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I’m on a week long vacation to the eastern shore of Delaware. Every year we head east for a week of family, delicious food, swimming, adventures. Jerrel and I were talking and think we’ve been coming to Delaware every summer for close to 20 years. It truly is one of the best weeks of the year and a staple of our summer.

At my in-laws’ church on Sunday, pastor Justin preached on the life of Joseph. One of his points – “a spiritual moment can change your life.” That phrase got me thinking. Yes, it can. A church camp, an altar call. A sunset. The choices we make put us in positions to have these spiritual moments. How many times do we act on our base desires and miss these moments because we are tired, want to relax, or are apathetic? It’s the difference between having a goal/vision/plan and wandering aimlessly through this life content to take what comes to us. Reactive vs. proactive.

I love how God speaks because Justin’s sermon put into words what I’d been thinking about since the beginning of the year, as I started plotting and planning for book two. They say to write about what you obsess over and for a few years; I have been drawn to stories of deep redemption. Those who have been on a path so dark it seems impossible their lives can change. The idea for my next novel sparked as I read this article. The Church on Death Row Can there be redemption for someone who has committed a heinous crime? Can Christ really change the heart of someone on death row? My mind gives a certain yes. However, as I examine my heart, I am confronted with the reality that my faith is indeed weak, that maybe my beliefs aren’t as deep-rooted as I believe them to be. This self analysis is why I love to write. Some of my most profound spiritual moments have come through truths I wrestle with as I write them.

As this epiphany unfolded, who I am as a writer and author also unfurled. I want to write books about the deep truths of God. Theology through story. Putting this out on paper makes my spirit lurch in excitement. YES. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads me.

I am 16k words into the new manuscript loosely titled “The Weight of Mercy,” about a pastor and his unlikely friendship with a death row inmate. It’s exciting, it challenges me, and I’m already obsessed with the characters, which I think is a good sign.

I have lots of exciting news to share about my first manuscript, but it will need to wait a few more months.

Pray with me and for me as I continue to seek the Lord and carry on this calling he’s placed on my life. Theology through story is no easy undertaking.