Welcome to my blog! This replaces my Wordpress site, christeljeffs91.wordpress.com. I invite you to come on my new blogging journey.
I'd like to start this venture with a look at the 'why' of what I do. Why do I write? Why am I blogging and sharing with you? The answers can be found in my story. So read on.
My first attempt at writing was the blatant plagiarism of my favourite storybook. My ever-patient mother, who was my teacher at the time, told me I had to make up Opo the dolphin's story, not just copy from memory. "Fiiine!" was my belligerent reply.
So I began to imagine, and suddenly there was an entire new world appearing in my head. I discovered that Opo had friends and went exploring and helped a little penguin find his way home - yes, very inspiring. But this, my first story, was painted in my mind, created only by me. I loved the freedom I had.
​
Eventually I learned I had a way with words. Encouraged by many, I held my talent close, almost as if I was waiting for the perfect moment to bring it forth. University seemed the right time to commit, so I pushed aside worrying words like 'day job' and 'back-up plan' to pursue this passion fully. In 2014 I completed a Masters degree in Creative Writing. The thesis I handed in that year was the starting point of my first novel, The Gumdigger's Wife. My biggest dream was being realised!
​
But the dream came not without a cost. I left the university environment with a weak CV, less-than-perfect story, and a mountain of fears. There was a target I felt I should be hitting and I was failing miserably. Rejections, gruelling re-writes and critiques of my novel (only a writer can truly understand how draining that is), and a horrible job experience all took their toll.
​
In 2016, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I won't go into detail, but the "valley of the shadow of death" that David talks about is an apt description for this illness. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
I believe I needed to be broken in order to be truly made into the woman God wants me to be.
Too many years had gone by with me trying to be perfect, trying to make it through a less-than-perfect world without understanding the true meaning of grace. The things I've been through, and what I continue to battle, are not all bad, though. I believe I needed to be broken in order to be truly made into the woman God wants me to be.
He has been faithful through it all. He is helping to heal what was wounded. He is rebuilding what was broken. And I'm learning to lean on the grace of Jesus like never before.
​
Why have I told you this story? Well, you have one too. And it's okay to tell it. That's why I'm sharing mine.
We all have a story. The plot twists and cliff-hangers we experience have things to teach us - and if we are brave enough to share them, our stories have greater meaning. They have power to change others for the better.
That is why I write. I take the unique perspective and experiences that God has seen fit to bestow upon me, and I offer them to the world as gifts. May God use them as He will.
​So I invite you to come on my blogging journey. I want to share truths from the Bible, lessons from my life, and creative works inspired by God. I would love to hear from you, what your thoughts are about topics, anything at all - simply having your readership and support, however, is enough for me.
Thank you for listening to my story. May you be encouraged to share yours, too :)