In January 1995, I made new year’s resolutions. There was my usual “lose weight” along with “read my Bible through.” Those were annual topliners, but that year, I went out on a limb adding, “Get an article published in the Williamson Daily News.” The WDN was our local newspaper in Williamson, West Virginia.

Months passed. Finally in the summer I mustered up the nerve to take action. I typed up a short article, found the editor’s information, mailed it to the paper, and waited.

We were on a mission trip when it was published. My mom called to let me know. I can still remember jumping up and down when she told me the news. In the beginning I was a guest columnist. Later I had the privilege of having articles published each week. (I’m still thrilled at the opportunity.)

My goal in writing was to be a distraction from everyday news. There was just so much hard stuff in life. I wanted to make people laugh so I wrote about my family. They were less than thrilled. Each week, I shared shenanigans about being married, raising kids, rejoining the workforce and lots of other stuff.

One story had my husband so aggravated he threatened to sue me if I mentioned him again. That’s when and why I started calling him “my beloved.” (I couldn’t afford a lawyer.)

Over the years, the stories changed. My beloved surrendered to full-time ministry. I wrote about that. We went on mission trips. He became a pastor. We moved. It was all recorded in the paper. Now the focus was on God and what He was up to. Also, over the years, it spread to other newspapers.

Another dream/resolution was realized this week.

My son and I were on the road showing his new bride Butcher Holler. (She wanted to see where Loretta Lynn grew up.) My phone dinged. It was a picture from my beloved. He was holding my first published book, “Weiner Stew – Inspiring Stories from Appalachia.” The mail carrier had just delivered them. I squealed with delight when I saw the photo. This was really happening!

Rushing home, I raced to the box to hold a book in my hands. My heart melted a little. It had been a long time coming. And a complicated task for a Boomer. My project manager at the publishing company probably needs to take off a week to rest.

I marveled at the cover my friend had painted, then eagerly opened it. I ran my hands over the printed words. Wow!

Not gonna lie. I was scared throughout the whole process and called it “Pilgrim courage” to take such a big chance. I had prayed about publishing a book, been rejected numerous times, and then fleeced it out like Gideon in Judges 6. The Lord put the puzzle pieces together in such clear ways I felt if I didn’t pursue it, I would be missing an opportunity He was providing. (I’m too old to have regrets.)

Writing isn’t for everyone, but everyone has something. God gives us gifts and talents to be used for His glory. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that God has good works for us to do and He prepared in advance for us to do them.

Is there something He is stirring your heart to do? Do you need Pilgrim courage to take the step? Do it! God is faithful and will help you navigate your journey. And He will give you the courage.

(“Weiner Stew” is available on Amazon.)