Stepping into Story
The Rhythm of a Renewal Journey
Change begins with a longing, a craving for something different even before we know what the problem is. In this part of the renewal cycle, the heroine of the story ripens for change.
But how can change and growth feel possible when we’re already burned out by chaos and uncertainty?
Well, there is a mystery and rhythm to it — one step at a time.
Why Small Steps?
I learned about starting small in IT where we do prototypes to make solid progress in extremely complex situations. Yeah, like life.
As a recovering perfectionist and over-analyzer, the “small steps” approach changed me profoundly. Tiny steps are soothing and validating. They take the pressure off and create space for learning and adapting.
In a world with overloaded schedules, the small step mindset gives us permission feel satisfied, even victorious, when we embrace the tiniest progress. I don’t know about you, but I needed that so badly.
Sacred Rhythms
Renewal is a sacred rhythm woven into Creation. You can see it everywhere, like music, soil (couldn’t help it!), the changing seasons, and even in Scripture. If you pause for just a minute, you can feel it your heart, too. And, guess what? Renewal is hidden in the pattern of story itself.
Why is story so important?
Well, I didn’t get this at first. My scientific training had me primed to write a thesis about Lydia with all the logic and explanations I could muster. My friends were supportive and kind (thank you, Ladies!), but their feedback was a polite and confused: Laura, where is this going exactly? There was no story line. Oh yeah.
Ok, great, now I had to do literally the last thing I wanted to do. Vulnerability.
No one warned me about the writing process and vulnerability, probably because I went into science to avoid it! For many months I fought it — how can I share the elixir of this story about Lydia without vulnerability? My mind hunted for a way out. Maybe you have been there, too.
Well, I eventually stepped across the threshold and here I am, into this heroine’s journey with my faith as my fuel and Lydia as my mentor, finding my courage, one step at a time.
So why are story and vulnerability so critical? As it turns out, our brains are wired for it. We need a story line to make sense of the world and the vulnerability activates us so we emotionally join in. It’s why the heroine’s journey feels so familiar and right: longing, challenge, courage, transformation. Lydia’s story mirrors this same pattern, and when we step into our own story, we also open the door to renewal.
Step into Your Story
Every day I read amazing stories from women here on Substack. They are so raw, wise, and courageous, breaking me open and reminding me of my own renewal. So, courage travels through the threads of our stories —our heart strings weaving us together to heal.
That’s why I’m publishing this book in serial form. I have dozens of chapters already drafted, but I want your reactions and stories to guide the rest. The ending few chapters of The Lydia Effect is still unfolding—and it will be even better after sharing stories.
One more thing I found out writing—I discovered that this isn’t a journey of striving to be something, a 5-step method, or an uphill fight like I have been trained to win. What I found is that this journey is about unveiling what is already there.
I had to slow down enough to respect the tiny steps—the sacred rhythms of renewal. Storytelling, even to myself as I wrote, allowed these revelations to happen.
Practical Details
Each week, The Lydia Effect will arrive in your inbox as a short, reflective chapter. You’ll walk with me through my own story of faith, how I discovered Lydia of Thyatira, and why her story still matters today.
There will be poems, reflection prompts, and invitations to pause and listen. Some chapters are quiet and peaceful, and some may challenge you. But Lydia’s story has a special sauce — I overcame my vulnerability to share the recipe. More about why I write about Lydia here.
If you feel moved to share your story, I’d love to hear it—in the comments, chat, or email.
Thank you so much for being here.