Considering myself a life-long learner, I was surprised when most of the books I chose to download for my Talking Book player were Christian fiction instead of nonfiction. I fell in love with Christian romance and historical novels.
The other thing I love and admire is blind authors. Today, I want to introduce a guest post by one of them sharing the questions that unveiled her passion to become a Christian novelist.
Who Am I is normally a simple question. I had no idea how it would lead me to my passion, but it did.
Who Am I?
“I’m Heidi.” I offered my hand and shook, leaning in slightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The greeting was simple but shallow. The two of us now knew little more about each other than our first names, and that we understood business etiquette. Conversations swirled around us, closing in on my senses. A busy room full of people is a struggle for me.
No, I’m not shy; I’m more of an introverted extrovert. My issue with crowds is more safety related. I’m legally blind, with only 5% of my peripheral vision remaining, so navigating a changing landscape is tricky—especially a room full of people with tables and chairs haphazardly arranged.
I remained planted in my spot and listened to the conversations, working to pick up on verbal clues that might help me identify if someone was speaking to me. When that feeling in my stomach started creeping into my throat, I placed a finger on my friend’s shoulder, a simple touch she fully understood. My smile grew as she excused us from the conversation.
“Are you okay?” Her words, meant for my ears only, reached my soul.
“I am. Thanks. I’m ready to go. How about you?”
“More than ready.” Her tone confirmed her words.
We drove in comfortable quiet before I broke the silence. “I don’t know who I am when I’m in that crowd. I don’t fit in,” I said.
“Really? I always feel like everyone likes you. It’s me who feels like I don’t fit in.”
I turned in my seat, as far as my seatbelt would allow, and faced my friend. “Stephanie, how can we have the same feelings about the other?”
We didn’t solve the mystery that evening, but I’ve spent much time contemplating who I am and where I fit in. I could list the surface things like wife, mother, grandmother, author, and so forth, but those things don’t set me apart; they put me in a category where I may have something in common with a woman who is also a grandmother.
The thing that matters is that I am a Christ follower. I make that distinction from Christian because the latter word no longer holds the meaning it did years ago—back when those who wore the moniker gave their life for their beliefs. Today, if you live in the Bible Belt and attend service on Christmas and Easter, it is popular to don the term.
Being a Christ follower implies action.
Who I am is one thing, but whose I am is another.
Whose I Am?
I grew up in a pastor’s home and adopted early on the lifestyle of living for Christ…but not the deep heart commitment of being adopted by Christ. My parents called me the “joy of their lives,” and I worked diligently to make them proud. I was not naturally rebellious and didn’t struggle to keep God’s laws. I desired, more than anything, to never disappoint my earthly father. The problem was that I was trying to please the wrong Father.
When I was 32, married, and had my first child, we changed churches…because I wasn’t happy where I was (That’s an entire story all its own.). We joined a church plant. I mentored a new Christian–as in days old——from a background unlike any I’d ever experienced. She challenged me and my faith, and I finally realized I had lived my entire life following rules instead of a Savior. I knew most Christian answers, or at least how to find them, but I had never written them on my heart.
Today, I am a new creation. Outwardly, most would never notice a difference because the change happened inside. Living life to please Christ and do His will is now the desire of my heart.
I am first a Christ-follower. But after that, I’m a wife to Bob. We will celebrate 32 years this December. I have two grown daughters. The oldest, Jordan, is married and lives 15 minutes away, allowing me to keep my grandsons. My second daughter, Jessica, lives and works in another state. That makes me a mom and a Grammie, but I’m also an Author.
Writing is my ministry. It’s how I share Christ with those who may never pick up a Bible or step inside a church. One of my friends said it best: “[You] write books that not only “entertain” but have “life lessons” in them without being preachy!” Those words thrilled me deep in my soul.
I invite you to sample my writing to see for yourself.
Author Bio: Experience a journey of faith and healing in the award-winning Christian fiction works of author Heidi Gray McGill. Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. Heidi brings readers into an awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them through masterfully crafted characters so relatable you feel part of who they are. Heidi’s books take readers on an exploration of healing through God’s Word. Follow the inspiring journeys of Heidi’s characters as she infuses her faith into her works, making her stories come alive with powerful emotion.
To learn more about Heidi, here are several ways to connect:
https://www.amazon.com/author/heidigraymcgill
https://www.instagram.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851872.Heidi_Gray_McGill
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-gray-mcgill?follow=true
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill
https://www.youtube.com/@authorheidigraymcgill/?sub_confirmation=1
https://Store.heidigraymcgill.com/
https://www.audible.com/author/Heidi-Gray-McGill/B08N37J954
© 2024, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Author Heidi Gray McGill says
Thank you for the opportunity to share my heart with your readers!