My son called yesterday to tell me he just rode in the front row of the world’s tallest floorless roller coaster! He was with a friend in Virginia and they went to Busch Gardens. He told me over the phone, “Mom, I think I am over my fear of roller coasters!” As I checked out the coaster online, I emailed him back to say, “OH MY GOODNESS!! I can’t believe you were on the front row?! NOT ME, NO WAY! Way to go, Bub! I’d say you got over the fear of roller coasters alright!”

The Griffin drops at 70 mph from 205 ft. at 90 degrees straight down. The passengers are strapped in as they sit 5-6 seats across. Some riders have no rail underneath them as they dangle out in midair! My heart was racing after seeing the video online. There are some things mom is just better off not knowing!   No wonder I kept praying for him all day!

Roller Coasters and I don’t mix well. When my husband and I were dating we visited Kings Island and rode the Beast with some friends. This was our first roller coaster together, he was laughing with his hands extended over his head. As he looked over at me, I was holding on with white knuckles for dear life, screaming my head off! Yes, we were made for each other! Even at Disney last year, my favorite coaster was the kiddy ride with Mickey! My husband and son rode Space Mountain 3 times.

Stepping into the writing arena is in some ways for me like a roller coaster ride. There are unexpected twists and turns, and drops that make my stomach flip. All the while, I am praying hard and trusting underneath are God’s everlasting arms. Trusting is so hard when I can’t see what is coming next. But there is great comfort knowing God sees and has a plan. He keeps preparing me day by day and leading me for what is ahead.

For weeks God lead me to scriptures that said, “Now, finish the work so your satisfaction will be matched by your completion.” “See to it that you finish the work.” “I will not fail you until all the work is finished.” When I signed the contract with Winepress, whew, that was a huge step of faith like that 90 degree drop! After the “rush,” all is calm.

Recently, after I turned my book over to Winepress for editing and publishing, God has lead me to scripture that says, “Get yourself ready.” I have been wondering how to do that without any feedback on the book yet. This week as my kids are gone, and the weather has been perfect to sit on the deck and read -one of my favorite things to do! I read Isaiah 28:12, “This is the resting place. This is your refreshing.” Get yourself ready. Get prayed up! (my slang)

This is the part of the ride where my heart can relax and pause for a moment to remember all the Lord has done to get me this far. I like this part of the roller coaster! But I know the climb is coming and I am anticipating the big drop to be a thrill of a lifetime! When my book is complete and I am going non-stop to share it. I’ll be feeling out of control, my arms thrown up in surrender, but I know God will be with me in the coaster of life and publishing, directing every twist and turn. I will say repeatedly, “I will not be afraid. He is with me!”