Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Daring to ask God for the impossible


I recently completed the book “Sun Stand Still” by Steven Furtick. Go get a copy…now. It’s a tremendous book that spoke to me at just the right time. Furtick is a pastor in Charlotte who has preached at our church a few times. He’s a young guy with a great message and a passion for God. I love hearing him speak and when they sold his book at our church, I snatched up a copy. But like so many of the books I buy, it sat on the nightstand for months.

So when I started a women’s study at my church earlier this year, and one of the classes was studying this book, I knew I had to join that group. The premise of the book is “what happens when you dare to ask God for the impossible.” It’s about asking God to do something really big in your life – something audacious and seemingly impossible.

For the last year or so, I’ve been chipping away at an idea for a book on postpartum depression. I felt maybe I could help others who had gone through PPD and that surely my suffering with that illness could have a larger purpose. I have only found one book on PPD that takes a Christian perspective so I thought there could be a market for this kind of resource.

During one of the first group sessions, we shared our visions. I was hesitant to share mine, but did. Several women in the group nodded in understanding when I said I’d suffered from PPD and then talked about my desire to write a book on the experience.

A young mother approached me the next week and told me her feelings of PPD and a few days later we met for coffee. She encouraged me to work on the book and offered her support. We shared our experiences with PPD. I love when God lines up experiences, putting us in just the right place at just the right time with just the right people.

I’ve been struggling with finding the time to work on the book. In truth, I think it may be less about making the time and more about the fear of such an undertaking. But I’ve finished reading the last couple chapters of “Sun Stand Still” and continue to believe this is God’s desire for me, so I’m renewing my commitment to this project and carving out some dedicated time to work on it. So, hold me accountable on my progress. Give me a nudge. Say a prayer for me. Here I go …. 

7 comments:

Tiffany said...

Can I be your "taste-tester" as you go?

Lyn said...

That's awesome. You are most definitely being told to do this. Go for it! I'll be in line to buy the first copy :)

Shelia said...

I am holding you accountable. Also in prayer as you start this very important project. :D

Abbi said...

I'm so excited that you're starting the book! I will also pray for you through this process and let me know if there's anything I can do to help! :)

Holly said...

Girls, thanks for the kinds words, encouragement and prayers! You know I'll be calling on you to proofread!! :)

Shelia said...

Actually, the more I think about this, the more I'm curious what you're calling the "impossible" that you're asking God for. Is it writing the book? Or squeezing more time into your day to write the book? Because I'm seeing you having a great idea for a book on a topic you have a great passion for. Not seeing any "impossibilities" here. Or, to put it another way, this is totally do-able.

Bonnie said...

Lyn will have to get in line behind me to get the first copy:)
I think it is a great idea, and I think you are right God is wanting to use something you experienced as a way to help others. You know I love you and am your biggest fan. I will be glad to proof read will make me feel important like when proof read some college papers :)