I was sent these questions as a writing prompt from a Writer’s blog: As Christians who write, one aim is to give honor and glory to God. How has God used your story? How has the Holy Spirit inspired and encouraged you? Have you seen the fruit of God’s glory as a result?
When I began my writing journey about five years ago, I had no idea the amount of people it would help. I’ve written since I was a child, and as a teen my audience was myself. I wrote behind closed doors, but with the surge in technology and media we are capable of reaching A LOT more people! I’m sure you’re familiar with the term “platform” if you are a writer. According to Google.com, a platform is a raised level surface on which people can stand. If you are on a raised surface and speaking from a podium more people can see you than if you are at eye level with everyone else.
As a writer, artist, musician, CEO, or salesman you need a platform. Many writers fear they won’t get noticed if they don’t have one. But your platform does not have to be huge. Publishers are still looking for REALLY good writers, that’s why I’m involved in a Writer’s guild and Writer’s group. I work on my writing skills. So…back to my prompt, how has God used my story and encouraged me?! Many of us want to write for God, speak his name, speak of his glories, and the ways he has blessed us.
But God is not concerned with my popularity as much as he is concerned with my friendship. God is not concerned with how many followers I have on Facebook or Twitter. Before I got into this business, I prayed to remain humble no matter what, and to never seek fame in a way that’s destructive. I simply write to help others and share my experiences. I write to motivate, and in turn I am motivated when my writing touches someone’s heart. I celebrate HIS story daily by carrying my cross. And sometimes, it happens to be evident in my stories…
(This post is inspired by an article I submitted to the Breathe Writer’s Conference blog.)
About Zina
Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created the Spinal Injury Solutions! website. Zina works as an English as a Second Language Instructor and has been an educator for more than fifteen years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world, and she writes articles on faith and overcoming challenges. Her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, guest posts, newsletters, medical journals and other publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com
notwithoutgod.net 
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful message, and for acknowledging my work. ❤ The glitz and glamour that people associate with publishing are more of a facade. You have to work hard on writing and you have to be really good! There is the marketing and other aspects–only a select number of people make it–it's a lot of work. I have learned a lot from you, Pete. 🙂 Thank you!
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Zina, I recall having a similar discussion with you along these lines, about four or five years ago. Of course, this was before you became a published author and receiving the many accolades you so deeply deserve. We were both searching for ways to find spiritual support in some form, such that we might be able to give and receive ideas on how we might best channel our disabilities to “help others.”
I am so proud that you took charge and worked so hard on improving your writing skills by attending writers conferences, and working on this outstanding blog, amongst several other ways
Guided by the Holy Spirit, you somehow found time despite a more than full schedule as a corporate foreign language teacher to not only write your first book “Not Without God” but to seek out- on your own a publisher willing to print and promote your gripping story of survival. Only God knows how many people who found themselves broken, depressed, feeling lost, abandoned spiritually, and that by reading your powerful words of hope, learned that by establishing a faith-based relationship with God they too could come to peaceful terms with their crisis, loss, or hardship.
I am convinced that by giving freely of one’s self, and trusting in the subtle, yet clear guidance of the Holy Spirit rewards us with an unmatched fulfillment, joy, and peace of mind. This blissful state belies the false, empty promises made by the various media we consume. Clever advertisements inundate us with the message that happiness lies in the attainment of more things, or in earning more money to be able to afford that upgrade to the latest model, are but a select few examples of the empty promises made daily by the material world.
Thank you Zina for enduring all that you do, to send His message of truth that you so beautifully express in your written words. No doubt God is an avid reader and a huge loyal fan,
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