I Write, but I don’t Love to Write - episode 263
Here was an unexpected statement. She does not actually enjoy writing. Apparently it started early when Mary Ann had a tough time in school particularly with spelling. She didn’t think she was qualified. Her self-talk wasn’t positive. Years later she knew she had to let it go because there was work to be done and it involved writing. Mary Ann Mariani took her years of experience being a presentation coach and went where she knew God was leading her: helping people share their faith. As she explains, everyone has a story and there is somebody that needs to hear yours. This led her to write Your Story for God’s Glory. Mary Ann is our guest this week for Thinking through My Fingers: a Writers Series.
You can find Mary Ann at Kingdom Presenters.
She has been on UY before in A Passionate Artist of Story, I Was Mad at Myself, and Reflections on 2024; Hopes for 2025.
From a practical standpoint, to reference, a gift to make it easier for them to have access to ideas.
— Mary Ann Mariani on why she writes
Everybody has a Story
Thoughts from I Write, but I don’t Like to Write
Your Story for God’s Glory by Mary Ann Mariani, an excerpt
Your life story is unique to you. This story, your story, is a precious gift from God, and it holds the power to touch hearts, transform lives, and glorify Him in ways you may never have imagined.
Although we each possess a unique story of faith and hope, many Christians would admit they do not feel prepared or confident to share their faith story with a friend. Have you ever felt that way, like you weren’t prepared to share your faith story with others? Did it cause you to hesitate, stumble, or feel inadequate to share—resulting in saying nothing, but wishing you had? If so, you are not alone.
Let’s start by taking the pressure off ourselves by realizing it’s God’s story we are sharing. Our story is the vehicle by which God chooses to make Himself known to our circle of influence. When we embrace that fact and allow Him to show us the way, then it changes everything.
You will know that your faith story has value—no matter what your faith journey looks like— when directed by God, because He knows you and the needs of your listeners. He wants your story to have the ability to create Kingdom ripples that can make a lasting impact for others.
If you are reading this book, it’s likely that you want to encourage others and make an impact for Christ. You just want a little guidance on how to do that in a way that authentically connects you and your message of hope with your listeners.
The good news is that there is a simple way for you to gain the confidence, clarity, and the ability to effectively share your story so that it connects with the hearts and minds of your listeners and introduces them to Jesus.
Welcome to Your Story for God’s Glory: A Christian’s Guide to Sharing Your Faith with Confidence, Clarity and Impact. Within the pages of this book, we embark on a journey together—a journey that will empower you to embrace the extraordinary potential of your faith story and equip you with the tools to share it boldly, authentically, and purposefully.
But why, you might ask, is it so crucial to delve into the art of sharing your faith story? The answer lies in the profound impact it can have on both you and those who encounter it. Your personal journey of faith, with its twists and turns, victories and defeats, is a powerful testament to God’s grace, love, and transformational power. When you learn to articulate and share this story effectively, you not only deepen your own faith but also become an instrument of God’s love in the lives of others.
Throughout these pages, my goal is to be your guide as you navigate the beautiful but sometimes daunting task of sharing your faith. You see, I firmly believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and the message it carries can resonate deeply with others, leading them closer to God’s embrace.
Don’t let anyone hijack your main message.
— Mary Ann Mariani, advice on writing
