I’ve been awaiting this moment for a very long time: the chance to introduce Kim Galgano, founder of Chicks with Choices, and her brand-new book, The Chance to Choose: Become Who You Were Meant to Be One Choice at a Time, which releases TODAY.

To celebrate its release, Kim is offering a signed copy of her book to one lucky reader on my blog. Just leave a comment for your chance to win.

In addition to being a blogger and now an author, Kim is a gifted speaker–gifted, I tell you: insightful and funny and authentic. I love hearing her speak! She is a trusted confidante and purveyor of hope. She’s also the devoted wife to Adam and mom to three beautiful kids. On top of all that, she happens to be one of my dearest friends.

And now, in her own words…

HER STORY

I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated with a Communications degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. My dream was to direct award-winning movies, but God had a different plan. Today I help direct women toward better decision-making through my business, Chicks with Choices™. Watching real women authentically move from chaotic undeciders to confident choosers is much more exciting than a movie.

One day, over 15 years ago, while brushing my teeth, God whispered that I had a story to tell. Twenty-one years of pathetic choices and then an encounter with Jesus in the middle of a field, while on an internship in India, is a bit riveting. I’ve always felt that my first book should be more than just a redemption story, yet I was clueless how to pull that off. What pointed me in the right direction was advice from a seasoned editor, who suggested I develop a decision-making formula. Eventually the Lord directed my attention to Jeremiah 6:16 and a decade later The Jeremiah Method™ is introduced in The Chance to Choose.

[Tweet “Chance to win #TheChanceToChoose. Author Kim Galgano’s book launch today! @chickswchoices”]

I strongly believe that Christianity needs authentic voices unafraid to be raw instead of polished. Globally, we need individuals who can mesh the intangible ideas of faith into the everyday muck of life decisions. God has called me to be an open book for this purpose.

What would I do differently in writing my book the second time around? Nothing. Because one thing I did do right…I did not run ahead of God. Sure, it took over a decade to accomplish this work, but I can say in confidence that I walked behind Him the entire journey. I’m really thankful for that. And I would never change the painful process of writing this story because I am changed. I have learned how to persevere, first and foremost. I can’t count how many times I wanted to give up, but to come out on the other side of exhausting self-doubt is a gift I’ve given myself. I’ve learned that Jesus sits at the bottom of our deepest pain, ready to embrace any lingering shame or sorrow and that I have a responsibility to use my story for others who haven’t gone to that place yet. I’ve learned that if I win or lose in this endeavor, at least I jumped out the boat and I’m fully in the game. I’ve learned that risk has no guarantees, but we must walk behind God and go where He leads regardless of the unknown.

WHY HER STORY MATTERS

When people read The Chance to Choose, I hope their biggest takeaway is that Jesus is real. He is not an idea. He is not a benefit in an otherwise shallow life. He IS life.

After that, I hope my reader will know that she is empowered to make choices and that each decision can lead her toward a life she never imagined. I pray she sees her choices as more than what she learned from her family or religious habit; that God fashioned a unique and adventurous path which He walks with her.

Finally, I pray that each reader will find community after the final page. Our modern lifestyle pulls us away from authentic relationships. We are isolated as we browse through pseudo-connections on social media, which leave us lonely, jealous, anxious and scattered as we ping-pong between increased choices. Now that The Chance to Choose is complete, I will focus my energies toward the development of CoffeeHouse Chats™–a safe place for people to connect. (For more information, visit me here.)

Right now, The Chance to Choose is sold exclusively through my online store. Within the next week, I will have several eBook versions available, but not before this interview posts. Readers can learn more about this by connecting with me through the various options listed below.

AFTER WORDS

Me: Thank you, Kim! Such a privilege to have you here today. By the way, how can readers be in touch with you?

Kim: I’d love for your reader to be in touch with me! Not for a pat on the back, but for an opportunity to connect with a new friend, and to know that Jesus Himself helped a situation through the power of story and the written word! It would be a wonderful privilege to connect with one of your readers, so that I can celebrate them. The best way is to email me at: kimgalgano@chickswithchoices.com.

Here are some other opportunities:

Read my blog at: www.chickswithchoices.com/blog (be sure to register if you want to receive the blog directly to your email account. And I won’t inundate your inbox! I blog once a week.)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chickswithchoices

Twitter: www.twitter.com/chickwchoices

Pinerest: www.pinterest.com/chickswchoices

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimgalgano

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/kimgalgano

Thank you, Kathy! May I close by encouraging you in your work and commending your readers on finding you and the service you provide. Yes, story matters! I’m so thankful for people like you who help us remember this on a regular basis.

Me: 🙂