Interview With the Author

A series

Every story begins in what looks like an ordinary life, but when we take the time to listen closely, we begin to see what was there all along.

In this series, An Interview with an Author, we step into the story of Kristin Gedstad and her memoir, Benedictions Given to an Ordinary Woman. Her writing reflects a life shaped by faith, resilience, and a growing awareness of God’s presence in both the significant and the seemingly small moments.

Through a series of thoughtful questions, Kristin shares not just what she has lived, but what she has come to understand about grace, suffering, and the steady nearness of God. This is a conversation rooted in honesty. A reminder that an ordinary life, when fully seen, is never just ordinary.

What would you say to the woman who feels like she has missed her chance to follow God?
Can you share a moment in your own life when you felt like you had missed your chance, and what God gently showed you in that season?

I would respond by telling her that God is omnipotent and He is available to us at all times, day or night. It is not an option to miss a chance to follow God; God is there for us at any time throughout our lifetime. 

Personally speaking, I didn’t have much of a God-Kris kind of relationship before the benedictions began, that is. I was lukewarm toward God; I prayed, but I never expected my prayers to be answered. Then the benedictions started coming, and I thought, “What the heck? Is this YOU speaking to me, God?” And yes, it was God/Jesus/Holy Spirit speaking to me, and I started to pay attention, to listen for that ‘still small voice.’ God was speaking to me, and I thought I'd better start listening and learning about God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. When I joined BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), I started praying with intention, believing that God was hearing my prayers and would answer them IF it was God’s will for me to have what I prayed for. I started praising/thanking God for all He had blessed me with and included, “Your will be done,” in my prayers. What I discovered is that God didn’t answer all my prayers, but He gave me the strength to deal with what was before me, not what I thought would be best for me. That was very significant to me.

What do you believe is actually true about God’s timing, even when it feels like we are behind or have taken a wrong turn?

I have taken so many wrong turns, but the thing is, God always brought me back to Him and me, if only I had eyes to see and ears to hear sooner!  You have to spend time in God’s holy word to get to know Him better and see the endless number of chances God gives us and forgives us for our sins.

If that woman were sitting across from you today, what would you want her to understand about where she is right now and what is still possible for her?  

If that woman were here with me now, I would say, “God is here for you. Reach out your hand/arms and believe that God is holding you right now, because He is. Faith teaches you what you can count on, as does the Bible, God’s book to us, on how we are to live the life of a Christian. I would tell the woman that she can ask for forgiveness of her sins, and God will wipe her heart clean as new-fallen snow. She can also pray for forgiveness as often as she wants, and God will hear and wipe her heart clean of all sin.