A bit about gratefulsue

Hi! My name is Sue. My pen name as well as my website is “gratefulsue” because that’s the kind of person I want to be overall. My pen name serves to remind me.

I grew up in Ohio. When I was a Sophomore at an out-of-state university, a new friend helped me to understand Christianity better than I ever had before, even though I had often attended church. (See the book of John in the Bible, especially chapter 3.) My subsequent thirsty reading of the New Testament, in context, something I had never done before, deeply affected me. Most of my writing is a reflection of my journey in life and faith since that time. I also love to write about nature since it’s a great source of inspiration.

Over the years, writing has been both my passion and therapy. In poems, prose, and journals, I wrote while single, while married and raising four children, while working or volunteering in various Christian ministries and churches, and on three summer mission projects overseas (Argentina, Japan, and the Dominican Republic). I wrote while my aging father lived with us, during my husband’s cancer and passing, and through many affronts to my faith. I have lived in six states, ten cities, and attended way too many churches to count. If you relate to some of my musings, I hope you also find some encouragement and know that you are not alone.

Everyone faces hardships in life, as well as joys. Life is both beautiful and difficult. Often at the same time! May we all strive to be authentic, practice empathy, have faith, and stay grateful.