Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Dawn Ward, the author of From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children. Dawn is a Bible teacher, speaker, and author. Her ministry, Faith to Flourish, not only encourages women to grow in their faith, but they also serve women with loved ones struggling with addiction and life-destroying behaviors. You can read encouraging and inspirational stories of faith and flourishing on her blog.
And when you sign up for Dawn’s newsletter, she’ll send you a free Mindset Makeover Guide, which is amazing! I struggle with negative thoughts and unforgiveness, and working through Dawn’s guide is helping me see things in a completely different light.
Dawn’s book has been a tremendous resource for my mom, helping her find hope and understanding while struggling with a loved one battling addiction. If you have a loved one with an addiction, I highly recommend reading Dawn’s book.
Let’s meet Dawn!
What personal experience or research first led you to write this book?
I lived with addiction growing up as my father struggled with excessive drinking. As a mom, I tried to teach my children to avoid drugs and alcohol. Eventually, both of my sons battled addiction, and in the process, I became obsessed with saving and fixing them. Finally, the Lord showed me how my desire had become an obsession that was negatively impacting my relationship with Him. The journey He took me on revealed much about my lack of trusting Him with my children. He taught me how to trust Him as He removed my guilt and replaced it with His glorious grace.
Who do you hope will benefit most from your message, and how?
I have learned that this book has a broader reach than just to moms of addicted children. For anyone whose loved one is struggling with addiction or making life-destroying choices or is rebelling against God, this book is a source of biblical truths and guidance. My heart is especially for the mothers who are overcome with guilt, shame, and self-blame. There is freedom and healing in Jesus!
What was the most surprising thing you discovered while writing or researching your book?
I learned that I didn’t have to have it all figured out to write this book. I am still in the battle with one of my sons, but the Lord called me to take the hands of other moms and help encourage them with the truths found in His word. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. So I am grateful the Lord could use my story for His glory—even when our journey is ongoing.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with aspiring nonfiction writers who want to publish?
I would say know your message, know your audience, and know your purpose for writing the book. In my case, I knew the Lord had revealed to me that He wanted me to share the truths in the Bible to encourage my reader. The message was to offer freedom and healing to Christian moms of addicted children through God’s grace. My audience was primarily Christian moms. My purpose was to remind them that they are not alone and that God wants them to move forward in His purpose for their lives, even if their children continue to struggle.
Fun question: If your book were turned into a documentary, what would the theme song be?
An oldie but goodie. Grace Wins by Matthew West.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want the women who are facing hard times and uncertainty to get unstuck from whatever is holding them back and walk in the fullness and freedom Christ has to offer. Even a giant as big as addiction doesn’t get the final say.
How can readers connect with you?
Website: https://www.thefaithtoflourish.com/ (Sign up for her email for an amazing free gift!)
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/thefaithtoflourish
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thefaithtoflourishblog
YouTube: https://youtube.com/thefaithtoflourishwithdawnward
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dawn-ward-93975b266
Where can we buy your book?
On Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other major retailers.
