When I first began writing From Worry to Wonder: Seeing God’s Goodness in Life’s Rearview Mirror, I had no idea where God would take it. I wanted to tell my story—the story of a worried heart transformed by a faithful God. So when I learned that my book received the Silver Award in the Christian–General genre from the Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest, I was deeply humbled.

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I don’t see this recognition as a personal achievement as much as a testimony to God’s grace. Every story that I shared in my book was written through moments of awe as I looked back over the happenings of my life. I saw the struggles, the disappointments, and then the amazing ways God turned them into blessings. Seeing others now blessed through those same stories fills me with gratitude and wonder.

God’s Goodness in the Rearview Mirror

The subtitle of the book—Seeing God’s Goodness in Life’s Rearview Mirror—came from the simple truth I’ve learned over and over: we see God’s fingerprints most clearly when we look back. During the hardest moments, it can be nearly impossible to recognize His hand at work. But later when we glance in the rearview mirror, we can see how He was protecting and providing all along.

That’s why I wrote the book—to encourage believers who are struggling with fear or heartache to trust that God is still good, even when life feels anything but. Whether it was my childhood after my father’s desertion, our years as missionaries in Ethiopia and Ghana, or the challenges our children faced, God proved Himself faithful in every season. My hope has always been that readers would finish the book with renewed faith in His goodness—not in my story, but in their own.

The Greatest Reward: Changed Lives

As meaningful as it was to receive the Readers’ Favorite Silver Book Award, the real reward has been hearing from readers. The messages, reviews, and personal notes people have sent have touched me deeply. Some have shared how they saw their own story reflected in mine. Many have shared how the book helped them recognize God’s hand in their own lives. One woman told me she read it during a season of loss and was comforted by the reminder that “God doesn’t waste our pain.” Another said it helped her realize that “even detours can lead to divine destinations.”

Those messages—and the heartfelt reviews on Amazon—are what impact me most. And here is a review from Literary Titan website. I’m grateful to know that the words I once wrote through tears and prayer are now encouraging others to trust God. It’s proof that when we offer our stories back to Him, He multiplies them to bless others.

Giving Glory Where It’s Due

If you’ve read From Worry to Wonder, you know it’s not a story of my strength; it’s a story of God’s strength in my weakness. So while I’m honored by the recognition, all glory belongs to God. He is the true Author of every chapter, and I’m simply the co-author telling what He has done.

A Word of Encouragement

This recognition from Readers’ Favorite Book Award is a beautiful reminder that God can take even our painful experiences and turn them into encouragement for someone else. The silver medal may hang on my wall, but the real treasure is knowing that readers are finding hope, peace, and renewed faith through the pages of this book.

If you’re walking through a difficult chapter right now, remember that God is still writing your story. Trust Him in the waiting, even when it’s hard to see the outcome. You will be able to soon look in the rearview mirror and marvel at how He turned your trials into triumphs.