My Debut Book

Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the shadow of the Mormom Temple

Out of Zion was birthed out of a series of fortunate events. After sharing my story at a family camp, a man who was in the audience approached me directly following the meeting. He asked me some unusual questions that people don’t ask after I share my story and then posed the question, “Have you ever thought about writing your story?”

“Ummmm, maybe someday in the way-off distant future.” I hesitantly replied.

We had adopted our daughters from Ethiopia only a year earlier and the wheels had come off the Brockman train. All but two extended family members were still Mormons and I envisioned that writing my story would deeply cost relationally.

As our conversation continued, Robert shared with me that he’s a literary agent.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“I’m like a realtor for writers.” he replied.

My heart raced. It wasn’t coincidence that Robert and I happened to be in the same place at the same time for our paths to cross as they were. Through Robert, Jesus was clearly inviting me to write my story. Wonder and terror enveloped me.

Because of life—parenting five kids, homeschooling, depression, grief and fear— it took me five years to complete my publisher’s proposal. That’s a long time. My agent was incredibly patient. Some years I thought perhaps they forgot about me because they never pressured me, but waited patiently. When I found myself feeling stressed that I was so slowly writing my proposal, I was reminded that God’s timing is perfect. With the gravity of this project, I rested in this reality.

I was sure that there would not be a publisher interested in my book, for I don’t have a platform. Everything I’ve heard from everyone writing books is that without a platform, no publisher will be interested in me. I partially hoped I wouldn’t get an offer from a publisher, for then I would be able to exit this journey knowing I had followed Jesus where He was inviting me to go, but that the road had ended before I needed to make my story incredibly public.

I love my story. I love how God has relentlessly pursued me. I love how my story is a narrative of His love, grace, mercy and sheer goodness. I love sharing my story.

At the same time, I am a woman who has worked fiercely to nurture trust and love in my relationships with my large Mormon family and I didn’t want to disrupt the peace. Writing my story would disrupt this peace.

And then I received an offer from Harvest House in January 2018. The first two words of their offer were, “Perfect timing!” I trust that it is.

Click one of these links to purchase Out of Zion, or order it from your favorite book vendor.