I am the author of How I Forgave My Molester and a novel coming out soon!
Standing in a doorway, one foot in, one foot out. That’s how I have often find my walk with Christ. Wounded as a child I have learned to walk a little closer with the Lord but it doesn’t always come easy.
There are times I find myself clutching His robe and hanging on for dear life, and others where I am heading for the door, slinking back to the comfort of the familiar. I have been freed in Christ from childhood molestation, childhood abuse, and an alcoholic stepfather.
I have been featured at (in)courage. I have a digital contract for a short story at Twin Trinity , and won Highly Commended for my Letter To My Abuser at Faith Writers. My advice column, Dear Mel, is syndicated in a brand new Christian Women’s Magazine: Christian Women’s Voice!
I’m honest and try to be as real as possible. I’ve been blogging since yahoo had the original geocities. In the past couple of years I have really found my voice and discovered the gift the Lord blessed me with.
Writing.
God’s given me some tough experiences in my life. They’re not about me. They’re about Him and helping others learn to heal. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us but first we have to be willing to do the work. I’m still working and learning.
My goal is to encourage women to grow and live a life that is honest. Drop the perfect facade and start being real. Even as Christians, we face trials and struggles but it’s what we do with them that matters.
At Trailing After God, we’ll journey through life’s ups and downs while learning how to cope with depression, loss, abuse, healing, and forgiveness. Step all the way in the door and clasp the robe of the One and Only King. He’s waiting for you.
My Biography
I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have four children. I am a native Oregonian and continue to live out soggy days in the Willamette Valley. I daydream about living somewhere sunny, warm, and dry.
My biological father is in prison for life (or is supposed to be) for murder. My stepdad was the only father I’ve ever known and when I refer to “Dad”, I am referring to him. He was a caring and fun guy but when my parents separated, he fully submersed himself in his alcoholism and became verbally abusive to me.
I was sexually abused at the age of 4 or 5 and because the situation wasn’t handled, I grew up feeling very insecure and unimportant. Insecurity is still one of my number one challenges and one of Satan’s favorite tools to use against me. I have learned ways to tackle it head on as soon as I recognize it! I write quite a bit about insecurities as it’s a subject so close to my heart and the hearts of women everywhere. I will be speaking on insecurities and women in 2012.
My ultimate dream is to write inspirational fiction that moves, challenges, and changes the hearts of women. My crazy life could fill up several books and it will!
Grab your baggage and come along for the ride. I’ll show you where you can leave those burdensome bags. There will be bumps. I’m not perfect. I still fight with my husband and yell at my kids but underneath it all, my foundation is Christ. My heart is solely His and His alone.
Caution: This Jesus girl is still under construction!
I look forward to getting to know you! My readers are so precious to me!
Contact me via email at melinda todd @ melinda todd.com (remove spaces)
On my Facebook fan page
And on Twitter
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Now that you know more about me, will you take a few moments to tell me a little about you? >>Click Here<<< It’s only 4 questions 
Hi!
Glad you stopped by my blog yesterday…I realized as I was bouncing around your blog tonight, that I had READ your story before! The one about your dad…did you post that on InCourage one time? I loved that story then and love it still. Look forward to getting to know you thru blogging.
Merry Christmas!
Amanda
Yes, I sure did! It was in October that it was posted on their site and the follow up story is on my blog
Thank you for your kind words! Merry Christmas to you too Amanda! God bless ♥
God Bless You Mel! I just published your comment on my blog and I appreciate you taking time to visit and give thanks, because that’s my encouragement.
I also am deeply sorry for whatever the diagnosis you’ve been given and you’re in my prayers from this moment forward. I pray that everything you have to go through will be a smooth process, without pain or any level of suffering. I pray for you a quick recovery. Please also know you have a new friend here to chat with whenever you feel a need to vent or talk.
Please keep me updated on how you’re doing…want to make sure you’re doing alright and if there’s something you need, pls let me know.
Many Blessings,
Mandy
http://improvelife4ever.blogspot.com
Mandy, thank you so much! It’ll be an adjustment and I’m sure I’ll blog about it soon but just needing time to process first. Thank you for your precious comment and prayers! God bless you!
In Him,
Mel
Mel,
Thanks for visiting my site recently. I am so sorry to hear about what is going on in your life. But as you commented on my blog, God is so merciful! I grew up in a very loving family, but when I married, I married someone who abused me physically and mentally. We also lost our first child a couple of days after he was born. But we were blessed with two more wonderful boys! I am no longer married to this man, but I am very thankful for the gift of our sons (who are now teenagers). What I am trying to say is that, without God’s grace and mercy, where would I be? I am sure you feel the same!
I am praying for God’s blessings in your life right now and in the future, and I hope to get to know you through your blog (I’ll be following!).
Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Teresa
Teresa,
I look forward to getting to know you! Merry Christmas!
Thank you! I will get through it, it’s just going to be a new journey in life that I will be permanently on.
Testing comments
Jean recently posted..Seven Tips For Getting Your Business on the First Page of Google
Thank you for visiting my site. I am delighted you did Mel, as I can catch up with the wonderful and encouraging posts on your site.
God Bless you more, my Sister in Christ
Hi Mel,
I’ve sent a guest post to your inbox. Waiting for your feedback.
Thanks.
Michael
Michael Asante recently posted..What the Holy Spirit Cannot Be
Awesome Michael! I will read it shortly
Thanks!
Hi Mel!
Thanks so much for your encouraging words you left today.
And, for sharing your authentic journey, here — and the commitment to honesty that guides it.
Many blessings in your writing and purpose!
Big Hug–
Kelee
Hello Mel!
A blogging friend of mine, Laura (http://lightenough.wordpress.com/) introduced to me another blog, Like a Team (http://www.likeateam.com/) that she just discovered. So I checked this “Like A Team” blog and scanned through the leadership articles. When I stumbled with “Micro-managing is a BIG Mistake For Leaders!” post, I also stumbled with your reply. Then that’s it, I followed your link.
When I landed in your site, my jaws literally dropped—couldn’t believe what I was reading. You know I have been posting about forgiveness and grace. In fact those two topics are my most favorite topics. And now here I am reading a testimonies of its power.
Author Philip Yancey is right, “The power of grace is different: unworldly, transforming, supernatural.”
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You are blessed by God despite your past. Now you are helping others to receive that same grace and blessing! I pray that you continue to be a channel of blessing to others!
God bless you, your blogging ministry, and everyone that is touched by your heart!
Arnold recently posted..Freedom
Oh I love that! Love when God confirms to us what we’ve been writing! Welcome!