I am writing this post under duress, not the stressful kind, but the sweet kind–if there can be such a thing. My webmaster Thomas told me I had to write this post. Or else.

I balked.

I very much value you, your time, your heart. The last thing I want to do is be a Me Monster and beg you to do stuff on my behalf. I don’t want to be one of those marketers who constantly chats about her product, her downline, her-her-her.

I resonate deeply with Toby Mac’s words in this song. Jesus can steal this book-writing show anytime He wants.

But the truth is, last week, during my book launch, I wasn’t able to put much of me into it. With Julia’s illness, and the mystery surrounding it, I didn’t have much energy to do anything other than pray, cry, and sleep (if I could).

Thankfully, my launch team (who rock rock rock) had my back. And several of you were champions of Twitter and Facebook, letting folks know about the book. The success of last week rides on your shoulders and the heft of my launch team and publisher.

But now I’ve climbed out of the hole of last week and it’s time to ask a favor.

Would you be willing to purchase a copy of Everything today? Or tomorrow? Or someday? Many of you already have (and I’m so grateful). If you can’t afford it, visit Trochia’s Facebook page this week. They are giving away 20 copies of the book. If you purchase by tomorrow, you’ll receive $240 of freebies.

If you’ve bought the book, would you be so kind as to leave a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and/or CBD? (Just click those links to be taken right to the book’s page). I want an honest review. If you feel it merits one star, by golly, give it one star (*) If it’s just a three, plunk down three stars (***). I really don’t mind. This little act of writing a few sentences will help the book gain exposure.

Why did I write this book?

I wrote it because I struggle like you to see the beauty in today. I sometimes trade Jesus’ kingdom for my own empire. I worry too much. I absorb myself with my own issues, forgetting that Jesus wants to help me. In short, I fall short. And yet, there’s this infectious, sweet, knowable grace that Jesus gives. I felt it last week in the hospital next to Julia–my helplessness combined with Jesus’ goodness sustained me.

Jesus is real, folks.

And it may be that we catch little glimpses of that along the way, but those glimpses are what keeps us walking forward, day in and day out.

I’ve learned that I no longer need to be defined by my was statements. I’m now defined by “am” statements. And I wanted to share that powerful truth with you.

I was sexually molested. I am treasured, cared for, and loved by Jesus.

See how turning around that statement changes my identity? I want that for you too.

When I balked at Thomas’ suggestion that I write this post asking for your help, he said this:

“I’m going to do some Socratic reasoning with you.”

“OK,” I said.

“Do you believe Everything will change people’s lives for the better?”

“Yes, I wholeheartedly believe that,” I said.

He asked, “And will people be set free?”

“By God’s grace, yes.”

Then, “Will this tick off the enemy?”

Me: “I’m guessing so.”

Thomas: “Well, then fight back. Push back. It’s okay to promote.”

He did have a point, though I still struggle with the personal promotion thing.

So there’s my request all naked out there in the blogosphere. If you’d like to read Everything, pick up a copy, however you want. Bookstore. Library. Online store. Steal it (just kidding. Stealing everything is NOT a good idea). And write an honest review. I’d so appreciate it.

Some other tangible things you can do to help out:

• Pray for me, for the book, that God would put the book into people’s hands who uniquely need it at this point in their journey.
• Tweet: Find new joy in your Jesus journey. Grab a copy of #Everythingbook by @MaryDeMuth http://amzn.to/yxEeaz
• Visitthe blog tour. Make a comment or two, or share a link.
• If you write a review, share that on Facebook. Just copy and paste. 🙂

Well, I’ve done it. Now Thomas won’t have to enact dire consequences on me. Thanks for reading this, and thanks for anything you’ve done or will do to help get the word out. I so appreciate it. You’re a blessing.

Hoping NOT to be a Me Monster,

Mary

P.S. In case you need to know what a Me Monster is, check out this short clip from my fave comedian Brian Regan: