We’re days away from the launch and signing of my book, It’s Better Out Here: Stepping Out of Your Brokenness into Purpose. I remember another book signing when Mom sat beside me, wearing her pink cowboy hat and flipping to the inside cover of every book handed to her. She would write something meaningful, smiling, and knowing that it was only the beginning. “Mom, I am not a writer. Why are you doing this to me?” She had insisted that I began journaling about the people we met, stories of the day, lessons learned, and what she was pouring into me every minute. “Write about it all,” Mom said. “At the end of each day, you will have stories, and then there will be a book.”
It was a season filled with darkness and light, but Mom faced broken places like a champion. She taught me to write with transparency, not covering the messy parts with fluff, or hiding myself behind a mask. She told me to be real, so that I might encourage others who are going through dark places. Reading the honest story helps them know they aren’t alone. “You are never too broken for God to use your story,” she kept reminding me. So, I wrote. And at the end of pages and pages of writing, we had a book. It was an unexpected surprise that precious angels helped make happen. The day we signed all those first books is etched in my mind, and it was a day Mom always remembered as well. We were surrounded by so many people who loved, supported, and walked with us on our journey.
On November 13, Mom won’t be sitting by my side, but she will be even closer than before. She has a heavenly front-row seat this time. She knew that what she poured into me would carry me through the tough seasons ahead, and that writing would be part of the process. The last year of Mom’s life was tough as her broken body deteriorated, but her spirit and sense of humor never wavered. Even in her darkest pain, she cheered me on and helped me clear the hurdles that kept coming. And mom prepared me to walk through betrayal and shattered trust that came from the nonprofit she began. She knew, and that was confirmed many times after her death and even in recent situations. But
the pain of betrayal helped catapult me to the finish line of this upcoming book, and I was able to write a chapter on love and forgiveness that was honest and raw. No matter how deep the cut, or who did the cutting, it’s better out there if we walk in love. Betrayals are sometimes God’s greatest gifts, and they catapult us to the next season that is waiting. They are not accidents, but divine appointments.
Mom prepared me for Lisa Bain Ministries, and her legacy and mission continue. God’s handprint is on every second of the day, no matter what happens, or how difficult the challenges become. I’m amazed at how Mom prepared me, her insight from the Lord and the words she spoke that only make sense now. I’m blown away by how God weaves it all together according to His timing. Mom told me to write. Be real. Be authentic. Even in the brokenness. Someone very dear to me will sit in Mom’s place at Inspire Expo, and when you see her, you will imagine hearing Mom cheer from heaven.
Many of you stood with us during this 23-year-long prayer journey, and now, here we are. Another book. I’m still amazed.
Don’t give up. Hold your head high and walk as your authentic self. Tell your story. Rest, and watch God take it from there. There is beauty after broken.
If you want to join us at Inspire Expo, and get a copy of the new book, and companion journal, you can purchase tickets here. Inspire Expo – Women Impacting Lives Through Community & Business. 100% of the book sales goes to Lisa Bain Ministries for care packages delivered to those walking through their broken place.
100% of the book sales goes to Lisa Bain Ministries for care packages delivered to those walking through their broken place.
