Finding Courage

A devotional by Lynn U. Watson

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

When I learned my grandmother was an illegitimate child, I spent years contemplating what my great-grandmother’s life was like. She was the daughter of a baron, in love with the (forbidden) carriage driver, and carrying his baby. Her father’s choice for her had been a man she despised. What choices did she have for a satisfying life? Because of the rules of nobility putting his position at stake, her father sent her to America pregnant and alone.

Abortion is as old as mankind. Had she considered this an option to avoid being disowned? How did she survive a trans-Atlantic crossing five-months pregnant in 1882? How did she clear the entry process? Pregnant and unmarried was a no-no for admittance into America. Who helped her get started in a new place where she didn’t know the language? How and where would she raise her child? How did she do it without her family? Did she ever see them again? Did she ever see the man she loved again?

Great-Grandma’s life was defined by courage and bravery. God impressed on me to write her story. Be inspired by what little you do know, and create the rest. Others need to know ‘God gives impossibilities beautiful endings.’ Did I have the courage to be obedient to God’s nudging, deep-diving into often controversial or triggering topics?

With every new challenge, every goal, every dream, my mom’s words stab my heart. “Lynn, no matter what you think you can do and do well, someone else will always do it better.” I doubt she realized the scar her words would leave. She wanted me to be realistic, not disappointed. Her voice in my head became a self-sabotaging trigger.

While considering colleges, I asked about a seminary. I wondered what options were available for a woman to serve in the church. Dad nearly rolled on the floor laughing. “Seminaries are for men becoming pastors. You’re a girl. You think you can do that!” Embarrassed and humiliated, I laid my dreams aside and took a meandering path through the next four years, much of it dictated for me. During those years, I earned a degree in Journalism. I also met and married my husband.

I worked, but I had no career goals. My children gave me purpose. I was gifted at everything involving needle and thread, but the words were in my head: “Someone else can do it better.” Despite my mom’s voice, I also knew God’s Word says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

I created a successful and in-demand custom couture sewing service, affording me work-from-home opportunities while my children grew up. My husband and I published over a dozen counted cross-stitch design leaflets. A few received recognition by being included on industry Top 100 lists.

Beyond believing I was less than, I was also persistent. The courage found in Scripture spurred me to chase more dreams despite the voices in my head. One of those dreams was writing. Tangled Promises and Frayed Promises (with Planted Promises on the way) bring my family’s fictionalized saga to you. My great-grandmother overcame heartbreak, separation, and her status as a marked woman. She left a beautiful legacy. More than the story, I pray my readers discover parallels for their own lives. That they see God’s hand in the toughest issues of life: betrayal, controlling relationships, unanticipated setbacks, unfair restrictions, abandonment, mental health challenges, unplanned pregnancy, scandal, deceit, unmet expectations, and more. Only God can bring the love, forgiveness, redemption, healing, bravery, and courage we all need.

Maybe not because of a lack of courage, but more a desire to remain uncontroversial on social media, I had steered away from posting about abortion, pro-life, and life-affirming topics. My great-grandmother’s story begged me to make that bold leap. I’ve been an advocate and supporter of the work of Life Choices of Memphis, Inc. for years. It took courage to step out and ask permission to dedicate Frayed Promises, the most recent release in the Promised Destiny series, to their ministry, but I did. They approved of their name being included in the book, and this part of the journey has only begun.

What steps of faith do you need courage to make? How can I pray for you about them?

Lynn’s first published writing, news about her Brownie troop, appeared in the Milford (IL) Herald, when she was seven years old. Many years later she authored Cinnamah-Brosia’s Inspirational Collection for Women. The Essence of Courage, (Volume 1 of 3) was recognized as a must-read by industry professionals.

Each chapter of the devotional volumes contains one real-life story from family and friends. After fictionalizing the stories to protect identities, Lynn wondered if – then dared to believe – she could write full-length novels.

The great-great granddaughter of a real-life baron from southwest Germany, snippets of her family’s story inspire her fiction writing.

Lynn’s love of all things needle-and-thread was nurtured by her grandmother since she was old enough to collect the schnitzels (scraps) Grandma left behind. Following in her grandmother’s steps, Lynn sewed for the public creating custom wedding and formal attire, adorable children’s outfits, and everything in between. Lynn and her graphic designer husband, Steve, created The Lynn’s Butterfly Collection during those years – a dozen leaflets filled with original counted-cross-stitch designs. A few of the leaflets found their way onto large distributors’ top-seller lists.

In 2007 Lynn became a certified reflexologist (think way better than a great foot rub), and Footsteps in Eden was born. Passionate about helping others, Lynn’s touch-therapy skills bring relaxation to her clients one pair of feet at a time. Being entrusted with the privilege of sitting at and holding the feet of another individual is humbling, and it’s a precious opportunity to pray for them as well.

Married since 1973, Lynn and Steve’s Bartlett, Tennessee, home is filled with aromas of freshly baked bread, needlework treasures, and lots of love for friends and family. Jasmine, the resident feline, runs the place, while Lynn combines her passions and her heritage – Stepping through Time, Stitching Stories of Faith.

Lynn’s debut novel, Tangled Promises (Book 1 in Promised Destiny series) is a BookFest award winner.

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