A Scream, A Vent, and Heartfelt Gratitude for My Incredible Readers.
A Heartfelt Thank You to My Subscribers Around the World. And Blessings to you all on a New Year to come .
Wishing You Blessings for the 2025 New Year.
One thing I’ve realized I’ve neglected, and I truly apologize for it, is expressing my deep gratitude to all of you who follow this blog. Many of you not only subscribe but continue to read, comment, and even touch my heart with your unwavering support, love, kindness, and encouragement.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I’ve often tried to keep my personal feelings in check, but sometimes they break through. People have told me I’m too sensitive or take things too personally, and they may be right. Growing up in an environment of pain, isolation, and insecurity, I didn’t have the opportunity to be surrounded by people who were strong, encouraging, or supportive. I had to learn these things later in life, an uphill battle that continues to this day.
Breaking Through the Walls
That’s why receiving admiration, support, and positive words feels so foreign. Even now, it’s hard for me to accept them without a twinge of self-doubt. I struggle with self-esteem, finding pride in my work, and maintaining optimism. It’s especially difficult when the people I most hope will cheer me on, close friends and family, don’t always show their support.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10
To be clear, my mom and my wife are incredible. They encourage me every chance they get, reminding me how much they love my writing. But I often downplay their words, thinking, of course, they’re supportive, they’re family. They love me, and they know how sensitive I am.
“When Love Speaks Louder”
Someone very close to me once told me, “I hate people, and people, especially family, truly suck.” I used to laugh at this, even though it brought me a sense of pain for them living with that mindset. But now, after 50 years, I finally get it. I finally see it, and I understand it. It’s not so much that family and friends inherently suck; it’s that relying on them for validation or support sucks. Feeling let down by their lack of encouragement sucks. And dealing with all the fake mumbo jumbo that’s passed off as care and love really sucks.
Jeremiah 17:5-7
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.’”
The hard truth is, we can’t change people. We can’t make them see our worth or force them to offer the support we crave. But what we can change is our expectation of them. If they didn’t show up then, they won’t show up now. Letting go of that hope, as painful as it is, brings a strange kind of freedom.
Releasing What Holds Us Back
I’ve written two books and have three others nearly finished, yet I constantly wrestle with self-doubt and discouragement. It’s like Scrooge creeping in to steal my joy and enthusiasm for what I’ve accomplished. The nagging voice in my head whispers, Why go through all the hard work when the people closest to you don’t support you? If they don’t care, why would strangers?
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Writing a book is no small feat. It demands time, patience, research, and plenty of frustration. It’s draining, mentally, emotionally, and physically. But when you hold that first proof copy in your hands, the sense of accomplishment is indescribable. It’s proof that you’ve done something extraordinary, something most people only dream about.
But then comes the hardest part, sharing it with the world. You hope your friends and family will rally around you, not just to buy the book but to show genuine pride and encouragement. When that doesn’t happen, it’s devastating. It feels like a spotlight on the truth you’ve tried to ignore: the insincerity of some people you thought would always be in your corner.
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
Fake support. Fake encouragement. Fake love.
I deliberately priced my books affordably, not because I wanted to make a profit but because I wanted them to be accessible. At $12.99, I’m not getting rich. Amazon takes the lion’s share, leaving me with about $5. I use that to maintain this blog because sharing the words God has placed on my heart is far more important to me than financial gain.
Sharing God’s Message Over Profit.
I’ve never written for wealth or fame. I write because it’s something I’ve always loved and because I want to share the messages God has placed on my heart. All glory goes to Him. There are moments when I read what I’ve written, whether silently or out loud, and I’m genuinely amazed, wondering how it came from my hands. But I know, and many of you likely do as well, that it’s entirely God’s doing.
As for the funds, the small amount of revenue I earn goes right back into supporting this work. For me, it’s never been about money; it’s about reaching hearts and touching souls.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
And this is where you, my subscribers, come in. You’ve shown me that not everyone is fake. Your genuine support, kind words, and encouragement have been a lifeline to me. You’ve reminded me why I write, why I pour my heart into these stories, and why I keep going even when the shadows of doubt grow heavy. For this, I will always be grateful. You’ve given me a joy and a sense of fulfillment that I will never forget.
To my family and friends who haven’t supported me, I hold no resentment. I wish you happiness and blessings. But I’ve reached a point where I can no longer chase after validation or acceptance. I love you, but I won’t exhaust myself seeking something you’re unwilling to give.
To my subscribers — whether you’re reading this from across the street or across the world, Thank You. Thank you for seeing me, for hearing me, and for lifting me up when I’ve felt like giving up. You are more than an audience; you’re a source of strength and inspiration.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, for supporting my work, and for reminding me that I’m not alone. May God Bless each and every one of you abundantly. You are the reason I continue to dream, write, and share the words God has placed on my heart.
The End …
With all my gratitude,
Willie Torres Jr.
12/28/2024
If you feel inspired and uplifted by this content, please consider supporting my work at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willie13. Every contribution helps me create more of what you enjoy.
Willie Torres Jr. 
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