Interview with Emily Owen, author of You Say

It is easy to look at ourselves and just see our failings and imperfections. Yet God looks at us and sees us differently. He sees us positively, as we really are – unconditionally loved and accepted by him.

In her new book You Say, Emily Owen seamlessly weaves together reflections, prayers, personal stories and the encouraging 'voice' of God to help us move away from damaging negative images of ourselves and step into the freedom that understanding our God-given identity brings.

Emily, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I know what it is to be broken, and I know what it is to meet God there.

I like candles, and rainbows, and coffee with friends.

My niece once asked me, incredulously; ‘what goes on in your head?!’ I think what she meant was; ‘your wit astounds me, dear aunt.’

I’ve lost count of how many surgeries I’ve had.

I like finding joy in every day.

Why did you decide to write You Say?

I was asked what was on my heart, and I immediately knew the answer: identity in Christ.

I’ve had many challenges and changes in my life – I write about some of them in You Say - and, over time, I have learned to cling to the thing that can’t change: my identity in Christ. I don’t get to define me, and nor does the world. I am who God says I am. The same is true for all of us.

Who have you written this book for?

I hope it will be an encouragement to whoever picks it up. Perhaps especially people who struggle to know/believe how wonderfully God sees them, and to adopt it for themselves.

There are lots of devotional books available, what makes your book different?

That’s a tough question! Hm. It’s the first 101 book written by me?!

You Say combines styles (poetry, Biblical reflection, fiction, etc) but retains one focal point throughout: identity in Christ. Every day there is a one-word affirmation to hold onto. It’s written by someone who once refused to look in a mirror.

Perhaps that makes it different, I don’t know.

Reviewers have called You Say:

‘Inspirational gold! Her unique writing style is refreshing’

‘Profound in its simplicity’

‘I love how honestly you share your story’

‘Offers us some wonderful insights, including surprises along the way’

You imagine the voice of God speaking affirmations throughout the devotions. Why is this so important to you?

It’s how God speaks to me, and it is my privilege to share that.

With a certain irony, I ‘hear’ God more clearly now than I did before I lost my hearing. Is that because I lost my hearing? I don’t know but, as we learn to stop focussing on other voices that surround us, His voice becomes clearer.

How did you go about writing these devotions?

The very first part I wrote is the meditation found in the introduction.

When it came to the book itself, I began by identifying (!) the 101 identity words. Then I realised I had more than 101, so cut them down. With the word as a starting point, I then drew in Bible verses and thoughts to accompany it.

What piece of advice would you give to someone who is really struggling with issues around low self-esteem or self-worth?

In my experience, such struggles cause us to focus inwards. I would suggest – again from personal experience – focussing instead on how God sees you. Not negating the low sense of self-worth but not focussing on it, either. I’m not saying that is a quick fix, but I do find that the more I refuse to not believe what God says about me, the more I stop letting my voice drown His voice out, the more I can take His seeing on board.

What was the most challenging element of writing this book?

Layout and wordcount. I have never gone over a wordcount before, so to adhere to the strict word count in this book proved tricky. I did go over the word count in some of the devotions, and it turns out I’m not a fan of deleting! I also tend to be quite particular about page layout, which wasn’t so possible here.

And what was the most rewarding element of writing this book?

Gaining new insights into Biblical passages. It’s my favourite thing about devotional writing, seeing different thoughts and passages come together.

What do you hope readers will most get out of reading this book?

A sense of their value. Affirmation. Gentle challenge. A new/renewed closeness with God. Joy. Lots of joy.

In one sentence, how would you describe You Say?

Learning to see ourselves as God sees us, and to live in that reality.