Episode 55 - “God’s Presence in the Process: Writing as a Path to Healing" with Dr. Kathy Hendley

Date: December 11, 2024 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Dr. Kathy Hendley   Story Highlight: Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! In this heartfelt episode, our guest, Kathy Hendley, shares her inspiring journey of faith, resilience, and creativity. Recently, Kathy had the unforgettable experience of meeting Priscilla Shirer during her visit to Cincinnati. As a member of Priscilla’s street team, Kathy spent months praying for the event. Meeting Priscilla backstage left a lasting impact—Kathy describes her as the same person offstage as on, full of warmth, gratitude, and the love of Jesus. Kathy’s passion for encouraging writers shines through her programs like the Write on Purpose Virtual Writing Retreat and the November Challenge Writing Contest. These initiatives provide tools and inspiration for writers to step into their calling and share the messages God has placed on their hearts. Her personal writing journey is deeply tied to her experiences of pain and healing. Initially writing short stories about people navigating loss, Kathy eventually crafted a novel about a young teacher enduring immense challenges. Fiction became a refuge, helping her process trauma that felt overwhelming in memoir form. As a foster and adoptive mother to two children, including a daughter with a mental illness, writing became a therapeutic outlet. Kathy's faith has been her anchor through difficult seasons, especially the struggles related to her daughter’s mental health. Even during moments involving police intervention, God’s grace protected and reunited their family. Her resilience was further tested by the loss of her father, who battled liver cancer. Completing her novel shortly before his passing in April gave her strength and reminded her of God’s faithfulness. Her father’s unwavering support—both emotional and financial—fueled Kathy’s writing career. He funded her book and writing business and encouraged her to attend the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), where she found invaluable connections. A transformative workshop, "My Business Meeting with God," helped Kathy realign her work with her faith and purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that through storytelling, faith, and determination, hope and healing are possible even in the most challenging circumstances. Kathy’s journey will inspire you to step boldly into your calling and trust God’s plans.    About the Guest (Bio): Dr. Kathy Hendley is a teacher, author, speaker, and member of Word Weavers International and AWSA. Kathy’s mission is to help others overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and commit to their calling. Her debut novel, Murder in the Masterpiece: A Teacher’s Deadly Lesson, will be released in mid-January. She also hosts a monthly virtual writing retreat called Write on Purpose and a writing contest for Christian authors, with winners featured in an anthology. When she’s not working, Kathy serves on her church’s worship and prayer teams. She’s also a self-proclaimed Bible study enthusiast, traveling the tri-state area for a good women’s Bible study.   Book Spotlight: Murder in the Masterpiece: A Teacher’s Deadly Lesson Faye Unger is a talented young teacher at Arlington Community School. Though passionate about teaching math, she strives to balance her professional life with her artistic pursuits. Her mentor, Don Ambrose, supports her in maintaining this balance, despite his own life being consumed by his wife’s murder the previous year. Their lives take a dark turn when Don is found unconscious in a ravine. As Faye delves into her art and the enigmatic world of the Auction House, Don’s investigation into his wife’s murder uncovers connections to Faye’s family. When Faye discovers illegal drugs in her apartment, she finds herself entangled in a sinister plot. With the killer returning to Arlington, Don faces a difficult choice: protect Faye or solve his wife’s murder.   Connect with Kathy: Patreon: patreon.com/KathyHendley LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathy-hendley-phd-aba00571 Website: kathyhendley.com