God sometimes comes through just when you’re on the verge of giving up.

That’s something Crystal Holdipp recently learned.

The 28-year-old spent four years working online towards a creative writing certification and was a prolific writer in her spare time. Even after all that she still found herself unable to find a full-time job in writing.

But instead of sulking, she decided to get proactive earlier this year.

Ms Holdipp has a new blog — she posts her thoughts on life, experiences with her faith, favourite gospel playlists and spiritual books.

“My blog inspiration came about from being in transition and basically seeking God on what’s next — what He wants me to do and where He will have me to be in this season,” she said.

“It was a way to keep my writings about life and poetry out there as well.

“I used to blog on my old website, but that expired last year. I was actually trying to step away from that sort of thing and one day it just came to me that I should start my blog up again. I was hesitant about it, but the idea and thought kept coming to me. Now here it is.”

Ms Holdipp said some positive comments from readers have trickled in. She’s even had a few people post some of her stories onto social media sites like Twitter.

The best part though? It’s helped her to grow in her writing and inspire other people in the process.

“I write about whatever I feel inspired about or led to write at that particular time,” she said. “The blog wasn’t really something I had a strict plan about, but something I felt on my heart to do right now.

“It will cover many topic areas and will touch on spirituality and lifestyle.”

Like many others, Ms Holdipp said her Christian walk began in childhood.

Then around age ten she got a clearer understanding about what the faith was all about and accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour.

“Throughout my childhood and teen years I always had a love for God and the things of God, but was extremely shy so it limited me in some ways,” she said.

“What was really within me and the places that God wanted to take me I would shy away from.

“Things became real for me in my late teens when I was challenged to overcome some things and grow in certain areas. I became more open to the things of God and began to grow more in my faith and passion for Him.”

Ms Holdipp said she’s experienced many ups and downs in her life since then.

One thing that’s remained constant, however, is God’s presence in the midst of those challenges.

“I used to be extremely shy from what I am now,” she said. “I’ve grown a lot in that area, but am still a work in progress.

“Throughout my formal school years I was a learning support student with different academic struggles. God has brought me a long way and continues to work in me.

“A lot of things God has done in my life, I never thought would have been possible.”

Praying, reading her Bible and listening to gospel music have all helped her to deepen her relationship with God.

Another thing she’s learned in that time is to serve God through whatever she does.

“I understand now that whatever I do is for an audience of one. What I’m doing should be unto God alone,” she said. “It’s never about me and my ability, but about Jesus and being available to Him.”

In addition to the blog, Ms Holdipp is currently working on a book that she hopes will get published.

“I’ve also been writing freelance part time and been doing volunteer work,” she said. “I’ve been applying for different programmes and just waiting to see what happens. This is all a process for me.

“In October of last year I completed an online programme and received a diploma in creative writing.

“My ultimate goal is to get involved in more writing opportunities and eventually become a full-time writer and get to write ministry-based stories. There are a few other things that I desire to do as well.”

Follow her blog: www.crystalholdipp.wordpress.com