SHENINE WIGGS is a businesswoman, writer, mentor, graphics illustrator, advocate for Human Trafficking, and an ambassador for Save Our Children’s efforts in Trinidad and Tabago. She is the face and faith behind Purposely Blessed LLC, where she spreads the Word of God through custom faith-inspired apparel, devotionals, and merchandise she personally designs and crafts. She is the founder of Women’s Bloom R&R (Release and Restoration) LLC, where women can connect, receive daily doses of God’s Truth, and bloom. Shenine is an Army veteran and holds a BA in Healthcare Administration. She resides in Columbia, SC with her husband, three daughters, and her two sons who are currently serving in the Army.

My books include Be A Wife Not A Knife, and Beauty for Ashes. I try to be grateful every day, and my motto right now is “Observe, but don’t get absorbed.” If you keep your eyes on Jesus you will catch faith, not feelings.

Where are you from?

My name is Shenine Wiggs, I was born in the United States. I’m from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What do you write about?

I’m a Christian author who loves to take the truth of God’s Word and apply it to the crevices of life. I write about whatever the Holy Spirit moves me to write; while also sharing my own personal experiences. I often write about the hard things that no one wants to talk about, but are necessary. Specifically, like depression, trauma, addiction, shame, guilt and sexual immorality to name a few.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

At some points in our lives, we will each question whether we are doing well enough or if we’re even good enough for that matter. When I begin to hear negative voices inside my head, I try to stay in the present moment and focus on the positives, because there will always be a negative lingering around to challenge you. I mostly go to my gratitude jar and write down things that I am grateful for at that moment. I start to appreciate myself more and focus on what I have instead of what I am lacking. I even stop comparing myself to others because, by looking at what I’ve written, I remind myself that I’m evolving and happy, with my own life. That’s so important!

Does a negative comment affect your writing?

Not any longer, at least not in a negative way. There will be comments about my writing, both positive and negative, and I’ll take the time to read each one; however, I won’t let the bad ones steal my joy. I’m always open to constructive criticism to continuously better myself. In the end, it doesn’t matter if somebody has something negative to say, I’m only accountable to how I respond to it. You have to think about why you started writing in the first place.

If you’re anything like me, it wasn’t really a choice. It’s like something greater inside you that’s bursting to get out and keeps you coming back to it again and again. It made you feel alive in your little corner of the world, and it would serve others in a positive light. I’m also doing it for myself as well to make sense of things in my life I couldn’t figure out until now. A little self-awareness goes a long way. My stories will be personal and heartfelt as always, and they won’t always make me look good. That’s okay. I’m not doing it to look good.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

No, I often expressed myself and love through my love for art. I would tend to dive into acrylic paints and pastels to express myself. I believe these mediums described my life – a beautiful mess. If a pencil was in my hand it was usually to use the eraser to erase all the mistakes I’ve made, not for writing. The eraser didn’t work so, here I am allowing my mistakes to be stepping stones in serving others. Actually I felt unqualified to write and honestly, sometimes I still do. But I keep reminding myself that God doesn’t call the qualified, He equips the called. And we’re each called to serve others.

Why do you write?

I often ask myself, “would I write if no one would ever read it?” Yes, because I look at writing as a form of worship, a time to be intimate with God. However, I believe God gave each of us our desire and gift for writing. He planted it in our hearts and souls. Writing to me is like tithing; it’s an act of discipline and service. He gives us our gift of writing to serve and bless others for us to be His spokesperson or mouthpiece in this generation. We are to use our words to point others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Whether we speak or write them. Our words have power to either bless or curse. This is a high calling that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  

I wrote Beauty for Ashes because it was another challenge life brought forward. I never had any aspirations or intentions whatsoever of writing a book. It was more of a coincidence, a destined path if you like. I was inspired to write Beauty for Ashes because many are struggling, battling, grieving, and living in pain. Especially with the state of our country, since the Pandemic. Many blame God, or believe He has abandoned them. I want to remind the women of faith, and every heart that’s seeking answers not to let the magnitude of their pain hide the miracle in their pain. God has not abandoned us and never will.

What else do you do, other than write? 

I love to read and spend time with my family, cook, bake, work in the garden, and redecorate our home. I also love creating things from scratch and actually recently launched my all natural hair care and skin care line, Willow Faith Blooms.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?  

I love to cozy up on the couch with my husband, and watch a good movie. During the movie he gives me the best foot massages. Or sit outside in nature and read a book.

Check out her books on https://sheninewiggs.com/