Michelle Stimpson's Blog

I love the body of Christ, have a deep appreciation for church, and an insatiable appetite for all things related to Scripture. That said, I’m going to share this experience for the benefit of the body in hopes that it will help others who lead and attend Bible studies. 

After attending many services in and around my new community (we recently moved), I decided that the best way for me to get truly connected was to attend a women’s Bible study at a local church. This was one of those Bible studies where you read a chapter of an author’s Christian book, watch a video of the author speaking, and then break into small groups for further discussion about that chapter. 

It was a 6-week study. I stopped attending after week 4. Here’s why:

Sin-focused Curriculum: The book was only 208 pages. Yet, the word sin/sinful/sinning occurs more than 300 times in the manuscript. If I wasn’t focused on my shortcomings before this study, I sure would be after reading this one! I’d read a chapter and think, “Ummm…where is Jesus?”Sin-focused Discussion: The discussion focused on all the ways that we fall short, rather than all the ways we are overcomers in Christ. Again, Where is Jesus? At one point, I told the group, “Life in Christ is not this big game of whack-a-mole where we’re running around trying to bop sin the head.” Ain’t nobody got time for that—especially when this has been covered in Christ. What a waste of our power and energy!Limited View of the Holy Spirit: The focus was on the Holy Spirit’s ability to keep us from (you guessed it) sinning; as if that’s His only benefit. He also comforts us, teaches us all things, shows us what we don’t even know to consider. In addition to all that, He has an amazing sense of humor when we really get to know Him. (Got some weird looks for that comment.)Insistence that we (believers) are all still full of sin: I promise you, the conversation was as though the cross never happened—all this talk of how we’re displeasing to God, we’ve broken the relationship, others can’t see God because of us, we disgrace Him, etc. I said something to the effect that I tend to focus more on the goodness of God than on the areas where I struggle. I don’t even see “struggle” as the right word—it’s more about alignment. Wherever I’m out of alignment, there’s something I don’t know or haven’t fully internalized about God, and I trust that He will reveal Himself to me in those areas as I continue to seek Him and grow in Him, layer by layer. The leader basically said something to the effect that I might be perfect, but the rest of them aren’t. (Side-eye) In the words of Dr. Ebony Truss: It’s not arrogance; it’s agreement with God. [Note: This is not the first time I’ve been mocked by Christians for actually expressing my belief that all my sin (past, present, and future) is forgiven.]

After I dropped out of the Bible study, I talked with God some more about it. And I realized this wasn’t just about this one book, this church, or this particular women’s Bible study group. This is not even about sin, per se. Discussions about sin have their place, certainly. But I can’t keep going to church or Bible study or Women’s conferences and keep walking away feeling like my mother and my grandmother just sat me down and fussed at me the whole time. That kind of “teaching” does not grow me in the knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; it only makes me more self-critical. When I was less mature in Christ, it also made me question my secure salvation in Him. 

Maybe some people need to be reminded of how sinful they used to be in order to grasp the goodness of God??? I don’t doubt that there are believers in full-blown combat with sin. But maybe it’s because they’re being taught to fight with sin rather than rest in and receive what Jesus accomplished at the cross??? 

I can’t say what everyone needs to hear at any given time; I trust the Holy Spirit to know these things and to intervene when one style of teaching is too far one way or another. I only know that, for me, it’s the goodness of God that brings about repentance and transformation in my life (see Romans 2:4). I need more of the gospel—the good news!—in order to grow. 

I’m also happy to report that God has led me to another church that is helping me do just that.

I’m curious to know if I’m the only one who feels this way. Please share your comments in a loving, kind spirit. 

The post Why I Dropped Out of Bible Study appeared first on Michelle Stimpson.

Hello and welcome to the very first post on my new blog! I’m Michelle Stimpson, and you may know me from my novels like Boaz Brown, the Mama B series, and Deacon Brown’s Daughters, or perhaps through my short stories and educational efforts at WeGottaRead.com. As we embark on this new journey together, I want to share not just stories, but a part of my heart and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

This blog is born out of a desire to connect more deeply with you, my readers, and to create a space where faith, writing, and life intersect. Here, I will share insights from my personal journey, the behind-the-scenes of my writing process, and the profound impact of journaling on my life and spirituality. But more than that, I aim to foster a community where we can grow together in faith and creativity.

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

This verse encapsulates the spirit of this blog. As we delve into discussions about faith, the challenges of life, and the art of storytelling, I hope to remind us all that when we entrust our endeavors—be it writing, teaching, or any other pursuit—to God, He guides our paths and gives purpose to our passions.

Expect to see posts covering:

The inspiration behind my books and storiesTips and encouragement for aspiring writersThe importance of faith in navigating life’s challengesThe transformative power of journalingAnd much more!

I plan to post bi-weekly to start, with the hope of increasing frequency as we find our rhythm together. To ensure you don’t miss out on any updates, I encourage you to sign up for notifications below. Also, click to sign up for my newsletter!.

I am so excited to start this new chapter with you. Through this blog, I hope not only to share my experiences and insights but to hear from you as well. Your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs are what inspire me to keep writing and teaching. So, please, feel free to comment, share, and join in the conversation. Together, let’s explore the beauty of faith, the craft of writing, and the journey of life itself.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for supporting my work. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

The post Hello and welcome! appeared first on Michelle Stimpson.

Hey there virtual friends, readers, family, saints…all of y’all!

I know it’s been a minute. Well, a lot of minutes. This year started off with A LOT going on in the Stimpson household. We moved, then we had that huge ice storm across the whole state of Texas, then I got into a little funk and ate a whole bunch of cupcakes from this bakery in my new city, and then I started writing a Christmas romance novella entitled All I Want for Christmas – it’ll be out on Audible in December!

And, of course, I spent time with this one!

(Y’all knew this Gi-Gi was going to share a picture, right?!)

I’m coming up on 50 years old, and when I look back over my life, I’m checking stuff off like, “Yep, God did that. Yep, that, too. Didn’t get that, but I realize now I never needed it. Still looking forward to that. Mmm hmm.” And it’s not because I’ve been perfect. I believe it’s had a lot to do with sitting down on many-a-Friday or -Saturday night, pulling out a journal, writing my true feelings on paper, stopping to listen, searching the Scriptures, getting mad at God and telling Him so, and then us sitting there together with me pouting in the ministry of His presence. And then we start talking again. This is how our relationship has rolled for quite some time and I’m thankful. In fact, this is actually the thing I could do all day without stopping and it still wouldn’t be enough.

But I’ve always done it by myself. In fact, I kinda considered myself a “loner” because I thought that’s what artists were and because I do like being alone. But one thing I learned during the pandemic is that I actually missed people…a lot! Especially as we went on in isolation.

A few times in 2020, I journaled in community with others who just needed to come together in an unconventional way (due to COVID, of course). We journaled, think deeply, and reflect together. I was like, “This is cool.” The host, Shana Chivon, has since moved on to other things.

Then, earlier in 2021, I attended a virtual retreat where we participated in quite a bit of journaling over days. THAT was powerful for me (thanks Casandra Austin-McDonald!) Her main work is coaching empaths for self-care.

Well, I’ve decided to take the best of those two group experiences, add my love of reading, and host journaling experiences for women who need to save (or make) space in their lives for journaling individually and in community. Really, it’s for all of us who are probably, as my grandmother would say, “doing too much” and “need to get somewhere and sit down with your own thoughts.” It is self-care, reflection, growth, re-thinking, prayer, putting the crown on straight, therapeutic–all of that!

I sent out an invitation to some segments of my email list and got quite a few folks to join me. Woo hoo! I’m super-excited about the healing, the freedom, the laughter, the deep-thinking…whew!

If you missed the invitation this time, be sure you’re on my email list so I can let you know when I do it again!

Well, that’s pretty much what’s going on with me. What’s up with you? Be sure to leave a comment, I’d love to see what’s happening in your neck of the woods!

Be blessed!

-Michelle

I’m always telling people about my events after-the-fact. So let me catch you up to speed!

Virtual Workshop – February 11, 2021, 7:00pm Central Time
Early Bird: $47
Regular: $67

Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to relax and reset. This session gives you ​​ the know-how and the digital files you need to design and publish a coloring book with your inspirational messages, even if you can’t draw a stick-man! If you’re familiar with PowerPoint or Google Slides and you can can click, copy & paste, you can make a coloring book that will give people peace of mind!

Click Here to Register

So…these thoughts have been on my heart for more than a week now. I pray they will spark conversation and cause more people to learn to be an anti-racist.

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Deacon Brown’s Daughters Poster

Deacon Brown’s Daughters is FINALLY available to the public on Amazon. Here is the official link, y’all.

Whew! Y’all just don’t know…we went down to the wire with the timing of this release, and we got an intervention right when we needed it to meet our deadline.

We were planning to release tonight at midnight, but up until just this very afternoon, we saw this on the video processing screen:

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We were like: Oh. No. This cannot be happening! They cannot be saying that this movie will not come out on time! We had tried to call them earlier this week because the time was winding down, but because they aren’t taking phone calls (due to the backlog) all we could do was email. That was NOT a good sign. But we moved forward with plans, praying that things would work out. And they did – THANKS BE UNTO GOD! This whole entire project has been a testament to His faithfulness.

Well, I have to go right now. Right now, I think everybody I know and their momma is watching it. People are texting me, tagging me, inboxing me about scenes – I’m so excited for the message and for the support and for the fun of finally being able to share this with you all.

I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!

–Michelle

P.S. It’s also my birthday. So, if you wanna give me something, check out the movie!

Hello There!

It’s 2020. Can you believe it?

I want to thank you all for hanging in there with me. Aside from my supportive family who have known me all my life, I’ve known some of my now-online folks since elementary school. Some I know through Jarvis Christian College, some from work in education. Many of you have been hanging with me since LaShondra met Stelson in Boaz Brown. Others came along when Mama B helped out at the church. We might have met when Stanley (Deacon Brown’s Daughters) started acting right.

So many of you say such kind things to me online and inbox me little pictures and encouraging words. That people would take time out of their busy days to write reviews and tell friends about my books and re-post sell-links, invite people to signings and workshops…it all matters to me.

Some of you know that these past few years have been rough for me. My mom, my grandmother, and a co-worker with whom I worked closely transitioned. Even Mi-Mi (my 15-year old “writing dog”) passed away in 2018. I think I spent 2019 in a peaceful stillness, learning how to view this next season differently. I let a lot of projects drop. Honestly, I needed to. (I know you all understand.) But I say all of that to say: your kindnesses have been so very welcomed and received.

Thank You. You’re a blessing to me! Happy 2020 – let’s make it an AMAZING year!

In Christ’s Unfailing Love,

-Michelle

Just wanted to share the amazingly good (like Ephesians 3:20!) of what’s going on with the film, Deacon Brown’s Daughters, which CaSandra McLaughlin and I wrote and later created a movie around this book. As some of you know, we finished it in the summer of 2018. It was shopped around by an agent for a while. Then we entered the CapCity Black Film Festival this year and won Best Feature film. Hallelujah! That was an amazing moment.

Our friends and family and cast members were too, too excited for us and we’re so thankful to God for the recognition!

And now we’re sharing the news with media to spread awareness about the film and it’s message. Here’s the local Fox4News Interview: https://www.fox4news.com/video/607544

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We’ll let you know when it’s available for viewing!!!

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Have you been putting off writing or publishing your book because you just don’t know what to do?
Tired of feeling guilty about not walking in your purpose?
Needing to talk with someone about making changes in your marriage, but don’t want your business “in the streets”?

I’m here for you! Yes. For real for real. I get calls, email messages, and texts every week from people who need everything from a detailed relaunch plan to a brainstorming partner to some Scriptures to pray for their marriage. Most of the time, I have to decline because I just don’t have the time to set aside my own work and focus on others. But you know what? That’s gonna change. Helping people is part of my work. The truth is: I love people! And I want to help everyone who desires my help and expertise to achieve their God-ordained purpose. That includes you!

So, if you’d like to schedule a consultation with me, click here:

MICHELLE, WE NEED TO TALK!

My calendar and available times are there for you to see.

With each consultation, you’ll receive:

An intake session survey so I can adequately prepare for our time together
60-minute online or phone consultation with specific, actionable next steps
A 15-minute followup
Most of all, the peace of mind in knowing that you’re moving forward!!!

And this month (my birthday month!) I’m offering a 10% discount so that YOU can birth a great thing in your life! The discount code is: HBDMICHELLE

I look forward to being a part of your success!

Hope to see you soon!

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Hey there! If you know me, you KNOW one of my greatest passion is to help women learn to thrive in sometimes (or all the time!) difficult marriages. Feb. 5-7, I’m hosting a LIVE webinar at my WarriorWivesClub Facebook page.

Until then, sign up to get your workbook, save the date, and get ready to grow in our time together!

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