Stepping into the water!

Over the past several months, I've sensed God inviting me to write another book or Bible study. I don't know the format of this book yet, but things are beginning to gel in my mind as I've been scribbling notes and journaling ideas. God has brought several key Scripture passages to mind, as well as some topics to explore. When I wrote my first Bible study, "Unlocking The Treasure: A Bible Study for Moms Entrusted With Special-Needs Children," it was a very unique experience. One morning God literally poured the ideas for the chapters into my head. It was very clear right from the start what that Bible study would look like and what the main themes would be.

This book is being conceived in a very different fashion. When I began to sense God calling me to write another book, I talked about it with Steve. One day at lunch we brainstormed what this next book might look like, who it would be for, what topics to cover, etc. Since then I've been praying, making notes, and listening for God to speak. Now I sense God telling me it's time to start. And I still have no idea what it's going to look like! I don't know if the book will be in a Bible study format similar to "Unlocking the Treasure," or if it'll be in book form. So when I was on a walk with God one day last week, I reminded Him that I still didn't have a real clear picture of what this book should look like, and that it would be helpful if He would tell me so I could get started writing! Well, He answered with a very clear message ... I am to "step into the water first," then He'll more clearly show me the way. God reminded me of the story of Joshua and the Israelites entering the Promised Land. The priests were told to first step into the Jordan River, THEN God would part the water and clear a path for them.

So, I'm stepping into the water! God has affirmed and confirmed and has practically done handstands telling me it's time to start writing again. But He wants me to step into the water first. And this is my first step.

I need your help.

I would like to hear from parents who are raising -- or have raised -- children with challenging emotional issues (i.e. emotional disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, mental illness issues, etc.).  I would like to correspond not only with parents whose children are still in their homes, but also with parents of adult children. I want to hear about the challenges, frustrations and joys they experience daily. I understand how risky it feels to open your life to another person, but I would keep things in strict confidence and complete anonymity. I am just one mom on this journey, and in order to do this book justice I feel I need to learn about the journeys and challenges other parents face.

Would you please be willing to share this with anyone you know who has a child (of any age) who struggles with emotional difficulties and/or mental illness and its challenges? As mentioned before, I will honor privacy and confidentiality. I simply desire several other parents I can correspond with in order to better understand the needs and issues parents of children with emotional disorders deal with on a daily basis.

I can be reached at bevroozeboom@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for your help!