God has used writing in my life in a powerful way.
I was betrayed at a very young age. I was sexually abused (countless times) during my childhood. And the fallout of that caused me to make many foolish choices, which led to even more abuse in later years—both physical and emotional.
Writing became my safe place. The only place I could cut through the hard stuff. At times, writing was my only link to sanity.
Life sure gets messy sometimes, doesn’t it? I don’t know why bad things happen to people or why people walk through difficult situations but here’s what I do know: Jesus wants to intervene. Healing begins when we cultivate an atmosphere of expectation. God longs to move in our lives. We need to live expecting, anticipating.
In His grace, God moved in a big way when He led me to a unique coping mechanism that helped me reconcile some very painful transitions. And it’s much more than journaling; more like journaling on divine steroids.
This type of writing allowed me to supernaturally confront the messy issues of life and ultimately release them to a sovereign God. The writing stirred a divine dialogue, instead of a one-way conversation. I was used to journaling; had journaled for years. But it amounted to little more than a brain dump, no real healing. I had to learn to listen for God’s insight, His feedback, His truth. As I did, I began to heal.
I want the same for you. Matter of fact, I’m passionate about teaching you how to do this. That’s why I wrote the book Write Where It Hurts, and its companion journal. I wanted to offer a practical coping tool to help you walk through the hurtful times of life. From that book came this website, this community of like-minded women. I pray you are blessed here.
God wants to use every ounce of our pain for His purposes, if we surrender it to Him. Through God’s grace, I am passionate about making a difference in your life. I long to walk alongside you as we invite the Holy Spirit to uncover the beauty tucked deep within any unresolved pain which lingers in your heart. God heals broken lives—I’m living this truth. And He wants to heal yours.
Can we connect? You can read more about my workshops and coaching here. Be sure to join our thriving Facebook community, Write Where it Hurts. Also, visit with us regularly on our blog of writing prompts, places where you can share from the heart in a safe place.
A few more places you will want to be sure to visit. Check out my latest release (alongside co-author Diane Cunningham), Inspired Women Succeed and download a free copy of the first chapter. Also, be sure to check out my sister site So You Want To Write which is packed full of tips and tools for writers.
Come back often. I’m thrilled to be on the healing journey with you.
Bio:
Jo Ann Fore is an author, speaker, book-freak, and fun friend. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of women. Most noted for her authentic vulnerability, she captivates her audience with faith-filled messages caramelized with a powerful promise of hope.
Jo Ann’s words have been featured in national and international magazines—even graced the covers of a few. Her work has appeared in Just Between Us, Lifeway’s HomeLIfe, Australia’s Alive, Salvation Army’s Priority, Women of the Word, Tennessee Christian, Youth Ministry Resources, and much more. Her words have also been used for radio and television content. Won awards, too. Plus she’s written a couple of books, e-books, information products, and IACET and ICF (International Coach Federation)-approved curriculum.
As a columnist for various publications, Jo Ann focuses on the need for emotional wholeness as she tackles the tough topics facing Christian women today. As a workshop leader for both live and virtual women’s retreats, Jo Ann leads women on a heart journey into a new land. A place where a painful past serves as a path to a greater purpose, and redemption becomes more important than explanation.
Jo Ann is a member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), The Christian Writers View, Long Ridge Writers Group, and Life Purpose Coaching Centers, International. She also serves as the Public Relations Director for the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs and is on the leadership team for the Christian Women in Media Association.
Jo Ann hails from a 20 year career in marketing and development, having worked as a Director of Development for a faith-based organization, Director of Advertising for a national lifestyle magazine, and Public Relations Director for a nationally franchised fitness chain.
Jo Ann lives in Tennessee, with her husband Matt, who is a nationally known sleight-of-hand magician. An empty-nester, she has one adult daughter, one granddaughter, and four adult step-daughters. Jo Ann enjoys a sometimes crazy, always passionate, supernaturally purposeful life.
Jo Ann, you are my writing inspiration! I just love to sit at my computer and let it out...the time goes so quickly. Something so deep stirs within. There's such a "knowing" that I am right where I am supposed to be. Much love and appreciation for you.
Through the encouragement and mentoring of Jo Ann Fore, I was able to release feelings of pain, emotion, and even anger toward others and God. After years of holding in my pain, I had allowed resentment to develop. Writing and meditating opened my mind to the Holy Spirit for Him to do His work. At times, the words come in such a rush, at others, they trickle, but I continue to write until I feel all has been said. Please join me in the workroom of God under the control of the Holy Spirit. 