When I first began writing this blog…I mean, earnestly writing…I was reeling from the sudden loss of my husband. I wrote from a place of pain and my heart spilled out onto these pages with the fresh blood of grief. I was a Christian, I was “faithful”, but I did not bring God into the equation when it came to this blog. I did not want to offend anyone. I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. It had nothing whatsoever to do with being “politically correct”. It had everything to do with being respectful. There’s nothing wrong with that and it worked…until that day in church when I got a “text from God”.
I’ve told you that story, but those of you who are relatively new here may not have heard it so I’ll give you the Cliff Notes version. I can always tell when I’m about to have some spiritual insight. I feel this kind of antsy electricity running up my arms and up the back of my neck. I’ve learned to sit up and take notice because it always turns out to be monumental.
On the particular Sunday in question, I felt the Spirit touching me and I asked what he wanted.
“You have to tell your readers where you find your peace.”
“Oh, no…really and truly I don’t,” I thought. “I’m not going full gospel in my blog. I’ll drive away people and lose readers. I won’t do it. You can’t make me!” I was having quite the internal argument with God when my phone, sitting in top of my purse on the pew beside me, began to vibrate. I looked down and there was a text from a friend in Florida.
“You cannot run from God’s love!”
Wow. Ok. When you get a text from God, in Church…you’d better listen. From that day forward, I put a scripture at the bottom of every post to illustrate what my thinking was when I wrote it. As time has passed, I have become more and more bold in my writing and have had more discussions that include my perspectives through the lens of my faith.
I am not “religious”, per se. I am faithful…faith FULL. I know what God’s Love has done for me. I know that I would never have survived what I’ve been through if I did not have my faith. I promised God that day in church that if he would bring me the words and the people to hear the message, I would put my heart and soul into my writing. I pray over my keyboard that I shine his light through my words into a dark and troubled world…into dark and troubling times in people’s lives. In particular, to those grieving a loss.
I debated and prayed about this post in particular. I don’t usually bring up the opportunities I receive to write something until it’s a done deal. Something about tempting fate. This one is different though. So, here goes.
The other day, I was contacted by a publisher regarding the possibility of me authoring a book for them. I’m flattered and excited about the possibility. We have a phone conference scheduled today. It sound like an excellent opportunity. The only thing is…this particular book they want me to write doesn’t include religion. That is like asking me to write a book without verbs. They have published faith-based books before so I’m not sure why this one is different. I’ll tell you what I think it is. I think God gives us opportunities to stand up for him. I think he wants to see if I will wear the full armor…or just a sweatsuit.
So, here’s what I’m going to ask you to do. At 1:00 EST today, will you pray that I speak the correct words to sway them to change their minds about the inclusion of faith in this book and, soften their hearts so that they see the writing they chose me for COMES from God and should be allowed to flow into this book. The internet is a great big place. It is no accident that they found Marshmallow Ranch in their search for grief writers. Pray that I stand strong and shine his light. ❤️
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,”
Ephesians 6:19 NIV
Photo Credit: John Everett Millais – Joan of Arc
I’ll be praying and thinking of you all day! God’s got this!
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Will pray
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Will be praying! He’ll give you the words.
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Ginny I’ll say a prayer at 1:00 but don’t back down for what you stand for. They obviously loved what they read from you to call and talk about a book so maybe this is a test from God to see if you walk the walk or just st talk the talk. You are a strong woman and I believe in you that you’ll stand true
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I am of the same thought. God is testing to see just how Faith Full you will be. If Gid brought it to you, He is faithful to equip you! I am praying God open that door if it be His will! Praying for strength and discernment for you and above all peace the moment it is God’s will.
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Will keep you in my prayers today and set an alarm for 1:00 to make sure I stop whatever I’ m doing and ask for special prayers.
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Yes stay strong! God is up to something through you Ginny!! You are going to use the gift he gave you to bless even more folks! Wear that full armor proud girl!!! Prayers at noon my time!! Sending Ky love!!
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Will pray at 1. You will stand strong,I know you will,that’s who you are!
Without God,it will not be your book,you will be writing their book!
You have helped so many with your words,you lived it,you know the feeling!!, ???
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It will be ok, they will see your side, Because God answers prayers. My prayers are with you.
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I will be praying for you today. If it is God’s will for you to write it, then everything will fall into place. Just be stronge in your faith and trust in Him.
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You have no idea how big a part you play in my daily life Ginny. You have given me so much and I will be absolutely praying for you!
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Definitely need God in the grieving process, even if you are mad at him. Don’t back down. Like someone else said, it’s a test to see if you will walk the walk when ir’s not a popular thing. Good luck & prayers.
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It would be a shame to publish such a book without letting people know the source of your strength. And you do have strength Ginny. And you do know where it came from. I will be praying.
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A book by Ginny McKinney that did not include your faith walk would NOT be a book by Ginny McKinney. Praying that the Holy Spirit will help you help them to understand that.
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I will be praying for you at 1pm. Hold strong to your faith; hold strong to your beliefs. If this is God opening a door it will only be because He wants you to share Him ❤️
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Praying for you Ginny
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??
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I got you Ginny!!
1:00 EST ❤️
(I, too, am a faith FULL, non-religious Christian widow. I also write but nobody sees it – it’s all stored in my computer after I “get it out”).
You inspire me greatly.
Renee.
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Yes I’d be honored to do so.. Prayer is a mighty source and when doubled it quickens the Holy Spirit.
I’m glad you have made a decision to keep God in the equation !
Louise Hay wrote volumes of self help books yet kept from saying the word Jesus. I think ( opinion) she did this to reach more people, yet I also believe she was a believer. There were so many undertones of Him that can’t be denied.
You have a gift of verbal articulation …I’m glad you put the pen to the paper … It must help you personally to know you have blessed others in the world as well as yourself! When you share your innermost thoughts somehow it seems to heal all who read your blog…
Thank you for leaving yourself open to strangers who might poo-poo you.
Also I appreciate that you did put up boundaries so that folk would not leave negative remarks! It is vital to support our sisters in Christ, as He supports us!
Thanks again for your inner wisdom shared! Sincerely, Gini
Thank you so much for your kind words of support, Gini. It is indeed an honor to do what I do and a humbling experience when people are touched by my writing. My faith and my words cannot be teased apart. They are from the same Source. I am so thankful for your input here. You always bring such good energy to our discussions. ❤️
Will be praying for you. You have a God given gift of writing. Can’t wait to read your first book. I have faith this will happen.
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