Where were we? Oh yeah – how was I going to change my life, being in a state of depression, and not having a clue as to what I should be doing?
Of course, I was praying about what to do next. In the spring of my daughter’s senior year, I was surfing the internet, looking for home business opportunities. I came across information about owning a Christian online bookstore. That certainly caught my eye! Years before, my husband and I had actually looked into buying a franchise and opening up a brick and mortar Christian bookstore. That would have really appealed to both of us, however, the cost was way too much for us, so we had to shelve that idea.
But now, the chance to own an online bookstore and sell Christian products – that was exciting to me! I filled out the form to get more information, and a woman called me, telling me all about the opportunity. It sounded good, except for the fact that I had to “recruit” others to buy their own bookstores. That wasn’t really what I wanted to do. I was no salesman – I just wanted to sell Christian books and gifts. However, the idea of owning my own store didn’t leave me, and after prayer and talking with my husband about it, I decided to go for it.
I think I paid a little over $300 to purchase my bookstore. I became part of a community of Christian bookstore owners, and participated in as many company conference calls as I could. These calls were attended by other bookstore owners and those interested in becoming bookstore owners. I always came away with a feeling of excitement and was encouraged after these calls.
I had my own store! I got to name it (I named it True Light Bookstore) and I loved having it. God used this whole experience to bring me out of the depression I had sunk into – I now had something to get up for. I worked on my store (even though it came all set up, we built another site to redirect to it for search engine purposes), so I was always adding something to it or working on it in some way. It was like therapy to me (only I made money instead of spending it!)
My daughter graduated in June of that year, and I went on as a “bookstore owner.”
More next time….
Laurie, what a beautiful story. It’s good to hear someone speak so openly about depression and how God brought them out of it. Far too often, we avoid those topics. But our own experiences can encourage so many others.
It’s exciting how God led you to your perfect business! Mine wasn’t a bookstore, but I was looking for a way to use my writing skills to make money from home when I found VAnetworking.com The community of virtual assistants there was definitely an answer to my prayer for direction.
And I pray God will use your posts here to encourage others too!
Thank you, Denise. Sometimes it is hard to talk about some things, but you’re right, God can use it to help encourage someone else.
I’m so glad to hear how God has directed you too! I love wahm articles!
Blessings,
Laurie