My day began with quiet reflection in the book of Mark. I was reading the passage where Jesus healed the man with evil spirits. After the man was healed, he asked Jesus if he could follow Him. Jesus denied his request and instead told him to “go and tell what the Lord had done for him”. So the man went out and told his story to the amazement of the people. (Mark 5:18-20 my paraphrase). After reading that passage, Jesus’ words, “Go and tell” kept reverberating in my mind. Later that day, while out driving, I passed a church marquis that read, “Go and tell”. My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat and I said out loud, “Lord, do You want me to ‘go and tell’ what You have done for me? I’m willing. I’m able. Just send me!” From within my heart I heard, “I want you to tell your story in a book.” Suddenly waves of dread washed over me. I reminded the Lord that it has always been a challenge for me to express myself through the written word. I also reminded the Lord about my experiences with English teachers in the past. How time and time again my compositions would be returned filled with red marks. “So why would You want me to write a book?”, I shouted. From deep within my depths, I heard a response, “Do you think I would ask you to do something that came easily for you? You have all the power and potential within you to meet this challenge. I will bring just the right people into your life to make this dream a reality.”
Eight months later, on December 1, 2011, I had the good fortune to meet Renato Amarena. He had just released his book, The Success Factor, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with him. I told him about my dream of writing a book. He asked me if I had taken any steps toward making this dream a reality. I said “no” and proceeded to give him all the reasons why. I listed one obstacle after another. I told him about the trials I had with English teachers in the past and that I eventually convinced myself that I had no writing ability. After listening to my self-defeating words, Renato asked me, ” I want to know more about this book you want to write. Tell me your thoughts.” Like a horn of plenty, my ideas spilled forth. I told him that I wanted to write a book about my faith journey and personal transformation. I shared ideas I had for the title and that the book would be organized around four central themes. I explained that the cover illustration would feature hot air balloons because I think they are a perfect metaphor for the spiritual life. After I finished speaking, Renato shared his thoughts about my situation.
It turned out that Renato’s perspective was the complete opposite of mine! I was focused on my weaknesses, but Renato saw my passion and creativity. I was dwelling on my limitations, but Renato saw my potential. I was content to stay in my comfort zone, but Renato was intent on launching me into a new realm of possibility. By the end of the session, he had helped me formulate an action plan. He suggested that creating a blog would be a good starting place for me to begin my adventure into the world of writing. The blogging experience would help me gain confidence in my writing abilities, without the fear of seeing “red marks” all over my compositions. He also gave me a copy of his book, The Success Factor. After scanning the table of contents, I realized that his book spoke personally to my situation and could serve as a kind of “map quest” for me as I ventured into this ‘new world’.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, my daughter was working on setting up a blog page for me on WordPress as a Christmas gift. Her challenge was how to get my input for the blog’s title without giving away the surprise. She cleverly discovered a way around this dilemma. She knew that I was interested in offering spiritual retreats and so she asked me what I would print on a ‘business card’ that would reflect this passion. I spent several days reflecting on her query and then told her that the card would feature a hot air balloon and the words, “From Tomb to Bloom: Creating a Life of Possibility”.
Two weeks later, on Christmas Day, my daughter handed me her laptop along with a web address. I typed in the words and received the surprise of my life! On the screen was a colorful hot air balloon and in bold print, “From Tomb to Bloom: Creating a Life of Possibility”. Further down on the home page, was a personal note from my children that read, “Merry Christmas, Mom. You have your own blog now!” Tears of joy, wonder and awe filled my eyes. Who would have believed this? Who would have believed any of this?! I published my first post on December 28, 2011 and now, almost 9 months later, I can say that I write with confidence and passion. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my story of transformation with people from all over the world. And, by the way, I just finished writing the prologue to my book!
Proverbs 20:5 reads, A person’s thoughts are like a water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out. (Today’s English Version) Renato Amarena has been a ‘person of insight’ for me. He saw my deep well of creativity, passion and potential and drew them out. Thanks to Renato, I have ventured outside my comfort zone and I’m now alive and well in a universe of possibility. I invite you to visit his website: http://www.SuccessFactor4U.com to learn more about Renato and his dedication to helping people achieve their personal and professional goals.
In the words of Isaiah, Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already……you can see it now! Isaiah 43:18-19 (Today’s English Version)
Namaste,
Heather