Today we’d like to introduce you to Missi Goldson.
Hi Missi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Iowa. Garwin, IA is a very small farming community of about 500 people. I graduated in 1991 with 28 kids in my class. Throughout my life, I’ve had several wonderful jobs; a nanny, a housekeeper, a short order cook, a licensed massage therapist, a preschool teacher, and now a children’s author. I moved to Memphis, TN, in 2006 with my husband and 2 boys. We added 2 more children to our family and my only daughter was born in 2007 with numerous medical issues and special needs. I am so thankful for LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. I was a stay at home mom and homeschooled my older boys until 6th and 7th grade. However, due to many changes, I found myself working outside of the home. I began teaching preschool at Second Presbyterian Church in 2014 and that is when I met 85 year old, Melba Morris. I believe the Lord put her in my life to pray for me, encourage me and prepare me for my future. We had the joy of working together for only a short while, as she became ill and passed away in 2017. Before she passed, she gave me a small tote bag with some of her favorite bible material and asked me to keep teaching the children. Unfortunately, that same year my 17 year marriage ended. I became a single parent with custody of four kids.. I juggled working several jobs while caring for my children, which included my daughters many doctors appointments, therapies and surgeries. Fast forward several years, my two oldest boys have moved out of my house and now it is just me and my 2 youngest. In 2022, after a particularly hard day of work, sickness with my daughter, extreme loneliness, and divorce difficulties, I was at a breaking point! I was EXHAUSTED (physically, mentally and emotionally). I was sitting inside my car parked inside my garage, crying and pouring my heart out to the Lord. I asked him for help, saying to him “I know you see me and I know you have something for me, I just want to serve you and share your love, please just tell me what it is you have for me? Please Lord, I am ready for a change.” AND HE DID! As clear as day , I heard him tell me that he wanted me to write a book. My response….I laughed, you see, because I have NEVER EVER given that a single thought, I don’t even like english or spelling, I’m a Math Person! This has got to be a mistake. But I could not get out of my car, as his presence was heavy in my spirit. I finally said OK, I will do it, but you are going to have to tell me what to write and he did! It was supernatural! As soon as I picked up the pen and paper, the words just flowed. In less that 1 minute, I had written a book, dedicated it to Melba Morris and the preschool class at Second Presbyterian Church
But that is not the end, the Lord gave me a vision for the illustrations and an illustrator. He also provided new friends and support that helped me navigate all the questions and obstacles along the way.
My first book “My Five Finger Promise” was published in April of 2024 and it was the number one new release on Amazon in children’s ministry. It has traveled all the way to Belize, Uganda, Ethiopia and Dubi. One of the biggest blessings, is that my book is featured on a Christian YouTube channel, called “Storytime with Miss PattyCake”. I actually took my two oldest boys to see her in a live performance twenty years ago, not knowing that my book would be featured on her YouTube channel one day. SO MUCH FUN! Miss Melba‘s Legacy continues to live on.
The Lord gave me a second book “Curly Q Cheerleader for Christ” as I was praying for my daughter, and it is also dedicated to her. It was released this year in February and it was the number three new release on Amazon in children’s ministry.
My books can be found locally at Novel, Bookmark Bookstore, Knowledge Tree, in Iowa at Eagles Nest/Stepping Stones Christian bookstores and of course on Amazon.
Opportunities to give back through author/school visits during chapel, library and individual classrooms have been a wonderful way to share the love of Jesus and that with faith in Him you can do anything.
I have also enjoyed setting up a tent as a children’s author vendor at numerous local Craft and Art Fairs and doing different story time events around town.
I am almost finished with my third book which I have illustrated myself, something I never thought I could do. Lord willing, it will be available before Christmas 2025
I have few more books written… just waiting for the perfect illustrations to bring them to life. To God be the Glory!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
NO! So much Suffering and brokenness and waiting. But that is Gods foundation for Hope (found in Romans 5:3-5). I had to grieve the death of my marriage (still a work in progress), parenting struggles, the stress of court, losing friends, searching for a job with NO college degree, working 7 days a week for years, sleep deprivation for years, caring for my 4 children by myself and the never ending heath struggles, hospital visits and surgeries of my daughter. Trusting God, walking by faith and pushing past every fear, doubt and rejection!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am still teaching preschool and working in the nursery at Second Presbyterian Church. My most FUN adventure is being a children’s author. It is EXCITING to see children and parents reading my books. I praise God for using the gifts he’s given me along with my unique personality to plant seeds of faith, teach the Bible and share the love of Jesus in childlike ways.
How do you think about happiness?
Knowing that I am Loved and Forgiven, seeing my children smile and laugh, being outside with the sunshine on my face. kittens, watching and feeding my birds, spending time with friends and family. Living simple and being thankful . Because life is precious and tomorrow is not promised.
Pricing:
- $9.99 on amazon
- $10.00 locally
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @missigoldson
- Facebook: My Five Finger Promise
- Youtube: YOUTUBE Storytime with Miss PattyCake (she reads my children’s books)
