Welcome to Chosen!
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2nd Corinthian 4:8-9)
We all experience disappointment and sorrow. Whether we are dealing with a personal struggle or what is going on in the world, our struggles can lead to anxiety and depression.
In the midst of our sorrows, the blood of Christ gives us joy. In the midst of our fears, the blood of Christ allows us to live with hope, and when our hope is challenged, the blood of Christ allows us to trust in our faith. At Chosen, we hope you find inspiration and encouragement to embrace the love of Christ and the desire to serve the body of Christ.
Sharon’s Journey: Fulfilling a Dream
My love for writing started when my elementary teacher gave our class a list of ten words to put into a story. As I looked at the list, my imagination began flowing. From that day on, I became a writer. In high school, I was a journalist writing informative articles for the school newspaper. In my second year of college, I changed my major from journalism to communications. However, when I graduated from college, I had a degree in telecommunications. Why did I abandon my dreams of writing? The answer is simple: I was raised to learn the skills that would allow me to get a job. Writing was not a job; it was a dream. It was my dream career, but in my family, we did not dream of careers; we were raised to get a job. Years later, my education pays off: I have a job that allows me to take care of myself and plan for my future. But as the saying goes, “Life Happens!”
One day, at the lowest period of my life, I picked up a pen and began to write. It was a natural need. As I put all my emotions on paper, the depression and sadness I was experiencing became less painful. Encouraged, I carried paper and pen everywhere I went. One day, I was in a waiting room writing, and a lady came up to me and told me I had a gift. She told me not everyone could just sit down and write non-stop like that. I never forgot her words because she was right. I had abandoned my dream of a writing career because I did not have enough faith and confidence in myself to pursue it. Years later, I began writing for my church newsletter. There, I met other writers. Over the years, we would discuss our writing projects and encourage each other.
Now, many may say, “How sad.” However, I have no regrets. I have always been a writer. But I am not the writer I dreamed of becoming. Today, I know writing is not just my talent; it is a gift from God, and I use His gift to magnify Him—and just maybe be a blessing to someone else.
Sharon is a retired telecommunications manager. She has written several spiritual articles and devotions for publication. Broken but Chosen is her first novel.
