Summary

Sharon Leino, a remarkable woman in her late 70s, embodies the notion that it is never too late to heed the divine call placed upon one's heart. In this enlightening conversation with Tamara K. Anderson, Sharon recounts the profound journey that led her to become a children’s book author, a path she embarked upon after the loss of her husband. It was during this period of solitude and introspection that she discovered a newfound purpose, catalyzed by an invitation to a writer's retreat that would ultimately change the trajectory of her life. Through faith and perseverance, she has triumphed over various obstacles, including the daunting task of finding a publisher, and has since authored several books that resonate with the hearts of young readers. Join us as we delve into Sharon’s inspiring narrative, highlighting how she transformed her personal trials into stories that not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons on fear, anger, and the importance of faith, proving that age is but a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions.

Takeaways

• Sharon Leino's journey of writing children's books began only after overcoming profound personal loss, showcasing that new callings can emerge even in life's twilight years.
• The obstacles Sharon faced, particularly in finding a publisher, exemplify the notion that divine callings often come with significant challenges that require perseverance and faith.
• Emphasizing the importance of community, Sharon's story illustrates how God orchestrates connections that aid us in fulfilling our divine purposes, particularly in our endeavors.
• Sharon's books tackle essential emotional themes for children, such as fear and anger, demonstrating her commitment to addressing real issues faced by young readers in a relatable manner.
• The transition to utilizing social media for marketing her books highlights the continuous learning process that accompanies pursuing one's purpose, regardless of age.
• Through acts of generosity, such as donating books to those in need, Sharon embodies the Christian principle of serving others, reinforcing that calling extends beyond personal achievements.

Host & Guest

Tamara K. Anderson @tamarakanderson

Tamara, founder of Women Warriors of Light, is a dynamic speaker, award winning author, and a podcaster. She is driven by her Christian faith to inspire faith in Jesus Christ. Alongside her husband, Justin, she navigates the joys and challenges of parenting four children with autism, ADHD, and mental health hurdles. You can find out more about Tamara on her website: https://www.tamarakanderson.com/ 

Sharon Leino @sharonleinoauthor

Sharon Leino is an accomplished author and educator whose career began in Michigan, where she earned her Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has served as a teacher, curriculum consultant, and diagnostician for children with special needs. Sharon is also the author of faith-inspired children's books, uniquely combining her passion for literature and child development to provide clean, values-based stories for young readers. Among her most fulfilling roles, she worked as an advocate for medically fragile children at Copper Country Mental Health. Sharon now lives in Central Florida with her daughter, son-in-law, and two sister cats.

Links & Resources

• https://www.sharonleinoauthor.com/
• Sharon's Adventures of Lusair series for 8-10 year olds can be found on her website, on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.
• Sharon can also be found on social media on Facebook, Instagram @sharonleinoauthor, TikTok and YouTube.
• If you'd like a copy of her free Curriculum Guide that goes with her Adventures of Lusair series, which can be used as a Free Homeschooling Resource, please contact Sharon at: [email protected]

Adventures of Lusair Books

• Scaredy
• Wandering Ears
• Tame that Flame
• Sticky Sadness
• Adventures of Lusair: Books 1-4

Transcript

If you’d like to read the transcript of today’s episode, you can find it on our Women Warriors of Light website blog. https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/divine-callings-how-one-woman-found-purpose-in-her-70s