I could write a huge blog post about why you should purchase The Polygamist's Daughter. I could tell about how reading Anna's words was both gut-wrenching and healing for me. I could write about how Anna faced things that other people couldn't even imagine and lived to tell about it. I could write about how God captured Anna's heart and how He has redeemed all that she has been through. I could write about the long journey of healing that Anna has begun to walk. I could write about all of those things, but I would much prefer to just write about Anna.
How did I come to care enough about Anna to spend my hard earned money to fly out and celebrate her success? It all started with a blog post that she wrote. I am not sure how I stumbled across it. Perhaps a friend of a friend had commented on it or maybe God knew that I needed to see it so He worked it out for it to appear in my FB feed. You should read the blog post before continuing to read the rest of my post. You can read it by clicking here.
Anna's blog post intrigued me for several reasons. First of all, God is the master of coincidence. It could only be God that orchestrated all of the things that caused Ruth and Anna to connect. I mean, can you imagine?? Second, I loved Anna's heart and her willingness to be obedient to what God was calling her to do. She was willing to champion other first time authors even when she was likely frustrated with the "waiting" that she was experiencing with her own book.
I was so intrigued that I ended up joining #the4500launches and then joined the launch team for The Sound of Gravel. What many don't know is that at about the same time, God had been rekindling a fire that He had put in my heart several years ago. I will go into more detail about that in another blog post but it had to do with me writing my blog on a more consistent basis, writing a book about how God really can bring beauty from ashes, and for me to start sharing some of my story with groups of women. I want to do those things, but also, I've been a bit scared. When God lit that fire in me again, I remember explaining to God about how I don't have those types of connections in the world. I don't know anything about writing a book, or blogging, or being a public speaker. God very gently said, "Just do what I've asked of you Holly, I am already working on your behalf. I will make all of the connections you need. You just need to be obedient."
I could pretend that I've done all of the things that God has asked me to do, but the truth is, I haven't. I had let fear get in the way of obedience. Fear that the words I would write in my blog post would come across wrong. Fear that I wouldn't be able to honor my family in the way that I write my book. Fear that I would have nothing to share from the stage. God has been working with me to learn how to trust Him. One of the ways He has helped me with my fears is to allow me the privilege of watching Anna walk out her dreams.
If you met Anna and didn't know her story, you would never guess that she came from anything but a loving, nurturing family. I watch Anna in the #the4500launches group and she is always pouring God's love out on people. She handles each person with such care and such concern. I had told her that in honor of the three year anniversary of her starting the writing of her book, I was going to start mine. She could've just given it a like and gone on her way, but she took the time to let me know that I could just put a working title together, write at least three sentences, and then I could officially say that I had started writing my book. That was so encouraging, so that's exactly what I did.
Being a part of the #the4500launches has been a huge blessing to me. I have been a part of numerous book launches and have been given a sneak peek at the process of promoting books. A group of us bloggers have spun off our own group called #the4500blogs where we promote each other and hold each other accountable. I am building friendships, learning things about how to be a better writer, and stretching outside my comfort zone.
When Anna invited the launch team down to Dallas for her book launch celebration, I took some time to pray about whether we should go or not. It was during that time that God gently reminded me about how He has been working on helping me make connections to carry out the things that He has called me to do. He clearly showed me that Anna was a key connection, not because of doors she could open but because of the example she has set out for those following behind her. He also revealed to me that just like Anna, my focus needs to be on promoting, encouraging, and uplifting other people while I patiently wait my turn. As I wait, He is healing up things in my heart and in my life that aren't in line with His plans for my future.
Anna, I pray that your book reaches all the way to the ends of the earth and that everyone will get a chance to read/hear your story. I pray that it touches wounded hearts, in the same way that it has touched mine. I pray that it spurs others on to a place of healing. Getting to know you and reading your book has changed me, for the better. I am keeping an eye out for those people that cross my path who need an "Estella" to advocate for them. I am looking for people that I can be a "Diane" to and encourage them to find the healing they need. Most importantly, I am no longer afraid of what God has in store for me. Your courage has inspired me to be brave. Thank you Anna, for allowing God to do amazing things through you and your story. I am so excited for you!! Congratulations.
If you want to know more about Anna's story, she has done several interviews. I will link some of them below. Please, please, please buy this book or encourage your local library to buy it for you.
The Shaun Tabatt Show
Stories of Unfolding Grace
41 Strong Podcast
What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing woman! You also sound just as amazing and I pray for you too to have as much success and support in your personal journey!!❤❤
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