The proof of my book came in the mail a couple of weeks ago, and as I finished reading through it again, I could hear her voice. Today is Mom’s birthday. Somewhere in heaven a big celebration is happening, with party hats, joy jumps and laughter. This photo popped up on social media today of Mom and I at the signing of our first book. The picture made me cry, and through my tears, I thanked her for saying it more times than I can count: “Write, Lisa! Write!” She told me to write every day of her cancer journey, to write through the pain of my autoimmune disease. Write through the good days, the scary moments, the broken places. “Someday, this will be a book,” she said. I was willing to write, but I was also certain that my words could never become a book. “No way,” I told her. But Mom kept pushing, so I kept writing.
She was adamant, knowing that writing would bring clarity and move me closer to God. She also knew my story could help others walk through hard days, and that is my prayer for this book. This year, I’ve felt Mom with me more than ever as I left the nonprofit she began and started Lisa Bain Ministries. I know she is smiling and cheering me on in this new season. In this photo, we were at the beginning of a journey. And it continues.
“Write, Lisa, Write.”
Mom told me to never forget where the mission began, and to never compromise it. Never stop serving others. Never give up. And never stop writing. If she were here today, 
we would have a long conversation about standing strong. This has been one of the toughest years of my life, but also full of unexpected miracles. Heartaches have been followed by seeing God’s purpose as we stepped out in faith each day.
we would have a long conversation about standing strong. This has been one of the toughest years of my life, but also full of unexpected miracles. Heartaches have been followed by seeing God’s purpose as we stepped out in faith each day. The book is titled, It’s Better Out Here: Stepping Out of Your Brokenness into Purpose. It’s my story of finding that better place, stepping out of the box of fear and into a freedom where we can serve and live authentically. We will release it in November with a launch and another signing. If Mom were here, she would greet each of you at the table with that big Juanita smile and a “thank you” on her lips. So many of you have shown me how to step out of brokenness and been an example of finding purpose in those dark places. It is better out here. Mom knew that when we serve through our broken places, we find our purpose.
There is beauty on other side of broken. If Mom hadn’t put a pen in my hand, I wouldn’t have been able to say that with such certainty. She gave me the greatest gift, and so on her birthday, I’m remembering the lessons, and where it all started. She knew I would. Happy Birthday, Mamma. It makes me happy to know you are getting the best gift ever, in the presence of your Savior.
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Lisa Bain Ministries