Debbie Wilson

Debbie Wilson is one of the first bloggers I got to know when I first started my website in 2015. She has always been an encouragement to me and today I want to tell you a bit about her as a lead in to a review of her newest book, Little Strength, Big God, that I will post on Friday.

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. Her books include Give Yourself a Break, Little Women, Big God, Little Faith, Big God, and Little Strength, Big God. 

She and her husband (Larry) of 45 years lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Despite time in Boston, the Midwest, and Southern California, Debbie still says y’all. Her family, which includes two grown children and two mischievous standard poodles, calls North Carolina home. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books at debbieWwilson.com.

Debbie is a member of Christian Author’s Network who recently interviewed her about her new book to be released on September 5. I want to share some of that interview with you.

Tell us about your book. (50 words or less)
Little Strength, Big God is a Bible study that looks at the faithful in Hebrews 11 who “became mighty in battle.” It provides opportunities to review, reflect, feel, and enjoy these biblical stories at a deeper level. Their stories help strengthen us for our battles. 

What inspired you to write this book?
When I started writing on the men and women in Hebrews 11, I realized their stories were too rich to skim over in one book. As I considered themes, Hebrews 11:34 (NLT) arrested my attention. “Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.” Not being a fan of weakness or battles, this verse intrigued me. Little Strength, Big God looks at those whose weakness was turned to strength and became mighty in battle, beginning with Moses’s parents in Hebrews 11:23. 

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
If God allows a battle to come to you, He’ll equip you to rise above it. If we’ll embrace His strength and move forward in our weaknesses, through weakness we will be made strong.

How has God used the message of your book in your own life?

Writing about biblical heroes and heroines reminds me that the Christian life is not a playground. More often than we like it is a battleground. That may sound like bad news. But it’s helped me to look for God in my battles and choose to trust Him. The best stories in the Bible include rejection, betrayal, injustice, and misunderstanding. The Lord may not keep us from the fiery furnace, but He’s with us in the furnace. 

What themes do you return to again and again in your writing?Maybe because I spent so many years working as Christian counselor, I seem to write a lot about how to find victory in our battles, whether they be with an outside enemy or a critical inner voice. That theme shows up in all my Big God books and in Give Yourself a Break. 

What would be your ideal writing place? And…what’s your actual writing place like?
I write at my kitchen table. And it is ideal in many ways. I have lots of natural light and can make a mug of hot tea when I want. But when my family is around, of course it is not a good place to write. My ideal writing place would be a soundproof version of what I have.

What is one thing about writing that you wish non-writers knew?I love writing, but I’ve found real writing isn’t just an overflow of your heart. Like most things that are worthwhile, it takes a lot of self-discipline and perseverance. A little thick skin doesn’t hurt either.

Do you have a “day job” or a previous career? Does it influence what or how you write?
I worked for 24 years as a Christian counselor and several years ministering to youth. Working with women of all ages with real issues challenged me to dig deeper into the scriptures. I saw they not only show the ideal, but they practically illustrate many messy areas. These experiences shape my writing. 

Do you have pets and do they inspire your writing or hinder it?Both! I have two standard poodles. One has Addison’s Disease. We’ve almost lost him several times. He’s affectionate, stubborn, and a deep feeler. A week after our female suddenly died, he was in the vet hospital at death’s door. He’s inspired many insights. He helped me better appreciate why God included some rascals in Hebrews 11.

Come back next time to hear more about this new book and it’s impact as Debbie looks at a series of unlikely heroes from Hebrews 11.