Two Years of Battle Cry!

Two.

Two Years.

It was two years ago today that BATTLECRY was released into the world. I have been debating how to mark this day. Is it a birthday or an anniversary?

A birthday is a celebration of life. It marks the beginning of something, celebrates its growth, and changes, and looks forward to the future.

BATTLECRY has a life of its own. The message has gone places I have not gone. It has landed in the hands of people I have never shaken hands with. It has carried hope to parents I may never meet this side of Heaven. The book is still in its toddler years, and I cannot wait to see how it grows and matures in the years to come.

An anniversary marks the passage of time. For two years, this message has been out in the world. Two years of interviews, podcasts, conversations, and real opportunities to offer hope to hurting parents and point them back to Jesus.

An anniversary invites us to look back, remember where we began, and dream about what lies ahead.

So, I guess today is a little bit of both.

I am celebrating the life of BATTLECRY and thanking God for entrusting this message to me to share with the world.

I am remembering the “pregnant years” when I prepared, prayed, and believed this book would come to life. I remember all the pains, stretch marks, weight gain (yes, I am blaming the book!), and crazy emotions as I prayed, dreamed, and believed God would bring to life what He had put on my heart.

I remember being so afraid of the unknown. What did it look like to be an author? Would my life change? Would people assume things about me …things that were not true? What if nobody liked my book baby? What if I got a negative review that said I was the worst writer ever or the sound of my voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard? What if… I got unfriended.

I had so many fears and doubts during those years. Oh, but God. He met me in each one and invited me along for the ride, always keeping my eyes on HIM. (And yes! All those fears have happened! I just laugh at them now)

I am also celebrating these two years of life with BATTLECRY. There is nothing quite like sharing your book baby with the world! I have had the privilege of talking about the goodness of God in places only He could have arranged. I walked through doors only He could have opened.

And now? I am preparing for BATTLECRY to grow, and I cannot wait to see what that looks like.

Today, I am thankful to everyone who has celebrated this journey with me, cheered me on, and believed alongside me. I am grateful for the past two years, excited about what lies ahead, and believing that the future is full of possibilities.

Here is what I know…

Happy book-a-birth-iversary, BATTLECRY! The best is yet to come.