Motivational Monday

I am not a stranger to dark roads, and I am sure you aren’t either, friend. Honestly, the dark roads seem to reveal a lot, like who your true friends are, what you find strength in, and the quality of your character.

If you had a difficult week last week because of all the heinous crimes committed, you are not alone, friend. I have spent many a moment crying about the senseless acts of murder, and the response of the aftermath (both heartlifting and heartbreaking).

When we find ourselves on dark roads, it is important to remain faithful. Seek God, reach out for prayer, and be still in the solitude. Regardless of how others respond to instances of evil, you have the power within yourself to act with righteous honor, gentle fortitude, and merciful love.

Ultimately, what will matter is how we represent God on the darkened road. Were we a light to guide others, or just another broken lamp? I don’t know about you, but I hope this little light of mine will shine for His Kingdom and glory.

Faithful Friday

There is so much to be grateful for this week despite all of the heartbreak. I have a growing relationship with God, my husband is amazing, my children are healthy and thriving, my sister messages me every day to see how my morning is, I have fantastic friends that care about my well being, and so much more.

I wanted to take a moment to thank God for all of these incredible blessings. If you have something specific you would like me to pray for you, comment below or send me a personal message through my contact tab on this website.

A Prayer for Us:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so grateful for this life You have blessed me with Despite the darkness of this past week, You have shown me how much of my life is lived in the light. Thank You for the people who love me and who I love, for Your still soft voice speaking into my life, and for a purpose to share the talents You have given to me. Please use me today to be a light in the darkened world and to show people how much they matter.

In Jesus’s name, Amen!

My Heart is Heavy

The past few weeks have had so many traumatic events occuring in the news, especially with the murder of people caught on camera. I have been horrified at the loss of life, and disheartened by some people’s responses to these tragic events.

As Christians, the death of someone, especially through violence, should break our hearts. We should not focus on our political beliefs, or any other belief outside of what scripture says. Our nation is already divided, and we are called as believers to be peacemakers. Unfortunately, I have not seen a lot of evidence of this on social media. During times like this, I find it best to turn to God. He is the only one who can see us through our darkest times, and this past week has been incredibly dark.

I pray that believers all over the world come together in solidarity. That we fall to our knees in our despair, and trust in the only One who can bring light into this present darkness. Our prayers matter, our words matter, people are watching how we respond, and remember we may be the only example of Christ for those around us. That’s a huge responsibility, and one that should not be taken lightly.

Christ calls us to love one another as He has loved us. Let’s not forget that, especially when others believe differently from us. What has happened is evil. We should call it what it is, but also remember: “"… our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

I am praying, and I hope you are too.

Thankful Thursday: Why Failure is Necessary?

This morning, I was listening to a podcast about the creator of one of my favorite shows: The Chosen. If you haven’t watched this show, I highly recommend it, especially if you love storytelling in connection to The Bible.

I wasn’t prepared for how this podcast was going to wreck me in all of the best possible ways. Dallas Jenkins created The Chosen after one of his greatest directorial failures. He had directed his first Hollywood-funded film, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, with hopes that his vision for faith-based movies would take off. It didn’t. In fact, the opposite happened. The film was a total bust.

Jenkins then said something that brought tears to my eyes. As he wrestled with God over the failure of this film, and analyzed every possible way he had gotten it wrong, his wife came to him and said she felt they should read the story in The Bible where Jesus fed the five thousand. He didn’t understand why, but read the story with her. The following morning, as he continued obsessing over this failure, an acquaintance sent him a message on Facebook Messenger that said something along the lines of: It’s not your responsibility to feed the five thousand. It’s your job to provide the loaves and fish.

This message stunned Dallas, and at four in the morning, he reached out to his friend, asking why he had sent that specific message. The friend said that he hadn’t wanted to send the message, but God kept pressing on his heart to do it, so he sent it out of obedience. Dallas had a profound moment with God as a result of this message, where he specifically heard that the outcome was not the measure.

Friend, that message struck me, too. Like Dallas, I struggle with a warped definition of success. Outcomes and totals drive me, especially in teaching. I have data and standards that direct my instruction, and oftentimes I hate it. What if instead of striving for an outcome, I enjoyed the process of creating? What if it isn’t dependent upon me at all? What if the point is that I show up, do my best, and accept whatever God has planned for my future?

Dallas said that in his greatest moment of failure, he felt ultimate freedom. His job wasn’t about feeding the five thousand. All he had to do was provide the loaves and fish, and then let God do the rest.

Regardless of what happens in my next chapter of life, whether writing is profitable or not, is not the point. The point is that I live in the center of God’s will. The point is that failure isn’t really failure. Not if it leads to the next best thing that God has planned for my life.

So, all of those rejections are necessary. All of those social media posts that flop are necessary. All of the moments I’ve wanted to throw in the towel after baring my soul on a page, only to have it go unread, are necessary. It’s all part of the process, and if the outcome doesn’t really matter, I may as well enjoy the journey.

Here I am, God, use me! Let the adventures begin!

Wellness Wednesday: What Motivates You?

When I first became an author, I wanted to be rich and famous. There was this hurt little girl living inside of me who needed to be accepted and have her existence validated on a daily basis. I struggled with not being the center of attention, and I often lived in a world of drama I created for myself. This is what happens when trauma isn’t healed. At least, that’s been my experience.

The more I focused on therapy and healing my wounds, the more I realized I didn’t need people to admire me. In fact, too much attention is uncomfortable for me now. I like being authentic, honest, and comfortable with who I am growing into. Needless to say, my motivation for writing has changed, and what used to drive me (this incessant desire to succeed) no longer serves me.

Today, I write for the purpose of helping people. I want to honor God with every word I type, and in doing so, show people the power of healing. Writing is no longer a means to an end. It is a gift God gave me to share with others. I do hope to make a living from it, but I no longer need validation to exist.

What motivates you today, friend?

Faithful Friday

Yesterday, during my morning quiet time with God, I poured out my heart about everything burdening me, specifically, my fears about leaving teaching to pursue writing full-time. I left no fear unturned, and after about five minutes of praying earnestly to my Heavenly Father, I released my anxiety and trusted God would give me the wisdom I asked for.

About thirty minutes later, I was getting ready for work when I turned on one of my favorite podcasts to listen to while doing my makeup. The School of Greatness, hosted by Lewis Howes, motivates me as a leader. This episode was a solo one entitled “7 Keys to Living a Life of Purpose.”

To be honest, I didn’t even read the title of the episode. I just clicked play and began putting on my foundation. After a few minutes of listening to the episode, I felt the Holy Spirit move within me. God had just answered my prayer, and it was beautiful, friend. I am not saying God is a genie, and I don’t come to Him for wishes to be granted. But I do come to Him with all of my concerns.

Like any good relationship, God wants to know us fully, even though I truly believe He already does. He longs for us to reach out, to sit with Him, to chat about anything and everything. As a parent of adult children, I totally get this. I don’t care what my kids want to talk about. I just want to talk with them. I want to know what they are excited about, scared of, and what is going on in their daily lives. I think God wants the same thing with His children.

My prayer for today is that you will go to God with your burdens. You don’t have to carry this alone, friend. In fact, don’t. Close your eyes, if you can, and ask God to take the heaviest weight from your shoulders right now. That’s it. Then, go about your day with the peace that He’s got you because He does.

Sometimes, faith is all we have when we are facing the unfaceable, or in my case, dreaming really big dreams. It’s called a trust fall for a reason. Okay, friend… let’s go.

Thankful Thursday

This book was inspired by the movie Begin Again. I remember watching it with my daughter, and the first page poured out of me as I sat at our dinner table. I read it to my daughter and asked if I should continue writing it. She answered with a resounding YES!

I published this book in 2017. It is still one of the books that broke me apart to rebuild me. I hated writing parts of this book and shining light on the darkest parts of abuse, but I am so grateful I didn’t shy away from the truth.

Thank you to the incredible women who have currently read and reviewed my book on Goodreads. Your words inspire me to continue on this writing journey!

#author #booktok #bookreviews #beginagain #workinprogress #lifeafterabuse #grateful

Wellness Wednesday

As I drove to work today, I listened to some of my favorite music from two of my favorite bands: Nirvana and Pearl Jam. I remember singing along to these songs in middle school and high school, and so many other times since then. These songs make me feel nostalgic and young again. It’s as if the worries of today melt away, and I am that teenage girl excited for my new Revlon lipstick in Rum Raisin. Maybe that was the lip liner, though.

Regardless, the music of my youth brings me joy and calms my soul. I am more likely to let drivers cut in front of me on the freeway without a second thought when I am listing to “Something in the Way” or “Black.” These songs are an iconic part of my memories. On this Wednesday, as my tooth is still hurting from an infection, I needed a little wellness in my life.

What songs bring you joy, peace, and wellness for your soul?

Truthful Tuesday

On my daily commute, I was listening to a podcast my husband sent to me (if you’re interested in listening to it too, send me a message), and an idea presented in the conversation struck me to the core. Essentially, it was this lie that Christians have believed that we are morally superior to everyone else. I sat with this idea for a minute, thinking: well, aren’t we supposed to be? Then, the truth came to me. If we are morally superior, why would we need Christ?

The more I pondered this thought, the more I realized the problem with perfectionism (a problem that I struggle with daily). Though I am called to live a holy life, this does not mean I am called to be self-righteous. I mean, let’s be real, Jesus was vehemently against self-righteous leaders. Being holy means I am set apart, but set apart from what? The more I thought about this, the more I realized it meant set apart from that which separates me from Christ, my own personal sin.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in 1 Timothy 1:15 (NLT): “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all.”

Paul says here that he was the worst sinner of all. That is an all-consuming and powerful statement. The worst of them all? Why would he say that? Didn’t he write most of the New Testament? I think Paul was saying that he is capable of great sin as well as great goodness. He hunted Christians before Christ met him on the road to Damascus. He essentially watched the cloaks of the people who stoned Stephen to death. Was this evil? Of course, it was. Paul recognizes in this verse that apart from Christ, he is nothing but a sinner capable of extreme evil, and if I am honest, so am I.

We all have goodness in us, but we are all also capable of evil. We choose how we respond each day. In the end, it is our choice to recognize that we are capable of evil that may very well have us turn to Christ and say, “I know I am a sinner, and I need you to help me.”

That’s the point of The Gospel. If you are a Christian, understand that it is not our goodness that saves us, or our desires to live perfectly; it is understanding that, regardless of how good we attempt to be, apart from Christ, none of those deeds matter. Apart from Christ, nothing matters. I am not saying that we should live our lives absent-mindedly, but instead that we should recognize our greatest flaws. See that we need Christ today just as much as we did the first day we accepted Him as our Lord; for me, I need Him more.

We cannot earn our way into God’s good graces. Striving for perfection is fleeting, seeking moral superiority is fleeting, and chasing after self-righteousness is fleeting. Instead, we should realize the truth: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14: 16).

It’s all about Christ, friends.

Things I’m Still Learning

These are the things I’m still learning…

#workinprogress #trusttheprocess #imstilllearning #itsokaytonotbeokay #illgetthere

Battling Control

Hey friends, I wanted to take a few moments to get real with you all. I struggle daily with control, so much so that it affects my sleep, my cortisol levels, and my health. Can you relate?

Last year, I was overwhelmed by my cochlear surgeries, going back to teach in-person again, and my ninety minute commute to and from work. My body buzzed with an incessant electricity that I had something important to do, and my anxiety was through the roof. I walked around with a sense of urgency that didn’t make sense, even on the days I was relaxing at home. I felt like I was missing something, and I carried this feel of utter helplessness around with me like an umbrella ready to catch the rain as it fell.

This led to me writing a 40-day devotional about my experiences with control, anxiety, and depression. Each day, I showed up at work, and I wrote about what was weighing me down, and I felt this unraveling of my spirit, but in a good way. God met me each morning, and He helped me see the areas in my life that I was carrying far too much baggage and what I needed to release to him. Spoiler alert, it was pretty much everything.

I’m not going to say that writing this devotional solved all of my issues with control, but it did help me recognize what I had been burying for far too long, specifically resentment, bitterness, and the fears that I will never be enough. Though I continue to battle with control, I am in a better place, because I know I can bring each anxiety to God. He meets me in my messes, and reminds me that I don’t have to have everything solved right now. In fact, that’s not really living. It’s barely existing.

If you are struggling with similar feelings, let me know how I can pray for you. You don’t have to go through this alone, friend. Please allow me to walk alongside you as you struggle with your own battles with control. 

Teacher Tired

I am teacher tired! #iykyk Yesterday was my last Back to School night, and the reality of this still hasn’t hit me yet.

During 4th period yesterday, I felt beyond exhausted. It’s a tough class because it’s after lunch. I could feel my patience running thin, and I silently prayed for God to intervene.

When moments like this happen, I need a verse to get me through. This verse stood out to me today as I felt the exhaustion from yesterday settling behind my eyes. I am beyond grateful to God for giving me this verse today.

#backtoschool #exhausted #teacherlife #prayforme #teachertired #trustgod #godsword #godsplan #godsgotthis

Happy Easter!

The right words elude me. I fear I am far too similar to the Apostle Peter, and my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. As I sit here, I am awed that Christ loves me, that God chose to open my eyes, and that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. Who am I… honestly? I am grateful. #heisrisen #Christsaves #theemptytomb #happyeaster

Goodbye, Mom

Dear Mom,

I can’t believe I am writing you this letter. It’s a letter I never wanted to write because I wanted you to live forever. I know how absurd that statement is, but it's true nonetheless. You were the rock I leaned on. The woman who whispered words of encouragement inside my head when I faced mountains I thought were impossible to move. Your voice has echoed through me saying, “You can move this mountain, Ma. Just do one thing, and then another. It’ll be moved before you know it, Molly. Keep going… pull it together.”

My heart hasn’t fully comprehended losing you. My emotions feel stuck, and it's like I’m walking through an overcast day every day since you passed. I’ll think about calling you, and then I’ll remember that I can’t, and that realization hurts more than the initial shock of losing you. Though you told me time and time again that everything would be okay when you left, I want you to know it isn’t okay.

The world isn’t as bright, Mom. The flowers don’t smell as sweet, and though I know I’m blessed beyond measure to love and be loved, I don’t have you.

How do I begin to say goodbye to the woman who raised me as her own? The grief comes and goes, and sometimes, it’s so strong, that it brings me to my knees, and I can’t catch my breath. I try to remember how you would want me to respond during moments when I feel lost in the tide of my sorrow, but it’s all still too new… the pain too fresh.

Your memory is alive in my mind. I can still see the warmth of your smile and feel your presence as though you are still here. I feel like you are. You’re in every lily I see on my morning walk, you’re in the sun glistening on my neighborhood lake, and in the laughter of my best friends who check in on me to see if I am okay. You are everywhere, Mom because you are the woman who taught me that loving people is the greatest gift of all.

I keep remembering the last moment I kissed your forehead. You looked so beautiful, Mom, and so peaceful. I wanted you to open your eyes and smile back at me. To whisper I love you to me one last time, but that didn’t happen, and though it hurts, I know the end of this life isn't the end. You are with Jesus, our family who went before you, and best of all, you are healed.

I can’t say goodbye to you, Mom, and I won’t. Instead, I will keep your memory alive, I will dream about you, talk about each memory, and cry when I need to. This is a great loss for our family, and I won’t pretend like my world will ever be what it once was. It can’t be. You’re gone, and though my heart breaks with this realization, it also celebrates the fact that I was privileged to know you at all.

Thank you for loving me so well, Mom. I promise to hold that dear to my heart each day.

With Love Beyond Measure,

Your Ma

Please Leave a Review

Please leave a review of The Hopping Dead.

#leaveareview #supportauthors #booktok #bookstagram

For Grandma Estrada

My grandmother is sick. She has skin cancer in her face and a tumor that is killing her. Just writing those words guts me because she is the closest thing to a mother I have ever known.

Grandma Estrada has dedicated her life to her family. She cooked us meals, kissed our pain away, held us on her lap, even when we were far too big to be held, and mended not only our clothes but our broken hearts, too. She has given the world’s best hugs, shared incredible wisdom, wiped away our tears, and laughed alongside us. She has propelled us forward with only a dream to our name and believed in the impossible for us. She is the rock I have depended upon for so long, a solid foundation I always thought would support me, and she is getting ready to leave us.

How do I let her go? How do I say goodbye to a woman who has given me so much of herself? I see her in the meals I cook for my family, in the words I speak to my students, and in the encouragement that pours from my heart because all of this is her. I am the woman I am because of the woman she is, and I am grateful. Grateful for each moment she sacrificed for me, for each whispered word of faith, for each time she dusted me off when I fell and told me to try again. Her life blesses me, and though she will never be famous, and most people will not know her name, I am forever changed because she existed.

My grandmother cleared the way for me to write. She kept every poem, breathed life into every sentence, and even came to my last book launch. She believes in me when I fail to believe in myself. She reminds me to, “Get it together, Ma… just pull it together.” Those were her most recent words to me. At first, I didn’t know what she meant, but I think she knows I haven’t believed in myself for a while. I have allowed my fears of failure to hold me back from being the great woman she knows I can be. I’ve let pain stop me. This year, I will change all of that.

I will live the best-damned life I can live. I will honor my body and get back into shape because I can. I will write more and dream more because that is who I am. When I am afraid, I will remember who paved the way for me and believed in me with every breath in her being. Even on the difficult days, I know I will get through because she did. She faced it all in love, and for that reason, I know she lived her best life possible.

I am honored to be my grandmother’s Molly B, her Ma. I wear these names with pride, knowing she will live on through every word I write. She will always be the whispered voice of encouragement in my head telling me to get up and get it done. Move that mountain one spoonful at a time. Look the problem square in the face and let it know it can’t break you. You are already a winner, Mija. Now, get it together… pull it together, Ma.

I promise you, Mom, I will.

ARC Giveaway!

Happy Birthday to me! In honor of my birthday, I’m giving away a chance to win an advanced reader copy of my newest book along with a swag box! If you’re interested in getting your paws on this prize, please go to www.mollyshaffer.com and subscribe to my newsletter.

Extra points go to teachers, librarians, and homeschool teachers that subscribe and send me an email through my website to let me know you subscribed. One of those educators will be entered in a drawing for chance to snag a classroom set of my newest book (35 copies).

Stay spooky, ghouls and goblins!

#arcgiveaway #bookgiveaway #booktok #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #giveaway #entertowin #subscribetomynewsletter

Learn to Rest… Not to Quit

I’m tired.

Tired of waiting. Tired of fearing. Tired of, well, being tired.

When I get this tired, I’m tempted to quit. To crawl into my bed with my orange cat named Berlin and just sleep the sad away. Though I’ll probably still nap with my cat, I know that waking up won’t make me less tired.

My tired doesn’t come from a lack of sleep. It stems from a dream deferred, and even though I’ve yet to experience the fulfillment of this dream, I still carry hope inside the pocket of my heart (weird imagery, I know).

Even when I get bone-tired from my delayed season in life, I refuse to quit. I’ll take a break, for sure, but then that familiar crackling of a new story will reawaken my imagination. Characters will start telling me stories, again, and words will emerge on blank pages.

This is my purpose. This is also the cost of seeking out a life of creativity. The price is sometimes great, but the reward… the reward, dear reader, is always worthwhile.

#dontquit #rest #perseverance #grit #wip #writeon #writingcommunity #dreamdeferred #authorsofinstagram #iykyk

Grateful for Vulnerability

An incredible friend told me a few weeks ago that I do not fear being unsuccessful. Instead, I fear the vulnerability of sharing my heart on a page with perfect strangers. What a total truth bomb, friends!

Writing is one of the most soul exposing acts there is, and to share those thoughts, emotions, and secrets with the world… we’ll, that’s a whole level of vulnerability I never truly thought about.

So, while I wait for the next chapter of my story to unfold, I’m proud of myself for being strong enough to be vulnerable. Whether I sell one book, or a hundred thousand copies, I have already succeeded in what I set out to accomplish… heal myself one word at a time.

Here’s to what’s next.

#wip #writedreambelieve #authorsofinstagram #authenticity #vulnerability #vulnerabilityisstrength

The Future is Now!

What you do now determines how you live in the future. Essentially, stop procrastinating on what you can do today.

If you want to write a book, start journaling events that happen in your daily life. Get in the habit of writing every day. Read books in the genre you want to write in and become an expert in that genre. Then, write the words. Show up for yourself.

Dreams don’t just happen. We make them happen!

#workinprogress #trusttheprocess #writeon #writethewords #wordnerd #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #geterdone