January 16th is a day that I will always remember. It’s the day that I launched my first book Wait on God in 2015 and the day one year later that my book had been recognized as one of “the best Christian-themed books published during the past year” in the third annual Illumination Book Awards contest, receiving a bronze medal in the Christian Living category.

Here’s what Jim Barnes, editor and Illumination Book Awards director, said
about Wait on God.

Our judges loved this book, for its inspiring blend of practical advice and Biblical lessons. Ms. Whitaker has created a hugely valuable tool that will help young women thrive in a complicated world.

I want to give a huge thanks to my Ministry Gift, Pastor Stanley E. Hayes, Sr. and Elect Lady Julie A. Hayes, for all of their wisdom and the spirit of excellence they have instilled in me. I also want to thank the most awesome publisher, Hanne Moon of Heritage Press Publications, for making it easy for me to fulfill my desire to publish. I thank Lisa Thomson for her award worthy cover and interior design. Finally, I thank my husband, Russell, for inspiring the love story that began Wait on God.

I am absolutely thrilled by this news and thoroughly convinced that I did the right thing in stepping out on faith to publish this book despite the challenges I faced in the process. It feels good to have my work validated by the professional publishing community. This honor along with the favorable testimonies of people who have read the book lets me know that God is pleased and that He will continue to use this work to build His Kingdom here on earth. To God be the glory! Now on to book #2 and a gold medal come January 16th, 2017. 🙂