My journey from journalism to public relations: a story of faith and fulfillment

Sometimes a dream begins during childhood. Sometimes a dream begins to take shape for us as teenagers. But sometimes a dream is something you stumble into. That was the life of becoming a Public Relations practitioner for me.

As a reporter, I covered many stories. Unfortunately I was stuck on the crime beat mostly, but I also covered local government, local happenings and a few “brights” (feel-good feature stories).

Some people and their stories stay with you. Some are haunting remnants that are lodged in the back of your mind. And sometimes the folks you met and connected with, those sources, as we call them, become lifelong connections and even friends.

I loved that fast-paced life of adrenaline rushing through my veins. Getting the story out quickly. The last phone call I’d get just before clocking out that gave me the final piece I needed to put a bow on a story I’d been chasing all day. The satisfaction of completing all the goals I’d set for the day. The feeling of getting a story out first as a newspaper before all the TV reporters had the scoop.

Yet, I’d still have a longing for more. A longing to do something that meant more, reached more people and honestly paid more.

I was so discouraged I stopped praying about it, thinking God had forgotten me.

Time and time again I’d cover stories of amazing people doing amazing things.

They would tell me about how they loved their job and it was the most fulfilling work in the world and I envied them.

I thought, I love what I do most days but I can’t retire on this. I can’t live like this between deadlines and late nights of covering local government meetings far away from home.

I wondered if a shrinking newsroom and all the criticism I received for the few compliments in the business was truly worth it. Was losing sleep over typos or concepts I doubted I developed fully truly worth it? Was it worth worrying over if I had answered every question a reader would have? Did I really have to carry so much self doubt when I experienced consistent tough editorial critique? Was I making a real difference or just making time?

Then the door opened that I wasn’t sure I was ready to walk through.

And stepping into the new role was a breath of fresh air. It was so much more than a prayer answered. Now I get to do so much more like advertising, marketing, writing, commercials and I consistently reach more folks and share my heart in a way I never imagined.

It’s a dream I didn’t know I had. Is it always easy? Absolutely not.

But, I reach back to the times where I was busy building connections and my character. Boy, it was hard hard work. It didn’t pay a lot but I did take pride in assuring people I’d be honest and truthful. And it made me a better person and professional. I wouldn’t trade those years or tough times for gold.

And now, I know the value of my work. I know my value as a professional. I know I can grow and learn and teach.

Most of all I know that in times of uncertainty and times of stress, God always makes a way.

I wondered so much then if I was really using gifts He gave me to impact others.

I wondered if I was faithful to Him why He wasn’t answering prayers. I knew He was with me, I felt His presence. I recognized His favor and work as things fell into place miraculously often when I was ready to give up on someone or a story.

And when I felt God the least and needed Him the most, He was there all along, working in the details I couldn’t see in ways I couldn’t see or understand yet.

I want to encourage you today to remember He is always close. He is always with us. He is always working out the details.

Until that door opens and you are living our dreams you never thought of or never planned, praise Him in the questions. And never ever stop believing or praying.

Sending you peace and love, my friends! May you rest in the promises He gives and know He has a plan for your life. Keep acknowledging Him in all you do. Keep praying. And watch miracles unfold before your very eyes.