You are just going to LOVE my new friend Wendy Blight! I met her through the Wolgemuths. Enjoy our interview – a bit more personal look at the wonderful Proverbs 31 author and mentor to many. – Courtney
What number book is this for you? And what makes you so excited about this one?
This is my second book. My first book Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God’s Story came out in 2009. Hidden Joy shares my journey of healing and transformation following my attack by an armed masked man hiding in my apartment.
Out of that journey, God opened doors to a teaching and speaking ministry from which Living So That was birthed. LST is a Bible study tucked within the pages of a book. It teaches women how to connect a truth of Scripture, found on the left side of a “so that,” with the the practical application of that truth on the other side.
As women travel through the “so thats,” my prayer is that they will believe God’s promises more fully and be equipped to live out His truths more intentionally. More than anything, I want women to read their Bibles with a fresh perspective and greater confidence, believing it truly will change their hearts and their homes.
I’m also thrilled that we’ll be journeying through Living So That for our next Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study. It begins April 6th. We would love for your friends to join us. Click here to learn more and sign up.
My audience is primarily moms, what do you hope moms gain from this book?
This book poured forth from a mother’s heart desperate to make God-honoring choices but who failed at it miserably. I know I shouldn’t spew out words of anger at my husband who is late for dinner yet again. I know I should reign in my tongue when my son fails to clean up his room yet again! I know I shouldn’t join in the gossip on girls’ night out yet again. But sometimes it’s so stinkin’ hard! I know I should forgive, pray without ceasing, and trust God. Yet, I fail again and again.
Years of teaching Bible study showed me that I was not alone. Like me, other women too find themselves making more faith-less choices rather faith-filled ones. When I searched God’s Word for answers, He brought me to the “so thats” in Scripture. These two small, but significant, words taught me how to live more faithfully and gave me new perspective on biblical truths I had known for years. I wrote Living So That to share this perspective and equip wives and moms to make more faith-filled choices in the midst of their messy lives. I certainly haven’t “arrived,” but now I have taken great strides in the right direction because I have the tools I need.
Where do you write and what is your beverage of choice during that time?
Researching is my favorite part of being a teacher and writer. I spend my mornings at home researching and writing most days of the week, except Thursdays when I teach Bible study here in Charlotte. We bought a huge picnic table for our kitchen where we gather with friends and family, so I transformed my dining room into an office. I do all my work there. I’m not a coffee drinker, despite four years of college and three years of law school! My favorite drink is Panera’s yummy iced green tea or a big glass of water.
Are you this sweet and happy (see video below) all of the time? If so, can we be neighbors?
Oh, do I answer this honestly or not?! To friends…probably yes. At home, maybe not so much. But, honestly, the Lord brought me out of a very dark place of hopelessness and despair to one of Joy restored, so I truly am happy the majority of the time!
What’s a hidden talent we need to know about?
I can’t believe I’m sharing this with anyone, but I’m a great bowler! I’ve never done league bowling or anything, but for some odd reason this girl can bowl. And when I go with girlfriends on girl’s night out…I’m scary competitive!
Can you offer encouragement to the mom that feels the job is hopeless?
I lived for years feeling like the worst mother ever, especially with my firstborn, Lauren. And even when God began a healing process in my heart, I felt like I had ruined her forever! But, our God REDEEMS. When we surrender our mother’s heart to the Lord, when we seek to transform our hearts first, God brings change. I share stories in both Hidden Joy and Living So That on this very topic to encourage young moms on their journey. And, my struggles as a young mom led me to write one of my first Bible studies, All Things Wise and Wonderful: Applying God’s Wisdom in Everyday Life. It hasn’t yet been published in hard copy, but women can buy it on our Proverbs 31 web site as an e-book for $10 (click here to learn more).
CONNECT WITH WENDY
If you would like sneak peek at Chapter One of Living So That, can click here.
And I’ve written a FREE five-day companion devotion to Living So That, “Five Days to a Faith-Full Life.” Sign up by clicking here.
You can order Living So That from Proverbs 31 by clicking here and Amazon by clicking here.
My blog is www.wendyblight.com.
ENTER TO WIN
I would love to share some free stuff with you girls today!
1) ENTER TO WIN one of TWO gift packs below.
Just comment below – and we will pick TWO random winners to receive Living So That and the ebook, All Things Wise and Wonderful.
2) For every copy of Living So That bought between TODAY AND APRIL 6, your friends will receive a free copy of All Things Wise and Wonderful.
A Letter to Women Who Care