Who am I to write a blog, much less a book? That’s the question I often ask myself. Then I hear, “Who are you not to?” So I write.

Pondering the story of the Samaritan woman I see many similarities between her and me. She, also, had a shady past filled with immorality and deceit but upon meeting Jesus at the well He didn’t seem to care about her past. In fact, He called her out on it but in a very loving and forgiving manner.  She thought he was a prophet, but Jesus revealed Himself to her and her life immediately changed.

With much excitement she went tell the other Samaritan’s about His love and how it had affected her life. Many believed in Jesus because of her story and, as a result, came to hear Him preach. Afterward, they believed not only because of her words but because they heard for themselves the wonderful news of God’s love and forgiveness.

That bible story sums up my hope and inspiration for writing. I may not be the best or the most polished writer but like the Samaritan woman, experiencing Christ’s loving forgiveness for myself, makes me want to shout from the mountain top that His love has altered my life forever. Who knows… maybe you to will hear and believe for yourself, too.

But wow, has it been scary and uncomfortable! Stepping out in faith and pursuing God’s purpose in my life has not been easy. Fear overwhelms me at times, and I ask, “Why me?”

In January of this year, I decided to act on God’s promptings to write a book about my experience as a living kidney donor. I had never written a book before and had no idea where to begin. I decided to take an online writing course, and learned the secret to writing well is – wait, hold on it’s amazing– is just to write. Interesting concept, I know!

So, I started writing the book and then one day my boss told me he had to lay me off– downsizing. On the positive side, however, I found myself with a lot more time to write my book.

Now, I’m told that to get a publisher I need to have a “following” which I’ve found out is a great thing for me, or at least that’s the way God sees it.

I’m not the type of person who likes to be in the front of the group with the spotlight shining down on me. Personally, I’m more comfortable on the sidelines cheering on other people. God, however, likes to push me outside of my comfort zone which is why you find yourself reading this blog. It’s God’s “gentle” nudging – love it!

But I share because God has asked me to, and I pray that those who need to hear will listen, and those who need to see will know.

Thank you for letting this Samaritan woman share my love for Jesus with you.

I pray that one day you will say, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42 (NIV)

Amen.