Creative Spark:

TWILA BELK

I met Twila Belk, also known as the “Gotta Tell Somebody Gal,” in the summer of 2015, when she was a keynote speaker at the Cedar Falls Christian Writers Workshop. I was engaged by Twila’s easygoing speaking style as well as the roster of books she’d either written or contributed to, including her recently released Raindrops from Heaven: Gentle Reminders of God’s Power, Presence, and Purpose.

It soon became apparent how Twila had earned the Gotta Tell Somebody moniker: she loved bragging on God. We shared a special moment the last day of the conference, praying together and sharing concerns that lay heavy on our hearts. I was impressed by the bigness of her faith and her positive attitude in the face of challenges that included caring for a husband with disabilities.

“I had no idea that the words I wrestled with and cried out to God for as I wrote the daily readings for Raindrops from Heaven would end up ministering to me,” Twila says.

In March 2016, Twila was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive and recurrent form. She underwent chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. It was during this time the readings in the devotional seemed to speak directly to her.

“I think God wanted me to write the book for me,” Twila says. “That makes me smile.”

During her treatment, the devotional’s success led to her publisher’s request for another book. Twila began writing The Power to Be: Be Still, Be Grateful, Be Strong, Be Courageous while she was still in treatment. The forty-day devotional has three recurring messages: knowing God, trusting God, and keeping attention on the right things.

“My job is to trust God with all my heart and acknowledge Him in all my ways,” Twila says. “When I do that, He keeps His promise to take care of me, to make my path straight. I’m not left to flounder on my own. I’ve learned that I have no control over circumstances and that my circumstances don’t change who God is; they show me who God is. I’ve had to let go of any control I thought I had and trust God.”

Twila has experienced many adventures in her life. It isn’t every woman who can claim status as a childhood entrepreneur. She sold painted rocks door to door, vegetables from her mom’s garden, furry little creatures she made, and even pots and pans from her front porch.

During high school, Twila was an exchange student in Ecuador, and a few years later, in her early twenties, she became a certified journeyman machinist. Later portfolio credits include medical transcribing, directing writing conferences, working as a virtual assistant for acclaimed Christian writer Cecil Murphey, and co-owning a Christian bookstore and vending company with her husband, Steve.

“Steve and I hosted fun parties and invited the community to join us,” Twila says about the days they operated the bookstore. “I wrote crazy, memorable radio ads and my husband and I voiced them. We had lots of fun.”

The couple have also faced many trials in their forty years together, not the least of which is Steve’s deteriorating health.

“I’m the primary provider now,” Twila says. “Caring for my husband and all my other responsibilities takes up so much of my time, I’m not able to work as much. I’ve had to give up speaking and teaching and the book sales that come with those events. Bills continue to mount, and income continues to decrease. I grieve over what I’ve had to let go of.”

Then she switches gears.

“But it is what it is right now. There are lots of things I don’t understand. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds me that I don’t have to understand everything. In fact, I’m not supposed to. God and I have lots of talks, and He continues to assure me and carry me in His embrace of grace. A big lesson: Whatever I focus on becomes magnified. If I keep my attention on my challenges, they become overwhelming to me and tend to control my life. But if I fix my thoughts on God, He becomes magnified in my heart and mind. I’m reminded of who He is and what He’s able to do. Having a grateful heart is key.”

It’s that grateful heart that sees God’s blessings, even during the toughest times.

“God is so good to send me sweet surprises at just the right times. He proves again and again that He is my provider. One thing I’ve learned: God excels in impossible situations. I have so many God stories to tell.”

She continues to do just that; after all, she’s the Gotta Tell Somebody Gal.

 

“Gratitude is waking up each day, looking to the heavens from which all good things have their beginnings, sliding out of bed into the solid reality of another day, and grasping still another opportunity begging to be taken. The day is a thank you yet to be known, born out of imagination and ambition held close to our heart’s desire.”

—LEN FROYEN,

GRATITUDE: AFFIRMING ONE ANOTHER THROUGH STORIES