It all started when my granny gave me a typewriter.
I used to gaze out the window on the bus ride home from school and strand words together in my mind. As an elementary kid, I made it a goal to check out a chapter book every week during my class’ regular library visit – a practice that held me accountable to reading my way through the full and colorful shelves. It was around this time I got a typewriter from my granny too.
A lot’s changed since those bus rides down windy roads. But in every season, writing has been the thread weaving my purpose through this earth-side venture.
Fast forward to my 20s. I began teaching adult refugees English in their homes and coordinating a literacy afterschool program for refugee youth. My friends would light up about my stories from the field, but I called it unimpressive. All of it. I was working a nonprofit salary half an hour down the road from the small-town I grew up in. I started (and restarted) a blog many times. I was a teacher, but not a *real* teacher. I loved the path I’d been led down, but a part of me felt sheepish about the humility of it all.
But steps taken while clinging to faith led me here. It occurred to me one day that maybe this small, humbling life is ridiculously glorious in the hands of God. My written journey resonated with others. A new sense of purpose was birthed within me as I realized how much joy there was in helping others love their calling, learn more about the nations, and grow closer to God in all of it.
I’m really glad to share this space with you. I pray these cracked stories of faith, culture, and motherhood will lift you up in the perfect love of Christ as we seek to live well and in wonder. Thanks for embarking on the journey with me.
Brianna Persinger
disciple | english teacher | mama