April 5, 2017
Exactly a year and two days ago, I arrived at Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Tired from the flight and anxious about my week ahead, I searched for my shuttle. Soon I would join a group of women I had never met before for the soul-inspiring Pursuit Conference at WinShape Retreat. I boarded and immediately I am greeted by two friendly women headed the same way. The first being the lovely Deana, creator of The Anchored Press Planner. The second woman was author and speaker, Ann Swindell, who shared that she was currently working on her first book. Little did I know that this small interaction in the back of an airport shuttle would grow into something so much more and affect me a year later.
Ann just released her book yesterday, Still Waiting. In the book, Ann explores the depths of why God wants us to wait by chronicling her own compelling story of waiting for healing from an incurable condition. She offers a vibrant retelling of the biblical account of the Bleeding Woman that parallels her story―and yours, too.
Honestly, if I had not met Ann, I do not know if Still Waiting would have made it’s way into my life. But because God put us on that shuttle at that same time, her kind heart shined through and knew I wanted to hear whatever story she would share. I kept in touch with Ann over the next couple months via social media and excitedly joined her launch team for her new book. Nestled in a cozy coffeehouse in Charleston, I devoured the book in an afternoon. I couldn’t put it down! It’s amazing how beautifully God works because He knew I needed this book more than I did.
Most of us know what it’s like to wait for God to change our circumstances. But, whether we’re waiting for physical healing, emotional breakthrough, or better relationships, waiting is something we usually try to avoid or force in our time. For me, I feel like I am in a stage of waiting. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life! My business is good, I love my home, and I am healthy. But for as long as I’ve been alive, my heart aches for a family of my own. I absolutely adore children and I feel like God put it on my heart to be a mother. But it hasn’t happened for me yet and so… I wait.
It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I couldn’t force this or anything. It has to be the right time, God’s time. He has the greatest plan of all and while I wait, He continues to help me along the way. Still Waiting was a wonderful piece of truth that reminds me there is peace and joy in waiting. It lifted my spirits and gave me the hope that no matter what happens, I am whole and complete because of God’s love for me.
So whatever you are struggling with in your season of waiting, I encourage you to pick up Ann’s new book. It has helped me tremendously (I highlighted so many parts!) Find your peace in the stillness and know how truly loved you are too.
You can find Still Waiting at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, and Books A Million.
Be the first to comment