Revised on 11/23/24
I’m making significant progress on writing the Memoir—such advancement that I’m doing the happy dance. I’ve also learned a great lesson: Don’t be afraid to search and search for “the best takeaway” for the reader.
The best takeaway gives readers hope for the future. It can be hope for a better life or a particular struggle they are facing. If the takeaway is not hopeful, the book will likely fall flat.
No happy dance.
Prayer for Guidance
I’ve been confused about the best angle to write the story. My mindset shifted in several directions throughout the healing process, as did the story’s perspective. It was a story about many things and nothing hopeful at all.
The other day, I reached out to the Lord in prayer. Praying,
Lord, I’m confused about the direction to go. I want the Memoir to be what you want it to be. I want it to glorify you. I’m handing it over to you.
I awoke early the following day to write. Within minutes, thoughts of an old blog (The Lord is Calling) came to mind. Last week, the domain came up for renewal, and at first, I let it go. I decided to re-register the domain and a new one (shorter version), The Lord’s Calling.
The Lord’s Calling
Then it hit me, “The Lord’s Calling” never stops.
The Lord never stops calling His children to walk out of the darkness and into the light of life. Transformation is a continuous process of spiritual renewal, not something you can do yourself.
I was that person who walked in darkness. The darkness encompassed every aspect of my life. However, describing the dark is not the HOPE of the story.
The takeaway is
The power of God’s grace to restore life is greater than the forces of darkness to destroy.
I gave up on the Lord’s Calling and sought to do things my way again. However, God’s grace gently guided me back onto the right path.
The Lord’s Calling.
What does this have to do with writing a Memoir?
Everything.
Several years ago, the Lord’s Call to “come into the full light” prompted this memoir-writing endeavor. Throughout the process, understanding and healing of past afflictions were made possible.
The hope of the story reveals God’s saving grace. It shows the reader in moments of complete brokenness, God is always near and never abandons you. The Lord’s calling is to rescue, strengthen, and illuminate the darkness with His saving grace.
New Memoir Title and Subtitle
The Secret Darkness
Overcoming Abuse and Finding Freedom
L M. Carleton
I’ll never forget that day, for the emotional pain and mental anguish were unbearable, and the strength to survive was gone. – In moments of complete brokenness, the Lord Jesus Christ illuminated the darkness to reveal God’s rescuing grace.
Epigraph
The power of God’s grace to restore life is greater than the forces of darkness to destroy.