Hi, remember me? It’s been a while. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m Leigh…

… and I’ve missed connecting with you here.

Since my last official blog post to you back in 2020, the world has changed. We’re living post-pandemic and maskless, remembering what it feels like to be “normal” (as if there’s any such thing!), and hopefully, growing a little wiser and more compassionate through the struggles we’ve endured.

Personally, I’ve been on a journey of trauma therapy healing from past childhood abuse, pain, and hurt while realizing something incredibly life-giving: Though I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Christ has been with me through every dip, turn, and climb in and out of the pits of hell. (Psalm 23:4) He never left me. He has never forsaken me. (Deut. 31:8) This is a monumental foundational truth that grounded me these past three years, one that’s made me brave enough to step up and be plain and imperfect “Me”–not the picture-perfect Plastic Princess I always thought you (as my reader) wanted.

I’m now just Leigh – Authentically “Authentic Leigh.” There’s no more Plastic Princess Church Girl.

I wonder if you’re gonna like the “real” me…

… communicating unfiltered, getting bolder. The “nicey-nice” Church Girl is fading; you might even see swear words in code (like “Effing“, “#*$&%” and “ISH“).

… talking about what’s uncomfortable, topics not usually discussed in church or around “good church people”.

… thinking thoughts that might even be a little shocking (but still keeping it PG-13 for the youngsters!). No topics are off-limits if you’re wondering.

This might be the time you need to unsubscribe. It could get dicey around here, maybe a little hot, but there’s also gonna be some great revelation victories and raucous laughs–maybe even a few snorts!–as we dive deeper in Scripture to know God and ourselves more clearly.

Oh, also… I wrote a bestselling book and launched a podcast this year, too. Cool things are happening.

She Seems So Normal: Shatter the Plastic Princess, Embrace Authentic Faith published in November 2022.

Endorsed by my former mentor, NYT Bestselling Author Francine Rivers (her latest book: The Lady’s Mine), and my sweet friend, the award-winning author Cheryl Bostrom (Sugar Birds), who also wrote the Foreword, the book received lots of endorsement love from Catholic and Protestant church leaders, psychotherapists, doctors, child trauma specialists, social workers, recovery leaders, and survivors alike. (Right Now: Click HERE to get it free on AMAZON until 12.30.22!)

Wanna know something CrAzY? In less than 28 days, She Seems So Normal garnered more than 50 five-star reviews on Amazon. This is unheard of for a new author, even more for someone who has self-published. She Seems So Normal also hit the top Amazon New Release and Bestseller charts for Abuse Self Help, Christian Self Help, Spiritual Biography, and other categories. I can’t take much credit for any of this–it’s all been my amazing launch team members and people spreading it through word-of-mouth.

And, of course, there’s God… always helping His servants get His message of hope out to the world.

The “She Seems So Normal” Podcast launched in April.

In April, we (me and the Homy Spirit!–cuz, like Holy Spirit and I are THAT close!) launched the “She Seems So Normal” podcast and it’s already visited 14 countries, 5 continents, and been downloaded more than 4200 times. There’s regular listenership in the US, UK, Germany, and Ecuador. (LISTEN TO AN EPISODE HERE!)

How does THAT happen without hardly any marketing or publicity? People have been sharing episodes with their ex-sisters-in-law, UBER drivers, and military veterans who have trauma or struggled with abuse. Again… God is showing up and showing off.

How are The Elder, Man Cub, and Little Blu? Glad you asked.

Let me reintroduce them, too!

Christopher and I celebrated THIRTY YEARS of marriage in November. Seriously, don’t know how we did it but for the Lord!  However, things keep getting better the longer we’re together. #reintroducemselfrememberme #christianmarriage 

My, how the kids have grown! Man-Cub Julian is a junior in college with a girlfriend; Little Blu is out of braces and a sophomore in high school here.

Moving to Chicago in August 2021 was a massive transition, possibly one of the hardest in my life. Thankfully we (I) successfully navigated crazy times in the city and came out the other end the better for it. I’m glad to be back to my favorite city in the entire world and Blu is now a Chicago Transit Authority expert on buses and the EL though she couldn’t find her way to school back in little Q-town! 

That’s a Wrap.

So that’s it. You’re up to date on what’s happening. You’ll be seeing more posts here, but not too many! My upcoming proposal is ready for the next book, Stories Not Shared on Sundays… but more on that later! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram (xoxo_leighmackenzie). Would love to connect with you there!

In the meantime, check out some of my podcast episodes HERE and some of your favorite posts HERE.