My writing journey began without a focused goal. Although I aways journaled daily, my entries became filled with words of confusion, sadness, and anger resulting from the grief I was feeling after the recent loss of my father. I began to keep these writings in a separate notebook. If you’ve read my writings before, you know that story.
Writing about my grief was a gateway to processing other life transitions, often navigated without guidance, only trusting God. With my favorite pen on a legal pad, I chronicled my journey as a 50-year-old Black woman without judgment. My writing was filled with pain, happiness, confusion, questioning, and more.
With pages of content but no direction, I sought the advice of a friend and colleague. She suggested starting a vlog, but I was not sure that was the way to go. After continuing conversations with her, another mentor, and prayer, I decided to start a blog.
A year later, after curating more writings, research, and learning new skills, my blog, “Lesson and Revelations,” was launched. This blog chronicled moments that changed my life — grief, depression, and hair loss, to name a few. I also included fun stuff too: road trip discoveries, little-known history, and my original poetry. This was a space for Amy to be Amy and share vulnerable moments to encourage someone in similar situations, so they know they are not alone.
Since launching Lessons and Revelations, readers have responded positively, sharing their connection with my journey, and thanked me. That was and is a blessing.
Four years since launching my blog, my writing projects have centered on one goal: To write with vulnerability to encourage someone on their life journey. I am releasing a book later this year and a 21-day devotional for clergy spouses and others living through transitions. I also plan to write my memoir before I leave this earth.
To write with vulnerability to help someone on their life journey is my main thing. With that in front of me, I can always refer back to it if I become distracted. For example, as social media continues to be a primary tool for promoting creative work, it can look easy, and we think, “Oh, I want to be like that,” but it does not connect with your main thing. I’ve been there. It can be a bunch of noise to wade through.
Sure, we can all be better. I can increase my audience, sharpen my messaging, and create more video content, to name a few. Yet, watching others online can be frustrating and defeating in the milieu of social media. Scrolling for ideas makes my mind spiral; I lose focus and nothing gets done. That’s my confession.
Today, as I write this entry, I pray for confidence and courage to know that my goal may seem small but worthy as I place it in God’s hands.
Be encouraged today! Wherever you are, trust that your unique journey is meant to be experienced your way for a reason, and if your story is meant to be shared, it has the power to make a difference in someone’s life.
