over-looked and unqualified… by the literal grace of God, with His love, tender nudge and whisper, truth and direction, through obedience, a multitude of tears while on my knees and a million and one little “yeses” – I wrote a book, no WE (Holy Spirit and I) wrote a book together.
Yesterday, I received the final proof to go through one last time for any final edits before it goes off to be printed. It’s surreal. I keep looking at it as it sits here next to me on the couch with the morning sun shining down on it, like a new born baby fresh out of the womb. I keep thinking, “I actually did that. This college drop-out did that.”
1 Corinthians 1:27 says, He uses the foolish things to confound the wise, and this fool, who may not be wise by human standards, or of noble birth, partnered with God and wrote something that I believe will bring His freedom and life to many.
Truth be told, I’m a little tired, okay – a LOT tired – because my husband, 4 kids and the church that I’m leading didn’t press pause while I sat and wrote my heart out. But in this bleary, puffy-eyed, tired state is an overjoyed momma (albeit in need of a caffeine drip).
A momma who no longer believes she is stupid.
I’m overjoyed at what the time, tears, energy, early mornings, late nights, writing trips, encouragement from friends and family has produced – a little piece of the inheritance that I’m leaving to my children’s children sits on the couch next to me in the morning sun and I feel the glorious weight of it all. I’m overwhelmed by the kindness of our God to love us and partner with us, in spite of us. It’s profound. He sees us, the fullness of who He created us to be right in the middle of our mess, our brokenness, insecurity, lack of qualification, and takes us by the hand (if we’ll let Him) and leads us down roads of destiny.
This book, She is Free, is a little piece of my journey from brokenness to wholeness, and at its core is Jesus. The One who rescues me, loves me deeply in all of my flaws, has delivered me multiple times, held me when I hurt more than I knew was humanly possible and simply never gives up on me – ever.
“26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV
So, in the first week of October when my book is released, I hope you’ll invest in (or gift) a piece of freedom that will cause you to search your heart and go on a journey of discovery with the One who will never leave you or let you go.
Love, Andi
P.S. Here is a direct link to pre-order my book at Barnes and Noble!!!