Hope From the Cracked Ground..when rejection becomes reward

My journey writing three books has taught me many lessons. The first is this: people are fundamentally the same. Faces and names may change, but "there is nothing new under the sun." There will always be the nay-sayers; those who waste their lives searching for the flaws of others to blur the image they see in the mirror every day. These sad souls have no idea how much time is spent on prayer, research, working, and reworking a project to bring it to completion. They have never done anything for themselves, so they assume that the finished work started and ended within a couple of days. Never having an inkling that the end results are actually the culmination of years of work.

The second lesson is equally important, and more personal: not everyone will like you. We can pour our heart and soul into finishing a project, yet for some people, we still may not be a "fit" for them.

The key is that it's ok not to be ok with everyone. Why? Because it means you are an authentic individual created by the One True God. In a world overrun with AI, Photoshop, and social media highlight reels, being real is a lost and dying virtue. Although all those things have their value, we risk recognising reality, but reality is truth.

"And you will know the Truth, and Truth will set you free" John 8:32

My latest book, Joe Gross Is Dead," was an epic writing journey for me. This book took years to complete. This memoir traces my journey from a troubled past into the abundant life God had always planned for me.

When the last sentence was written and the manuscript in hand, I began the daunting task of finding a publisher.

I self-published my previous work, but this book was different—it was my life, laid out on paper, open for the world to read. I knew that the Lord called me to open myself up and be vulnerable, so that others might be healed and come to know Him. I knew He wanted me to take this project to another level. In all transparency, I was initially sheepish. I thought, "Maybe if I can find a smaller, local publisher, they might take a chance on me." I reached out, but within two weeks, I received this reply:

"...While I want to thank you for your raw and authentic work, we will pass..."

Rejection is never easy. I knew too well what it felt like to wear rejection like a heavy, scratchy wool garment—dragging me deeper into despair with every day. But this time, I remembered: it was Jesus who had given me this assignment. So I prayed, "Lord, I know You called me to this. Show me the next step." Instantly, I recalled that my social media pages had been showing me ads from TBN's Trilogy Christian Publishing, which was accepting manuscripts. Though my mind screamed, "You're no one. They're the big dogs. You don't belong with them," my spirit felt God's nudge: "What do you have to lose?" Choosing to follow His peace, I submitted my manuscript.

One evening, while my husband and I were eating dinner, I received a text, "Hi Helen, I just emailed you the good news that your writing has been accepted for publishing with TBN…congratulations!"

The God of endless possibilities had just come through.

From that day, I worked with the most incredible team of project managers, editors, and designers that I could ever hope for. Excellence is found in order, integrity, and the extra mile. The process of bringing my God-given assignment to reality was amazing. In July 2025, Joe Gross Is Dead was published. Soon after, I submitted the completed product for review to The Christlit Book Awards and to The Literary Titan Book Awards. By God's favor and grace, Joe Gross Is Dead won a five-star rating and award from both outlets!

The best part wasn't the recognition, but what I like to call "a love note from Jesus" tucked strategically inside the Titan review: "Helen DeBell's Joe Gross Is Dead is a raw and deeply personal memoir chronicling her battle with depression, bullying, and self-worth, and how her life was radically transformed through her faith in Jesus Christ...There's something rare and brave about the way she holds nothing back..."

"You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness." Psalm 30:11

Jesus took my rejection and turned it into a reward. He wants to do the same for you, my friends. He is beside you today, yet, simultaneously, He's in tomorrow, next year, and until the end of your days. Life will throw you setbacks. Storms will rush in, and it will seem you're being over taken by relentless waves. But the one who calms the seas will pull you out of the water onto dry ground, and gently say, "I'm right here, Follow Me."

Get your copy of the two-time award wining book Joe Gross Is Dead

here: https://www.amazon.com/author/helen.debell_jehovahs-gardener and wherever books are sold

#trilogybooks #tbnauthors #Godsplan #FaithoverFear