A SCRIBE FOR ALL SEASONS
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SHARON L. PATTERSON
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Why I write...
Life Scripture: Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Scripture for my present purpose: Psalms 71:17-18: " O God, you have taught me from my youth: and since then, I have declared your wondrous works. Now also, when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed your strength to this generation, and your power to everyone that is to come." |
I have enjoyed writing since my early twenties. Before then, I can not say that I enjoyed it nearly so much as I tried so hard that it felt somewhat painful. Time and again, I would submit my papers in English class hoping that I had written something worthy of recognition. The failed attempts produced an even more tenacious pursuit.
Little did I know then, that I would go through some emotional healing that would give me subject matter worthy of passion that went beyond wanting to be a good writer. That is what stumped me. It took a few years to understand that I was a better communicator than writer. Once that was fixed, I knew my place in writing. Always conscious of seasons of life, I recall that first decade of writing and compare my thoughts on paper as searing as the Texas summer heat. No one had to guess in those days where I stood on anything. I would have never described myself as bossy or opinionated, but surely that was the noted perception of students in my world history classes. My desire was to turn right-side up the world of the 1970's that seemed to be upside down. My thirties brought a keener insight that inspiration and humor trumped long written dissertations It was a n autumn season of life with many changes that added color to my writing. I branched out into poetry with a humorous twist-the couplet rhyme of Chaucer learned in those English classes became a format to write about toilet training and the myth of super-woman that was the expected role model of women. Always, my writing led back to the source I understand for true inspiration-my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The forties came with a lengthy winter of pruning, waiting to see life grow from weary, seemingly barren branches of my life. I wrote quite profusely about things long buried in my soul. I also finally died to the idea that I would be a great writer. I took the advice of a former student who said simply, "Why don't you write like you talk?"Simple advice that took far too long to follow. Spring arrived in all its vibrancy in my fifties and is continuing into my sixties. Three books have poured out of my soul onto paper. Stories abound in several other works including 2 Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I still long to see wrongs made right, prefer inspiration and humor to long, drawn out written opinions, and desire to encourage those who have been wounded by life to find the Soul Healer in every season. |
MY FAMILY... Stories from one new beginning...1981 to present
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We are a Christian family, a blended family, and a military family. Our roots of faith in God are deeply planted, our grasp on family ties strong and committed, and our military service to our beloved country proudly ongoing. My husband is a retired colonel with 30 years service. Two of our sons have 4 deployments collectively behind them and others lie ahead. Male presence is strong in our family of 3 sons, and 4 of our five grandchildren are boys. Our lovely granddaughter fits in quite well with the clan as you can see in our family photo. Every member of our family has provided material for many of the blessings I share in my writings. They have taught and challenged me, enlarged me, and given me great joy. Because we are a blended family, the Lord has expanded our capacity for growth in the areas of compassion, understanding and acceptance based on His Word.
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Ministry AND PUBLISHED WRITINGS
My heart for ministry began many years ago. At the time, I was the weekly soloist for a Christian television program. It was an exciting time to be able to minister to many through such an incredible media. Then one day, I was invited to sing in a small country church in a very tiny place. When I looked out in the congregation, something new happened in my heart. Instead of the consciousness of ministry to many, I was struck by the fact, that the many are composed of one soul sitting with all the other souls. I saw crowds, numbers, and ministry from a new perspective: the worth of one soul.
Since that time, my writing, speaking, and teaching focus from that vantage point. I love to see women get free from past hurts, move in the calling on their lives, and finish the testimonies God is writing with their lives. The joy I experience watching the maturity and stability form in their walk with God is somewhat like what a coach must experience as he helps new raw recruits transform into mighty players worthy of stepping on any field and bringing home a victory. That passion drips from my pen, splashes from my heart, and stirs me in my older years to continue on. For every victory Jesus brings, each transformation of one soul has the potential to reach many other souls with hope and life. |
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List of books that include Sharon's stories:
- Gettin' Old Ain't for Wimps by Karen O'Conner- "Wrinkle-free" by Sharon L. Patterson
- Special Strength for Special Parents by Nina Fuller-"Courage Through The Cracks" by Sharon L. Patterson
- Alabaster Jars by Fylvia Fowler Kline-"Angels in Cowboy Boots" by Sharon L. Patterson
- Forever Families by Shelagh Watkins-"The Move, the Mistake, and the Multiplied Blessing" by Sharon L. Patterson
- Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles by Jack Canfield, Mark Hansen and LeAnn Thieman-"Summoned to Pray" by Sharon L. Patterson
- Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayers by Jack Canfield, Mark Hansen, and LeAnn Thieman-"Lost and Found" by Sharon L. Patterson
- Miracles and Moments of Grace: Stories of Survival by Nancy B. Kennedy-"Courage in the Cracks" by Sharon L. Patterson
VIEW SHARON'S PUBLISHED WRITINGS: