Posted by: Torrie Chatman

Initially, it was never a goal of mine to become an author, but  God  had other plans for me.

I’m really just a regular chick that is in love with an extraordinary God. I’m from the small town named Wetumpka Alabama, where everybody knows everybody. What I wanted to be growing up changed like the weather most days. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be a wife and a mommy.

Life handed me several cards that I wouldn’t wish one to get.  I played them to the best of my knowledge and abilities and then put all of it in my memoir, Bruised but Not Broken. When I initially felt like I was supposed to start writing, I fought God on it. I didn’t want to share the most intimate moments of my life so publically. I was afraid that I would be judged or worse, misunderstood. God told me that my journey wasn’t just for me. What good is it if I survive and others don’t learn from it? With that in mind, I wrote. I talked about the abuse I endured as a child, the heartache of two divorces before the age of thirty,  how it felt to bury my mother, and all that’s in between. I didn’t lean on my own understanding but on His. And I’ll tell you this: I am so happy most days that I could squeal.

Pursuing purpose is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Writing Bruised but Not Broken was part of my destiny and I am so glad that I didn’t quit. It was by no means easy but so worth it. When people tell me that  they can identify with what I endured or reading my story has made them realize that they need to heal from something, it confirms that there was purpose in my pain all along. I just couldn’t see it.

My question for you is, what are you supposed to be doing that you’ve been holding back on pursuing? I feel like I’ve been cheating myself out of this indescribable joy of purpose because of fear or because I was concerned with what others would say. Decide today to not look back and regret what you didn’t do. Do something today that your dream will thank you for, even if it’s as small as sending an email.

Don’t hold back. Apply yourself and be the best version of you that’s possible.

XO

Torrie

WWW.TORRIECHATMAN.COM

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