Discovering Joy in Adversity

Four years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing a Christian singer/songwriter, Laurie Thompson, for a newspaper article. As I listened to her sing in church one Sunday, the Holy Spirit impressed on me that she would be my next newspaper feature. However, I couldn’t pitch the article based on the Holy Spirit’s prompting. I had to move heaven and earth (or so it seemed) to convince my editor to allow me to profile Laurie. The editor was less than thrilled at the idea. I had no “hook,” which is everything in the publishing world. She very bluntly told me a singer with a disability is not a hook. Many people struggle with disabilities every day.

Since I felt I couldn’t go to Laurie directly as a freelancer with no promise of an article, I prayed and poked around amongst locals to find out more about her and her family. I uncovered nothing. One day, I said, “Lord, what do you want me to do? I’ve hit a dead end.”

The answer was swift. “Google her.”

I ran to the computer, and within 60 seconds, I had my hook.

Unbeknownst to me, Laurie was also praying for guidance in how to proceed with writing her story in book form. After the article was published, Laurie and I developed a friendship, and she asked me to help her write her book.

Some of you know one of the writing jobs I enjoy is ghostwriting. Often people have an emotional attachment to their story, making it difficult to write themselves. That’s where a ghostwriter comes in. Laurie and I worked fervently on her story. We withstood a few attacks from Satan along the way, but with God’s help, came out victorious. Her book, Laurie’s Story: Discovering Joy in Adversity, has now been published.

Laurie’s ministry reflects her joy, despite what life has handed her. As I described in the article, listening to her sing is like being in the presence of angels.

I’d love to share her story with you. Between now and Friday, October 7, 2011, at 10:00 p.m., all you have to do is become a follower of this blog, and you will automatically be entered to win a free copy of Laurie's book through a random drawing. All followers as of that date will be eligible. Just click on the icon on the top left and follow the prompts. It’s very simple.

Happy clicking! Good luck to everyone.