A New Experience to Share

“Pati, would you consider sharing your story on my new podcast?” My first thought was, why would anyone want to ‘hear’ my story, I certainly write a generous portion of words already. Next I began to experience a gut churning all too familiar experience similar to that of years past landing a part in a production where I soon questioned my own ability to actually pull off the part . But this was not to be a role with memorized lines that would be presented to an audience. But instead, as Marie a long time friend stated, “it’s just a conversation”. As well as an opportunity to perhaps encourage someone else and boldly share my story and faith. And so after a bit of thinking, praying, fighting the dialogue in my own head, I said yes.

This blog is a short one. Just an introduction as it were to the podcast, “Writing Her Way Out of Grief” with Marie Wallace of “Embrace Your Encore” . I am so very humbled and honored that Marie invited me to share as she builds a library of stories and encouragement for those who are approaching and/or living in their ‘encore’ years. In this podcast you will hear a bit about my life before Ken, when Marie and I met, along with the years with Ken, as well as my journey since I became a widow. While sharing some thoughts and tips as well. The title of the podcast does not clearly communicate my message in that I am not at all getting ‘out’ of grief, but instead simply moving ‘through’ it. Marie had no control over the title. But no doubt the editor heard something that led to this title, hopefully encouraging him as well.

Nowhere in my plans or on my radar was there any thought to be a guest on a podcast. But neither was writing a blog beyond Ken’s journey through brain cancer and death. I believe God has other plans in and through my grief and life story. Whatever, wherever and whenever he can use me and my story to encourage others, I will try to listen and follow his prompting. I ask God all the time, “what do you want me to do with my life now?” And so often the answer is right in front of me. Does that ever happen to you?

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

Please let me know your thoughts after listening to the podcast (via comment, or personal email on my connect page). I am so grateful and humbled to be able to share this new experience with you. I so appreciate your time, encouragement and input. Thank you so very much for sharing in my journey.

God Bless you my Friend!

Pati