I pulled the cardboard folder out of my mailbox. I immediately tore into that folder and removed a copy of my book…yes, I said a copy of my book. In October of 2014, I participated in my first ever Write 31 Days challenge. My series was titled “Being a Daughter: 31 Days of Mental Illness.” After much prayer, I decided to make this series into a book. There are so many who need to hear and learn about mental illness and mental health.

So today I found myself holding a proof copy of that book.
My fingers ran over the smooth cover of my book….
My fingers paged through and glanced at every page…
My eyes looked and saw my name on the cover.

Then I grabbed my phone and took a picture. I first posted it to Facebook and then a few minutes later posted it to my Instagram account. And within moments, I was feeling overwhelmed; overwhelmed at the number of people who were joining with me in celebration of this book. I honestly didn’t know whether to laugh, or jump for joy or cry. (Let’s be honest here, friends…what do you think I did?)

Before Christmas, I felt the nudge from God to write a book. This book I hold in my hand is NOT that book, but is a book I feel others do need to read. The other book “Chasing our Untils” is still in the works. But this book…this book…that I hold today in my hands is a gift…a gift that I hope will bless so many. It is my prayer that by telling my families story, I will help to educate and break the stigma around mental illness.

Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to write a book. My mom said I was one of those kids who was happy with pen and paper rather than a toy. To be honest, I may never be a best-selling author, but that is totally ok with me. Because this isn’t about me. It is about sharing the story of mental illness and bringing about mental health awareness in this world. It is about a God who never leaves us or forsakes us. It is about a God who loves each and every one of us unconditionally and has created us each as unique beings “fearfully and wonderfully made.” It is about a God who loved us so much that God sent God’s one and only Son into the world for each and everyone of us. It is about a God who sees our dreams come true!

And today, I especially see that before my eyes…as I hold a proof copy of my own book in my own hands!

I am linking up with Holly at Testimony Tuesday, Kelly and the RaRa linkup, Jennifer at Tell His Story, Holley and Coffee for your Heart and Kristin and Three Word Wednesday!