Joanna's Journey

My path to becoming a Christian author is similar to the Biblical account of Jonah and the big fish. RUN! I had a one-sided agreement with God: no inspiration or romance. Instead, I wrote a mystery novel. The New York publisher who asked to see my novel ten years ago has yet to respond.

I expected life to be perfect after publishing my first book. Since the book’s publication, I’ve been profiled in Christian Retailing Magazine, along with being a television and radio guest. I’ve also been featured in various newspapers. Each time, I shake my head at how God has done such marvelous things in my life.

Yet, there have been challenges—and always will be as long as we're in this body. Thirty days later after leaving my corporate position, my husband lost the ability to walk in a matter of hours. He's now advanced to a four-pronged cane. Doctors think a virus lodged in his spinal cord. Generally, full functioning is restored in about six months. It’s now been almost a year. Imagine what it’s like for clothes to feel like sandpaper rubbing against your skin.

Think about taking a shower and feeling as if you’re being sandblasted. Consider what it would be like to not feel any pain—only if you’re asleep. And when you do fall asleep, your feet feel like they’ve been stuck into a fiery furnace. That’s how Robert describes his symptoms. As of yet, no doctor can explain why—even some of the world’s best. Folks, this is where your faith is put to the test. I can still say ‘God is good!’

Yet, I trust that God even in the tough things in life, He is still with us. Trust me. We call on Him a lot. Your prayers are welcome and needed for my husband and this family.

Thank you for sharing in a part of my journey. It’s my prayer that my writing and and speaking will be a vehicle for God to use in expanding His kingdom.