I didn't know what I was writing

When I wrote my first book, twenty years ago, I didn’t even know I was writing a book.

I was walking through a season of heartbreak and betrayal, trying to keep my heart tethered to God while continuing to lead the people He had called me to lead. I began searching for resources and books that would help me lead with a broken heart—something that would help me heal while keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus. But the more I searched for those specific kinds of resources, the less I found.

Then one day, the Holy Spirit whispered something that changed everything:

“You are the resource.”

So I began journaling. I wrote down my questions, then I listened for Jesus’ answers and His counsel. And I wrote those down too.

Over time, I realized He was writing a book through me when I thought I was simply creating a guide for my own healing. In many ways, my first book was written for me before it was ever written for anyone else. I titled it How the Broken Leader Heals because that was both the question I was asking and the answer He faithfully gave.

I share this because some of you are in that very place right now. Maybe you’re journaling. Maybe you’re blogging. Maybe you’re simply scribbling thoughts into the margins of a notebook.

Be encouraged. Stay the course with your writing.

Even if all you have today is a question, a thought, a lyric, or a title—write it down. Be faithful with what you’ve been given.

Here’s what I know: when we write from the deepest places of our hearts, even if we think it’s only for us, others will glean from it. They will be nourished and even ministered to by your words.

So keep writing, my friends.

You need your story before the world needs it.

Love H