Earlier this year I randomly looked at my 12 year-old daughter, Alena, and said, “Let’s write a book together—one day.”
She looked at me smiled and said, “Sure.”
We both went on with our day.
Later on that evening Alena came to me with a spiral notebook in hand and said, “Mommy, when we write our book, I want one of the character’s name to be this.”
I looked at her paper and saw the name, “Mallory Winston.” Written in all caps across the top.
I told her how great of a name that was, we smiled and we both moved on—again.
Now this may seem like a random conversation to have with my 12 year old but the reality is it’s not. I love dreaming with my girls. I love noticing their gifts, the things they love and dreaming up ways that they can use those gifts to shine for Christ.
However, if I am honest I was not prepared for what happened next…
A few weeks later I received an email from Faithgirlz, an arm of Zondervan Publishers that delivers quality, relevant content that speaks to the needs of today’s 9-12 year old girls.
My girls love Faithgirlz resources and I have often reviewed and shared our favorites at For Girls Like You.
So while this email was a bit different it didn’t startle me as bizarre until the conversation began to move forward…
Do you see where this is going?
That’s right, Mallory Winston is a character in Alena’s new book series, Lena in the Spotlight! As crazy as it seems, she and I are partnering up with Faithgirlz to bring a 3 book fictional series to girls around the world!
The Lena in the Spotlight series is about learning to put your faith and trust in God regardless of your age, circumstance or personal desires. Its Alena’s story written in a way that can entertain as well as speak to the heart of issues girls face while pointing them to Christ!
While having the opportunity to write a book with my daughter is super exciting and fun, what I am most grateful for is a God who knows the big, small and random conversations that happen in our homes and in our hearts.
I am in awe that the actual creator of the universe would show himself so clearly and personally to my 12-year old daughter and I.
Nothing is random, crazy or too big with Christ.
So we are writing and while we are doing that, here’s how I am learning to trust God with my heart, my girls and my dreams:
- The gifts and talents nestled inside of my girls are an open invitation for their Creator to make His presence known in their hearts.
- Each and every conversation we have is an opportunity for me to point them to Christ—His truth, His promises and the possibilities that rest in His love.
- Sometimes my dreams are just a doorway for hers.
- As a parent, God calls me to create an environment that says,
Holy Spirit, She is yours. You are welcome here and I relinquish control over her present and her future. Use her Lord for your Glory and your eternal purpose. Give me the strength and the courage I need to trust You with her heart.
You can read Alena’s version of this announcement here!
We are excited to share this journey with you!
