Let me tell you a little story about circumstances and consequences, about inspiration and compassion, about passion and purpose, about a book I wrote!
Back in Dec. of 2014, I was stuck on the couch in a leg cast for 8 weeks, pretty miserable by all accounts. I wanted to keep up with my blog, so I wrote a post with all I could offer at the time. It wasn’t anything I had written before, but my words reflected exactly where I was at- and I thought to myself, “What a waste of time. Who would care about this?”
I always write with hopes to share some kind of message that informs or inspires- and this felt completely off focus. But I published it anyway…
It was real and honest, something I’m known to be. So there’s that.
Somewhere deep within my heart, I had a growing passion to write a book, but I had no clear vision of what that would look like, or what I would actually write about. I felt I had nothing worthy to offer, nothing different or surely nothing that would meet any reader’s needs-
So I prayed.
I prayed God would give me clarity and wisdom on what to write about, if I were meant to write a book. There needed to be purpose. There always needs to be purpose.
I waited. I brainstormed endlessly. I struggled with many various ideas. And while I did, I noticed that one fateful blog post rise in my traffic stats. It continues to be the most viewed post on my blog since. I began receiving messages, comments, and emails with personal stories and gratitude for my words. It didn’t ‘hit‘ me until months later, when I had another surgery landing me back in that well of words, so I decided to write another post similar to see if it too, would be received that well.
It did.
Meanwhile, my burden grew for all those women I would hear from and all the views I would get on both of those posts, and I would think to myself, ‘All these women need encouragement! I think I can help them.” Thousands of women- need support, encouragement and help through post surgery recovery… Thousands have read those posts. My heart still breaks open with every new comment, and this slow rising compassionate fire continues to burn within me.
I have experienced several various surgeries for many different reasons through the last decade- all of which left me wounded, weary, stressed out, lonely, angry, sad, and in excruciating pain. I’ve felt the burden of allowing others to take over many duties I couldn’t carry out, while being forced to loosen the intense grip of control. I’ve struggled with attempts at mothering my kids from within the confines of my broken body, and I’ve surely felt the undeniable emotional uproar that rises with every turn. I’ve been stuck in the stillness, lamenting my limitations, and managing the pain while trying to keep perspective and find purpose in it all.
Oh, there are so many challenges for women to face, when stripped of our usual roles and duties!
I know this all too well.
I realize now, that God was equipping me to write this book through the many different experiences I have had with injury, illness, and surgeries. I’m still in awe of this revelation, to be honest. Just wow. As I wrote this book, I reflected through all my circumstances, and drew from the commonalities that I believe every woman would endure while they are recovering from any injury, illness, or surgery.
I want to help ALL women who face a season of healing and recovery- I’m not writing from a medical standpoint, but rather my book reads more like a long supportive letter from one girlfriend to another. If you are ever in this situation, I want to take your hand, and help you through this difficult journey and give you HOPE. Through your physical pain, your emotional turmoil, and your mental anguish, I want to help you find purpose and meaning through it all.
I’ve been there, sister. I know. We’ve got this.
With tears I write this-
MY BOOK IS OUT ON AMAZON!!!
Help and Hope While You’re Healing
A woman’s guide toward wellness while recovering from injury, surgery or illness.
If YOU know of anyone in this place, please pass this gift on to them.
You can purchase the book HERE.
Congratulations Christine, and on listening and just being you which is being a gift to the world too.
Oh Lynn, what a beautiful thing to say! Thank you, friend. So so much. <3
Congratulations, Chris!! Cannot wait. xo
Thanks so much Alison!!!
Congratulations on writing your book! Praying beforehand is of utmost importance and not many do so prior to taking on a project. Good for you! I look forward to reading it. God bless you, Christine.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support Ivette! I’m so grateful. Praying all the way from beginning to end, my friend. <3
Huge congrats Chris and truly so excited for you!!! 🙂
Thank you SO much Janine!!! I appreciate your support SO MUCH! <3
Congratulations friend. I cannot wait to read it!
Thank you so much Allie! I’m so grateful for your support, sweetie!! <3
I can see God working through you, your experiences, and your words, Chris. While I’m sorry you experienced such pain, I am grateful that you are using it for good — and God’s glory! Congratulations!
Thanks so much for your beautiful encouragement, Katy. I’m so grateful for that, and for your support! <3
Well done and I cannot wait to read the book!!!!
Thanks mom! I can’t wait for you to read it TOO!! 🙂
So exciting!! Love that you created a landing page for the book!!! You go, Girl!
I couldn’t publish this book without you, girl! I’m forever grateful for ALL OF YOUR AMAZING GUIDANCE AND HELP! XOXOXO…
Congratulations on your book! Wonderful news 🙂
Thank you so much Lynn! 🙂
I cannot wait to read your book and suggest it to all my patients! ❤️
AW!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH HONEY!!!! (I’ve been thinking SO much about you… missing you! I got spoiled seeing you in WI. I WANT MORE! Text me when you’re free!)
Oh wow Christine! So very awesome!
You are amazing with words – I know this will be a blessing to many.
Thanks for sharing – and congratulations!!
xoxo
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, my friend. I am so grateful! <3
I look forward to it as well. Let me ask, Christine, if you have ever read anything by Regina Brett ? A columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, she wrote a book in 2011 entitled, God Never Blinks; 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours. This was written during her time recovering from breast cancer surgery. I thought of this in reading your posting here about that which you want to write. You know that I always love your stuff, Christine, because I know your heart and love that too. Peace, Joe
I have not! That sounds like an excellent book, Joe! I will definitely have to look it up! Thanks for telling me about it, and thank you so much for your sweet encouragement and love Joe. I’m SO grateful for you! <3
OHMIGOSH OHMIGOSH OHMIGOSH! SO SO SO SO EXCITED AND HAPPY FOR YOU!
And SO glad that you’ve not only found learning within your own struggles, but ways to share your healing, your wisdom, and your heart for others, WITH others, in a meaningful, building-up kind of a way.
You. Are. WONDERFUL!
AW!!! Thank you SOOOO MUCH for all of your love and support, precious friend!! I’M SOOOO GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!!
This is so exciting. Chris!! You will serve many with these words of yours, my friend. I love how you put such a beautiful, positive spin on your struggles by seeing them as God’s way of using you to help others. Praying your awesome book will get in front of the eyes that need it most.
Thank you so so much for your encouraging words, Candace. I’m so grateful for your support and friendship! <3
What?? This is like.. perfection. It’s SO you! And so pretty! I can’t wait to have and smell my own new copy. I just need to get to you for an autograph.
AW!! This makes me laugh and cry at the same time! Isn’t the cover beautiful? Oh, the hours I searched for THE perfect image. I knew I wanted hands… reaching out, holding- something! And I love what the two images created and the coloring. Michelle is SO TALENTED at cover design. I’m THRILLED with it! And oh yes… I MUST GET TO YOU!! (Still dreaming of our girl getaway) 🙂
That’s so awesome and so God. I’m sure it will be any amazing book because you are an amazing writer and woman of God. Congratulations!
Oh Laurie, your encouragement and support blesses me SO MUCH, my friend. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! <3
So excited for you!
Thank you SO MUCH, Lisa!! <3
HUGE Congratulations!!! I’m am absolutely sure it is amazing!
Aw! Thanks so much, Lisa! That means so much to me. <3
I love this, it sounds like the perfect book for you to have written and I cannot wait to read it and share it with the world!
Bev, I’m so so grateful for your support my friend! <3
What an important book Christine! I received your note on my blog..and asked you to email me at kathy@bigvoicepictures.com..
I’m been amazed how many blogs I have read about women in some sort of pain–healing from an illness. I cannot think of a better person to write a book to offer comfort during such times, and I’d be honored to be on your launch team and do as much as I possibly can!
I’m amazed you have gotten so focused! May this book bless so many!!!
Thank you SO MUCH Kathy, for all your love and support!! I’m so so grateful!! My goal was to have the first draft written before school was out- because I KNEW this summer would be tough! I’m so blessed to have Bonnie helping me with edits and I’m still working on some rewrites I wanted to do. It’s a PROCESS. But oh, the joy! I can’t wait to get this into the hands of those hurting!
Ditto what Kathy above says about there not being a better person for this job of writing a book to offer comfort to women during that sort of difficult time. I just don’t know even know a fraction of your story, my friend. All of your love and support and authenticity toward so many comes from a very deep place that’s truly been through a lot. You’re a humbled, soul and I can’t wait to support you on this journey!
I’m in tears reading your comment again, Julie Jo! You always seem to strike such a deep place in my heart… Oh how grateful I am for you and your incredible ‘view’ of me. <3 I truly hope and pray this book helps many precious women who need the help and the hope while they're healing. Oh do I pray!
It takes an open and ready heart to recognize the opportunities put before us. He knew what He was doing. Congratulations on this, and may your voice of faith and perseverance lift those who read your words!
Eli, you always have such a way with words and a way with your heart. Thank you SO MUCH for your support, my friend. <3
This is amazing. I’m so excited for you.
OH friend, thank you so much. <3
I’m so, so proud of you Chris!! I still think about your many surgeries and how you persevered, but most importantly…you never complained! And remarkably found the strength and fortitude to encourage others! THAT is what I admire and love about you my friend (outside of the fact that you are super sweet, and drop dead gorgeous, lol)! But seriously, THIS is your reward for being such a faithful servant and showing others the heart of Christ!! May God put your book in front of people of influence, so He can use them to promote it to millions! LOVE YOU GIRLIE!!!! <3 <3
Oh Michell… you have blessed me SO MUCH with your beautiful encouragement, dear friend. THANK YOU!! <3
This is AWESOME Chris! You’re fabulous and I am sure your words will touch many hearts around the world. Can’t wait to read it.
God is talking to us all the time, your exemple is showing us that we must open our hearts to let God wisdom transform us.
Well done my friend! xx
Oh Marie, you are so wise my friend. Thank you for your beautiful support- always so grateful for YOU!!
So looking forward to reading and sharing your book! So many, many need this encouragement from you!!
Thank you so so much, my friend. I appreciate your support more than you know! <3