Donna Rogers Writer

What a crazy few months it has been. When I wrote our memoir I wasn’t prepared for what would happen once it was published. So to say I’ve been overwhelmed would be a definite understatement. January was quiet but February had me hitting the ground running. Nick was made redundant from the cafe we had run for almost 17 years. It should have felt scary but the day after his notice ran out our memoir was published. We thought we would take some time out but we found ourselves approaching bookshops, and speaking at different venues. I was trying and failing to keep up with the socials! So here we are in March and I feel like I’ve just run a race but finally at the finish line I can’t see any of the other runners. Was I in front or have the other runners all passed me by and gone home?

Looking for advice there were lots of ideas. Do this, go here, go there. Speak to this person, that person.

Nick and I were asked to speak at Costa Coffee in Peel Street Barnsley. It was Love Life UK Church’s Valentines service. We drank lots of coffee and ate cake. We had a great time telling our story ❤️

Radio Sheffield came calling. Very early one Sunday morning 🌄 The hubster and I set off over the Snake Pass arriving in Sheffield for the Kat Cowan morning programme. Really enjoyed chatting with Kat and maybe a few sleepy Yorkshire folks and fierce supporters who got up early to listen and to encourage us. 😴

Our next appearance found us at St Chad’s Life Centre in Romiley. Forty people turned up and what an evening it turned out to be. We met some amazing, courageous people who opened up to the room and shared their experiences with us all. What an honour and a privilege to be able to minister to those beautiful and brave people. Our message that evening was that we dont have to hide who we are in order to keep up appearances to others. We don’t have to suffer from shame for what we have done or had done to us. Anyone who had any doubt about the presence of God would have had all doubt swept away that evening. Jesus specialised in reaching out to those who were least accepted or who carried heavy burdens. He did it over 2,000 years ago and He still does it now. Even in an upper room in Romiley in 2023.

We have lots more lined up later in the month. I am so looking forward to meeting people and sharing my life, my faith and introducing Jesus Christ to people who don’t yet know him. I’m realising that sometimes we have to slow down. Life is a marathon not a sprint. We have to take time to meet people on the way. Fellow travellers who we need to chat with and listen to. I dont need to be like anyone else I just need to be me. Telling my story, living my life. So bring on the rest of March. I’ve got my best walking boots on and I’m ready for whatever is next.