Debra Brown delivered these inspirational comments during the Hinesville First United Methodist Women in Faith Prayer Breakfast on May 17, 2025.
How Writing Became My Spiritual Walk
Pastor Tony asked me to share how writing ties to my spiritual journey. I’ve always thought writing was my passion, more than a hobby, but maybe a side gig. But after preparing this presentation, it’s evident that God guided me through every stage to my purpose.
The Seed Was Planted:
In 6th grade, my teacher read my essay on photosynthesis and took me straight to the principal’s office—not because I was in trouble, but because she saw something in me.
“She’ll be a writer one day,” she said.
That was the first time someone named the gift in me. A seed was planted—and I believe it was God who planted it.
The Passion & The Pushback:
After Meredith was born, I started writing children’s stories for picture books—simple tales with moral lessons woven in.
But timing is everything, and at the time, publishers were only looking for the next Harry Potter. Rejection is part of writing. But I kept writing what was on my heart.
I didn’t realize it then, but I was learning to follow purpose over popularity.
Learning the Craft:
Because of my children’s book writing, I began attending Southeastern Writers workshops every summer.
That’s where I honed my skills and learned to always have an elevator pitch ready—because you never know when God might open a door. Little did I know…
A Divine Appointment:
One Christmas, while on a family trip to New York, I found myself in an elevator with an editor from Simon & Schuster.
I gave my pitch—and she invited me to submit a story for a new book series of stories written by women for women.
That moment turned my career in a new direction. But more than that, it felt like a divine appointment. This time, God had aligned my preparation with His timing.
A New Direction:
That submission to the Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart shifted my focus to creative nonfiction—real stories that reflect real faith with an uplifting message.
Soon after, doors began to open. My stories appeared in every Chocolate for Women books, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, numerous anthologies, and other collections around the world. I had worldwide fans.
Each story and connection to readers became a thread in the tapestry God was weaving.
Confirmation & Validation:
I’ve provided a copy of my first story “Love Notes” for you to read later. I was asked on a Friday to submit a story by Monday, so I wrote it from the heart.
It gave me confirmation I was on the right track because “Love Notes” was published in Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart and then in a hard back book Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart and Soul, then used in a nationwide JC Penney’s Mother Day promotion with a box of chocolates. It appeared in Woman’s World Magazine as a feature story.
Then King World bought one time rights for worldwide distribution in all of their newspapers. Ron Tolley from our church was in Chicago and was shocked to see my story in the newspaper there.
Chicken Soup wrote me a letter and wanted to use it in their upcoming book Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother’s Soul. That started a long relationship with stories in their books, featured in their newsletters, and even in podcasts.
Writing Through Hard Times:
When the financial and real estate crisis hit, people were hurting—deeply.
And oddly enough, humor began to show up in my writing.
I can’t tell a joke to save my life, but all of a sudden, I wrote one humor story after another. To this day, it still amazes me because humor writing is hard.
But every funny story I submitted got published, especially in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Not Your Mother’s Books (humor books). I even ended up writing a humor column for a magazine for eight years.
That’s when I realized: even laughter can be a ministry.
During the Pandemic, writing was my comfort. I used the time to write and publish a Refresh Wellness Log, a Gratitude Journal, and a planner.
The Setback & Reset:
In 2022, a health crisis hit hard. I lost my energy. Lost my confidence.
I had to go back to the basics. I had to remember why I loved writing.
Sometimes, God brings us back to the root to reset so we can grow again. It set me up for my next adventure.
Writing as Ministry:
Writing is how I process life and find the lessons in good times and bad. By sharing, I let others know, “You aren’t alone. I’ve been there, too.” It is a way I serve.
So last year, I began writing a monthly blog series titled “The Unlikely Messenger” for our church’s ministry. I post true stories with uplifting messages that are about a 5 minute read.
Closing Reflection:
Every story is a thread.
Looking back, I see how God wove writing into my life—not just as a side gig, but as a calling.
Not just as a talent, but as a spiritual walk.
So I’ll ask you this question:
What gift has God placed in you?
My Challenge to You:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” – 1 Peter 4:10.
Thank you.