‎I’m not sure when I first became aware of Mary DeMuth. I know it was online while doing research three or four years ago. Next I bought one of her books at a Christian book store which helped me assess her tone and message. It did not take long for me to realize four things about Mary: one, she is a prolific Christian author; two, she is passionate about helping people; three, she is also passionate about her writing; and, four, she offers coaching services for writers. At some point I subscribed to her blog to receive it via my email inbox. She concludes each email with a prayer for her subscribers.

I had prayed for Mary and her ministry for a couple of years and had participated in her and Frank Viola’s book launch for The Day I Met Jesus. I felt concern for her. Mary shares with her readers some of the tensions in her life. I felt both concern and excitement for her.  She was going for it, which allows for an extra amount of vulnerability. I think God wanted me to take notice of her. She would come to mind when I was praying.

Today, as in the past, Mary’s story resonates with me. I see myself in some of what she says. I know she is in the process of working through the most delicate parts of her past. That is another reason why I have committed to praying for her. She is on the front lines and needs consistent prayer partners to help with the heavy lifting.

Mary’s been through ups and downs. She allows herself to be vulnerable by sharing her story in real life. And it’s not an easy one at that. Sexual abuse and other circumstances left her wounded. Later God came in and changed her life. Healing is a process that continues to this day. God walks with her as she continues to move forward.

I particularly appreciate Mary’s determination to live out her purpose and carry on despite the difficulties that come her and her family’s way. The author journey is complicated. Remuneration for hours spent are slim at times. I credit her for staying with the mission she’s been given even when other directions might have seemed more viable financially.

To move forward one must persevere, trust fully in God, open self to learning, and follow God’s leading. Here I share a few things about Mary DeMuth and what I’ve learned through following her blogs and our interactions. These are shared to encourage us to follow faithfully the path God has set before us.

• Serve God with your heart. She pushes through, which equals determination and belief.
• Treat people right. You are a reflection of your Father God. Mary maintains professionalism.
• Be gracious and respectful. Mary is respectful of who she is interviewing and her listening audience
• Care for the right things. Mary asks key questions that address her audience’s needs and interests
• Be wise. She flushes out answers to the hard questions–about church, family, healing–with practical and spiritual applications
• Help others. Using first-person accounts, Mary illustrates the concept of restorying your story (how to repurpose your past)
• Right focus. Mary is in this to bring glory to God and to share his message of hope and healing

Mary and I first connected through emails. Eventually I decided to contact Mary to let her know of my prayer support. One thing led to another and then I got this email asking me if I’d like to be one of her Restory interviews. Using my story is something I do, so I jumped at the chance. Mary DeMuth interviewed me on February 19, 2018 for her Restory series. Mary is posting podcasts on her ReStory site. I hope you avail yourself by listening to mine and other true stories. In addition, Mary conducts a Restory Conference in Texas every year. These conferences are a beautiful way to connect, story to story, person to person.

For my part, this interview was a first for me and my first time talking with Mary. I was nervous and my voice was scratchy. I had prayed and prepared in advance but the dialogue didn’t go exactly as I had imagined it would. Her questions and comments were sharp and thoughtful.  I believe the Holy Spirit, through Mary, took the interview in a distinct direction. Much of what I had planned to say was left unsaid. It was a wonderful opportunity to share what God has done and what he means to me. I hope it has blessed those who have listened to it.

The rock I was given, described in the interview.

This just goes to show, you never know what God is going to do or how he is going to use you. I hope you enjoy Mary’s and my interaction and are blessed by it. Please share the interview link with anyone who comes to mind or ask God if there is someone he wants you to share it with. He will have a purpose in it.

Thank you to Mary for allowing this opportunity to reach more people with the message of hope found in Christ. You may visit her website here.

Here is a live link to the interview: Mary DeMuth with Norma Brumbaugh.

The address: https://www.marydemuth.com/5-12/

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