Collateral Blessings for Writers: Unexpected Surprises from God

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites
Don’t you love when God totally surprises you with a blessing you didn’t see coming? 
I’ve played around on Facebook for a number of years, starting my personal page long ago when my teenagers first asked to join the social media world. “Only if you help your technologically-challenged mother set up an account, too,” I’d replied. “So that I can monitor your activity … somewhat.” I knew my tech intel skills couldn’t rival that of my kids, but, luckily, my teens were more interested in getting to church on time for youth group than they were getting into anything devious online. 
As my writing career continued to move forward, social media became more of a work tool for me than a teenage surveillance device. I paid attention at conferences like Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and learned to sincerely engage with those that might be part of my potential audience for my writing. 
And, when I signed a contract back in 2019 for my parenting book that came out in October of 2020, I really ramped up my presence and posts. I enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow writers, as well as the moms and homeschooling mommies that my posts and shares catered to. 
When Revell/Baker Publishing released my book, 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Momeinto Lasting Memories, I posted the obligatory “please check out my book” memes, in addition to my engagement posts of encouraging Bible verses, fun holiday celebrations, and helpful parenting tips that had become staple shares over the last couple of years.
Shortly after my book launch, I received a Facebook private message from a young adult whom I’d volunteered with in the children’s ministry at my church many years ago. When we volunteered, she was a college student at the local university, and I had two kids in the youth group and two kids in the children’s ministry. Though we were Facebook “friends,” we hadn’t chatted personally for quite some time – all four of my kids are college grads now, so that’s an indication of the time lapse. 
Late one night while I was working on the computer, a Facebook private message popped up from this young lady. With my words interspersed in the conversation that I’ll leave out for the sake of space, here are the words she sent me: 
Your social media posts encourage my soul so incredibly much! You truly inspire me to reach for Jesus more! I don’t have children. I don’t even have a boyfriend, but I bought your book because I know how inspiring and encouraging you are! 
While volunteering [in the children’s program at church] I truly learned how to Christ in a classroom where I can’t share Christ! It’s definitely changed the way I interact with my students. Please keep writing and posting and encouraging! It truly is your gift from God. 
I can’t speak for everyone but knowing you has made me a better person and a better disciple of Christ. Recently, I’ve struggled in my walk, but every single time I get on social media and see your posts, I’m automatically pointed back to Christ. I can never thank you enough. 
I’ve wandered in my recent years, but Christ has led me back to church. I’m excited for this new season, and you were a big catalyst in getting me back in the door. I hope our paths cross sooner rather than later. 
I wept at the computer as I read her messages and thanked her profusely for sharing such sweet words to me. It was a poignant lesson for me that I can plan my steps – posts and engagement aimed at parents who might consider buying my book – but the Lord directs my path – posts that touch the heart of a single, childless teacher and send her on a journey back into the fellowship of God’s fold.
“Marketing” has never been my purpose for Facebook engagement, yet social media had become a viable tool for bringing awareness about my parenting book. But what if God’s plans for my social media posts had little to do with my new release and more to do with refreshing the soul of a wanderer? What if that was His intent all along? 
I asked my friend for permission to share her words as a reminder that God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than I can ever dream. I believe God led me to those posts – some announcing silly holidays and others expressing powerful Bible verses – for such a time as this, in ways that I will probably only barely comprehend.
Thank you God, for surprise treats. 
Write on, my friends, and keep your eyes open for unexpected, collateral blessings from the Lord.
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Julie Lavender, author of 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories (Revell), looks forward to a new year of engaging conversations on social media. Please connect with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/julie.lavender.10 or https://www.facebook.com/groups/607967430049843; Twitter at https://twitter.com/JLavenderwrites; and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/julielavenderwrites/.