My husband smiled as I snapped the picture of the bookstore that shines its light in our local airport. It’s not the first time I’ve taken a photo of Book People; in fact, I’ve shared my whispered prayer about it being the place I want to see my book displayed.

Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time at this airport myself, and have perused the shelves longing for something that might inspire me on my journeys to destinations far and near. So I pray for the women who pass this bookstore, and I want them to know the divine beauty of their DNA, their heritage, and their impact.

The 61,500 words about the grace-filled power and influence of women are now in the hands of my acquisitions editor at Revell. And so the next journey begins. I will travel to five countries, enjoy holidays with family and friends, meet delightful people, carry joy and sorrow like a bouquet, and celebrate a wedding anniversary and another birthday in a new decade before the book is published. When I have found a gift for someone, I want to give it to them immediately. I want to do that with the stories in this book. I want to share the wisdom with you now. But I will breathe and practice the patience and grace I’ve learned from the women in the pages. And along the way, I’ll tell you about other women I’ve met—women who will most certainly remind you to celebrate who you are. For you are beautiful.

This is a bit of a blessing in the book. I wrote it for the women—and for you: The Gospel is not simply a biography you recite to others, it is the lifeblood of a living Jesus flowing through you to the lowest and the least. It is healing, it is heartbeat, it is hope upon hope upon hope. You are a well, pouring out vibrant, effervescent life, its joy splashing on your face. Oh love, look at your face. It is radiant.

This is day 12 of my #hopewritelife, and the theme is #publish.

If you want to be part of this journey, sign up for my little love letter. I send them once a month, and pray for my folks always. We’re in this together, you know.