WHY I’VE CHANGED THE FOCUS OF MY WRITING
One of the greatest gifts that I have been given in life is to be able to share my own story, how God even in the darkest moments, took my hand and walked with me. There is a powerful redemptive element in speaking out where you have been and where you are now.
I will always be an ardent believer in the power of story. In the last couple of years, however, there has been a shift inside me. I find myself drawn more and more to God’s Word. Nothing will ever compare to the power of the Word of God in our lives. It is God’s Word that has the power to carry us through the fiercest storms. It is God’s Word that shows us how to live in a world that has largely turned it’s back on our Father. It is God’s Word that allows us to stand when everything else seems to be falling apart. That is why I have a renewed comittment to study and write books that concentrate on going deeper into God’s Word and learning what He has promised to us. It feels like the right fit for me, when my heart and head are deep into it, I feel most alive. Part of the joy and challenge of life is finding where we uniquely fit, why we were put on this earth, at this time. To those of you who are the poets and story-tellers I will always be grateful for your gift. I am changed by this beauty. But for me, as I sit at my desk with research papers, commentaries, translations and the space and time to think…time simply disappears!
In the course of my work with Women Of Faith and living in community with other believers, it seems to me that many of us are trying to make it through each day with inadequate resources. As I have weathered my own storms, God has brought me to a place where He has shown me the power of His promises. There are over 3,000 promises in the Bible and as Paul writes to the Church in Corinth,
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2:10 (NIV)
All the promises of God find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the atoning death of Christ, we see that God kept His most difficult promise of all and He will never fail us. This is the stuff we can stake our lives on.
For the very first time I have been given the opportunity of providing so much more than just a book. As well as my new book, “The Shelter Of God’s Promises”, I have developed and recorded a ten week DVD Bible study for churches and women’s studies. It can also be used for individual study. And for the first time I’ve asked my publisher, Thomas Nelson to release these books in paperback so they will be more cost-effective. This study has been and continues to be life-changing for me. I pray that for you as well.
Let me close with just one of the ten promises covered in the book. This is found in one of the my favorite chapters in the New Testament, Romans 8:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (38-39)
Under the shelter of His promises,
Sheila
Thanks for your constant encouragement, Sheila. Romans 8:38-39 is one of my favorite scriptures to read. It is such a powerful promise. Just knowing that NOTHING can separate me from our Heavenly Father makes all of life's worries vanish.
I so agree Jennifer- i love this promise too
Thank you SO much for your reply, Sheila. I am sorry it took me this long to finally respond! We missed you so much at All Access, but I am so happy that you are feeling better. I would love to share my story with you sometime, if you would like to hear it. I've come on a long journey, and while it's been a different one than yours, many things you talk about it resonate with me as well. May God bless you always!
Love in Christ,
Jennifer
Thanks for sharing your perspective on this Sheila. May God bless you and give you a deeper revelation of His grace as you focus on His instruction manuel to us.
Thanks Suzanne!
Your books have been such a blessing in my life. To know that I am not alone in the darkness of depression that I've had to fight through my whole life. I took a huge leap of faith and finally wrote some of my story about being molested as a child and the full circle healing God has created in my life. Every time I think about it, it makes me smile! Your stories help set people free! I hope I can help even one woman to be free from the bondage of childhood abuse. Thank you for being you and being real. And for writing the hard stuff! I just published my story, How I Forgave My Molester, on ebook yesterday. It's a leap of faith for certain!
Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
Wow-that took a lot of courage Mel. That's a hard story to tell. I pray that God will use your story to bring healing and hope to other woman
Keep sharing. So many people are suffering the same afflictions, they're just afraid to say because they think they're alone. This is the most common trick the enemy likes to play. Isolation. That's when he can really mess with us.
BTW, can you hear me biting my nails clear across the country?
Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
I admire your courage Mel-that is a hard story to tell. I pray that god will use your book to set others free
AMEN!
How wonderful that God has birthed a new passion in your heart!! Your stories will always be an encouragement to many — but in this new "season", I can't wait to read/hear God's message through you. Be blessed, even as you are such a rich blessing to us.
Thank you Nancy-I am excited:)
Amen.
That is awesome Sheila! I think there is so much power in sharing our stories, because it let’s others know that they are not alone, and that they are “normal” – whatever that is, LOL! However, without the power of God and His word in our lives, our stories are empty. Blessings to you! I can’t wait to get my hands on this new bible study!
Thank you so much Stephanie!
Sheila… what ever type book you write it is obvious that God has His hand on your life, your writings, and your direction. I just discovered your writings in the last year. The first book I picked up was "Let Go" and I must say that it made a huge difference in my "healing process" over old hurts. I am now in the middle of "God has a Dream for your Life" and it is doing the same… making a difference that is
Thank you for following His leadership and I look forward to reading many more of your publishings. God Bless!
Thanks Sylvia-that's very encouraging
Thank you, Sheila, for your words and wisdom. I've read some of your books before and am currently working on two (one in the living room, and one by my bed). I love that you don't say "Christians should do this" and "Christians should do that". At this time in my life, I've become overwhelmed by "shoulds". It occured to me last night that I really need to be focusing my preciuos reading time on God's Word. Your post today hit so close to home. I'll continue to read other books, of course, but how refreshing to hear an author just take things right back to the Bible. It's encouraging to hear your journey. I'm not sure this all made sense, but either way, thank you for all you do.
It made total sense Andrea. I don't like the word 'should' at all either
I agree Andrea-I have banned 'should' from my vocabulary
I think you are right on track. When our group came back from WOF, we were so inspired and encouraged by your story that we all bought your books and spent a lot of time discussing them. There was a lot of "notice what Sheila says here" or "remember where Sheila said…". That was great and the story of your life has impacted me in so many ways. The danger, I suppose, is that someone would start looking at what you say, without realizing where the power and truth in those words comes from – HIS word. God is using you to continue pointing to Him and we will all be blessed by it!
Thank you Ronda-your note really encouraged me!
Thanks you Ronda-God's Word is life-changing
I also don't like the word "should" either. Most of us are very good at beating ourselves up for everything, and "should" causes us (at least me anyway) to do exactly that. We're each different and God respects that and treats each one of his children differently, as a good parent does. Each of your children is different, and you have to find what works for each child.
Anyway Sheila, I can't wait to get your new book and maybe the DVD. I like where you are going. Your books really make me think. I like your idea, because when I fall into a really bad depression, I'll be able to find passages quickly, which will help me a lot. I have to admit that I've been struggling a lot lately. A friend of mine got me helping a friend of his (who is also on facebook) who was sexually abused by her stepfather and her mother basically refused to believe her when she told her what had happened. She has really gone through a really painful and difficult time. If you could all keep her in your prayers (her name in Kendra), I'd really appreciate it. Please keep me in your prayers as well.
I will Katherine, I'll pray for you and for Kendra
Sheila, I can't wait to get your book and study for myself and our church. I love learning and growing. You have been such an inspiration to me in my walk with Christ.
It is God’s Word that has the power to carry us through the fiercest storms. Amen to that!
I hope you are feeling better!
Thanks Mary….I'm feeling much better
Sounds awesome! Personally, I need books like that b/c I have a hard time sitting down with a bible and trying to read/study. It's much easier when there's someone you trust right beside you walking you through it. Thank you!
Thank you Brenda-I love that we can do this journey together
Sheila,
Fantastic. When will they both be released?
They were both released this week. You can get them at http://www.cbd.com or http://www.amazon.com
I think they are out next week April. Christianbook.com has the best price
Sheila,
I did not want to be at WOF this year. I did not want to fake it. I walked in and said God 6000 women and I feel completely alone and then you began to speak. I felt like God sat down next to me. I am deeply encouraged by you and know that God uses you to break down these walls through the power of your testimony and witness. I have always been drawn to your teaching and am excited to shift focus with you. God has been good to me. He’s been good when I deserved nothing, when every piece of life seemed to crash, and he’ll be good walking us deeper in His word.
Thanks for your honesty Christy-He will!!
I know that feeling Christy when you feel so alone in a crowd. i look forward to taking this journey with you
Our Soverign God and His mighty, powerful Word are there 24/7. He changes lives. (mine!)
Stories and people help – thankfully so! Grateful for your transparent stories- especially your music, which is often my worship music.
I appreciate you so much. God bless you & family. DD
Thank you..and you too!
Brings to mind the most recent interview w Billy Graham: when asked what he wd do differently, he responded w “more prayer n more time in The Word.” Don’t u find it truly living spiritual food that nourishes like nothing else?
AMEN!!
This could not poisblsy have been more helpful!
absolutely-like nothing else!!
Shelia, I worked as Kay Arthur’s executive assistant in the beginning days of Precept. Just yesterday she and I talked for hours on the phone and I told her how inspired I have been by your tweets and writings. May our Father bless you mightily as you dig deeper into His Word, sharing His promises and precepts with a hungry and dying world!
His & Yours~~Jan (Mrs. Bill) Henry
*Ps. 33:1-10
Thank you so much Jan. Digging deeper and deeper into God's word is so life-changing
Hey hey..
I am Naruto from Argentina, nice to be here.. i live in san miguel and just join here recently .
hope to learn new stuffs here and I love performing arts.
Thank you for sharing your story. I really love your books. i cant wait to get this one.
i know that the web is not the best way to convey emotions but i don't know of any other way to talk to Shelia.
Thank you for telling your story, now i know I'm not the only one. so many of the story's you shared today in Redding i have never know or been through but so many of the feelings i know and live every day. i wonder, what did you feel at 15.
If you ever read this Sheila, thank you.
I have never heard anything so beautiful as a city of women softly singing, "Jesus Loves me this I know for the bible tells me so, yes Jesus Loves me."
I love watching the transformation that's taking place as God works in each of our lives. From the oldest to the youngest you can see how he's moved and how he's moving through the generations. AMAZING! And I love that WOF gives a safe place where we can gather and be real. 'Cause let's be honest there's not a single one of us who's got it all together. We just live in a culture that tells us we can't admit that. So not true. That moment where we look up and say, "God I just can't do this anymore," we feel so weak then. But the reality is that's when we're strongest. When we let go and let him.
Kudos to you WOF veterans who've been pioneers in sharing, with wisdom, that trasparency with us; and for ushering in the next generation.
For anyone who feels led: please pray for the children I'll teach this week, my family, my church, and that God will reveal the door he's opening for me to do mission work in the Sudan; and for the children that he already knows I'll be helping there.
shelia your encouraging words have made me look ay life differently. you have allowed god to open up your heart and spirit to other. i enjoy reading your books. my prayer is that god will help me to open my heart so that i can be blessing to others. trusting in god when people fail you mistreat you is a hard road to conquer but god hasnt given up on me , some times i think he laughs at me but its good humor because he knows my heart and wants me to leave the past abuses and and truely embrace his unconditional love. your books your presentations have encouraged me . sometimes i am my worst own ememy . im blessed to have read somany of your books keep spreading that encouraging word your truely are saving lives
Thank you Sheila! Your encouraging words are so powerful and your love for our Father is so amazing. xoxoxo
God brought me here and I don’t know why. I am a poet. You photo popped up on my phone. I should be past caring if people think I am crazy but God is still teaching me to trust Him!!! God bless u Shelia. If this is something I suppose u will contact me. I trust God! I seem to be in the enemies cross hair recently. No weapon form against me or any of God kids will prosper! Praise God. C u at Godchicks!!! I can’t wait!
These words made me smile: "when my heart and head are deep into it, I feel most alive. But for me, as I sit at my desk with research papers, commentaries, translations and the space and time to think…time simply disappears!" I can SO relate. I've been writing devotionals and a few bible studies of my own to teach women at my church and nothing gets me more engrossed and focused than studying God's Word. As I'm preparing to minister to others, I reap so many of God's benefits myself through my study. I love a table full of Strong's, Vines, Josephus, commentaries, different Bible translations, printed papers…what a smorgasbord. Getting excited just talking about it. And when you find that one gem out of the original language, and it leaps off the page..there's nothing better. I'm just a nerd! God Bless you Sheila!!!
Good morning is that they are nine hours and ten minutes here in Brazil. 'm reading
his book is called that here I am wonder woman but God made me
wonderful! and I have reflected in some chapters that I identify, I think
that sometimes I try to wear clothes that do not fit!
Well just wanted to send you a "hi"
kisses
Raquel Bomfim – Brazil – rio de janeiro
ps: sorry for my English, is all the fault of the translator!
It seems that the Lord keeps confirming in my life the need I have to write. I had been afraid to commit completely to the call. I believe it's my "fit" and it's actually the title of a memoire I'm working on called "And It Fit". Thanks for sharing your life with others through your writing and even in through this blog. God bless you
Enjoyed reading the post. I am currently working on my frozen yogurt site at: http://www.frozenyogurtrecipe.org/frozenyogurtmachines/. In fact I got some great design tips here at WHY I’VE CHANGED THE FOCUS OF MY WRITING | Sheila Walsh. Looking forward to reading more.
Sheila – that is wonderful! I saw the change growing in you over the past few years at WOF. I figured it was only a matter of time. For me, this year was the most profound of a change I believe as you stuck mostly with teaching and less with story telling. I like your new voice. I believe it's always been there, and I love that you are using it.
I totally understand what you mean about the hours just slip away. They do don't they? — I've had to learn how to break away to remember to do laundry sometimes. I saw Jans post above and it reminded my of my early days studying precepts in the 90's. I'd get lost in those pages for hours at a time, loved every minute of it, and so very changed by it. Today, I get to lead precepts courses and I'm still digging and losing track of time. It fills me up and I love that.
I'm sure this new study will bless the socks off the ladies who do it. Blessings
i heard you for the first time today, and i know you have walked down the very same road i went down,and like you at the end of my road was christ, can't wait to read your book, thank you for standing up and telling the truth ,your work is needed, at the end of my road christ called me into the ministry too.he healed me but life is still a chalenge but with his help i will make it home. god bless you
I just heard your testimony on Focus on the Family. I am blessed by your testimony and how relevant you were in sharing these details of your life. You confirmed that God does provide mercy when we don't know who we are in Christ. Just getting to that point to understand Mercy takes some people years to discover. Beauty in Ashes.
God speed
Andrea
Thank you so much. God bless you!