Paige Omartian Interview
by Tracy Darlington
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"Ultimately,
wherever we are, we cannot begin to find our purpose if we don’t
have a relationship with the Lord. Once He is Lord of our life and we
are saved by His grace, we can begin to understand why we’re here
and the specific calling that God has given us… which I call, our
mission."
--Paige Omartian
Paige Omartian is a speaker and recording artist whose battle with cancer
as a child led her on a remarkable journey inspiring others to grasp
the preciousness of life and live out their purpose. She has traveled
the country sharing her music and story and was featured on Bath
and Body Work’s 2005 Christmas CD supporting the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. Paige was interviewed on the Today Show and was the speaker
and TV host for the ministry iShine. She released her debut rock
album, Wake Up, in 2009 (under Paige Armstrong).
What inspired
you to write “Wake
Up Generation”?
When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with bone cancer. This was shocking,
because I had been a totally healthy girl, just involved in the normal
life of a kid. Everything I had known was stripped from me as I was thrown
into my new home: the hospital. I received chemotherapy treatments that
made me horribly sick and made all of my hair fall out, as well as a surgery
to replace five inches of the bone where the tumor was. In other words,
I became bald and confined to a wheelchair for that year. Not only was
my world turned upside down, but I didn’t even recognize myself when
I looked in the mirror.
But God is so amazing. Though I didn’t know it at the time, it was
His plan all along to bring about an amazing purpose through my pain. God
used my experience with cancer to awaken me. Being face to face with death
opened my eyes to how precious life is and how it can be snatched from
us at any moment. I decided that if God spared me and healed me of cancer--which,
ultimately, He did–I wouldn’t waste my time here
on earth.
After I was officially pronounced “cancer-free”, it felt like
I was walking back into the world as an alien. My perspective on life had
just completely changed and I no longer saw things as a “normal” 12
year old anymore. Mingling with students at school was suddenly a culture-shock
for me as I noticed how many in my generation were living in apathy. I
had just spent a year in the hospital with kids who were daily fighting
for their lives, so it was heartbreaking to see many perfectly healthy
kids blowing their days because they didn’t know how much their lives
were worth.
God began to write a message on my heart to encourage my generation to
wake up to their God-given purpose and to not waste a second of this life.
James 4:14 calls our life a “mist that appears for a little while
and then vanishes”. I knew that if more of us truly realized our
life is a mist, we’d be living a whole lot differently.
My heart’s intent with my book, Wake Up, Generation, is to awaken
those who’ve been asleep, inspire those whose purpose has grown dim,
and to reclaim value in those who it’s been stripped from.
How is writing a book
different than writing a song (besides being much longer!)?
Having written songs and now a book, I’ve come to realize that they
couldn’t be more different! Writing a book is a very overwhelming
undertaking. The only reason I even considered doing it was because God
seemed to be so clearly writing a message on my heart that needed more
space than the stanzas of a song or confines of a blog. He seemed to give
me sections which I realized were meant to be chapters, and little by little
the right scripture, stories, and insight that was supposed to fill each
one.
When writing a song, you’re free to be abstract. When writing a book,
most readers won’t be too happy if your book isn’t absolutely
and completely clear. Truly, I had to rely on God fully for every single
word in this book. I had never written a book before and literally had
no idea what I was doing except for the guidance I had acquired, and mainly… depending
on the Lord! Once the publisher signed me and gave me a deadline, setting
out to write this book was the most scary thing I have ever done. But thank
goodness God never asks us to do something that He won’t equip us
for and get us through. He was with me every step of the way. And now,
I’m so grateful to say that it’s printed and, I pray
- ready to wake this generation!
What surprised you the most about the writing process?
Probably how hard it is to take what’s in your heart and put it into
a “book form” that is clear, fresh, and challenging. There
are already so many books in this world and I didn’t want to merely “add
to the noise”. The only confidence that I had in writing this book
was knowing - without a doubt - that God was calling me to do it.
What was the most difficult part of writing this book?
Besides the actual challenge of doing something huge that I had never done
before… I was planning my wedding while writing this book! My manuscript
was due September 1st, and I was getting married November 11th. I couldn’t
believe that God was asking me to do the two biggest things I had ever
done before… at the same time!! I am very much of a “one-thing-at-time” person,
and I knew that there was no way I wanted to skimp on my wedding or book.
While there were many things that had to be thoroughly planned far in
advance of the wedding, I tried to save many details until after I turned
in my manuscript. That way I could devote myself to the book, finish
it, and then… give my whole heart to preparing for my beloved wedding
day!
How can people use your book as a witnessing tool?
Purpose is something that every single person on this planet searches for.
As people have conversations with others about what major in college they’re
going to choose, what career path they are considering, and overall, what
they’re doing with their life… they can use the principles
that I’ve shared in my book to guide them in their conversation.
Or, they can recommend that the other person reads it. I tried to consider
how different each person would be who would read my book. Some may know
the Lord, some may not. Some may have had a great upbringing, some may
have been/are being abused. Some may be on fire for God, some may be completely
passionless. Ultimately, wherever we are, we cannot begin to find our purpose
if we don’t have a relationship with the Lord. Once He is Lord of
our life and we are saved by His grace, we can begin to understand why
we’re here and the specific calling that God has given us… which
I call, our mission. Anyone who reads this book will have a clearer understanding
of their purpose and mission, and how to help others come to Jesus and
wake up to the real reason why they are here.
I'm sure when
you received the diagnosis of having cancer at ten, was an “Oh, Snap!” moment.
Can you share any you've had since then?
I define an “Oh, Snap” Moment as a moment when you know you
can’t do something on your own, but you bravely step out in faith
anyway. Technically, I didn’t really have a choice as to whether
or not to go through cancer, but I did have a choice as to whether or not
I would choose to trust and love God in the midst of my pain.
Most “Oh, Snap” Moments in my life are times when I have a
choice. Times when I know that God is calling me to do something that scares
me, but I choose to follow Him and do it anyway. Writing this book at 20
years old was a massive “Oh, Snap” Moment for me! It felt like
God was calling me to walk on water because the thought of it sounded impossible.
Another “Oh, Snap” Moment in my life was when God called me
to pursue a full-time ministry instead of going to college. This not only
went against what society “expected” of me, but it also left
me feeling a bit alone and without a clear-cut path. However, as I chose
to step out in that moment not knowing what was next, God provided exactly
what He had promised in my heart. The day after I graduated high school,
I was offered a record deal with a company that I knew God was calling
me to work with. Not only would I get to record a CD, but they asked me
to be the speaker for their budding ministry called, “iShine”.
Saying yes to what God was asking me to do after high school changed my
life. I don’t even want to imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t
listened and had walked away to do my own thing.
What steps can people take to avoid wasting their lives?
First, we have to realize that we’re not invincible and that our
lives are precious. Every breath is a gift – there is a reason that
God hasn’t taken that away from you. I always say, if you’re
still breathing, there’s a reason you’re here.
Scripture says in Ephesians 5:14-16 to wake up and make the most of every
opportunity. Every single day of our life is meant to be lived fulfilling
our purpose… not wasted. We first have to know our purpose, and then
we find our mission. When we seek God and discover the mission He has specifically
given us individually, we devote our lives to living that out. Not only
will our hearts be fulfilled and our days be used for the purpose they
were intended, but the world will be changed by those who truly followed
God.
How can this book help people find their true purpose in life?
As Christians, our purpose is to love God with all of our heart, mind and
soul, and then, to love others as we love ourselves. Jesus said this
is the greatest commandment. Our mission, is how specifically we are
each supposed to live that out.
Our mission consists of two main elements: our gifts and our passion.
God has placed unique gifts inside each one of us in the form of abilities,
personality, and spiritual gifts. One of my chapters is dedicated to the
topic of finding your gifts, and another to finding your passion. My absolute
favorite chapter is where I walk the reader through a process of writing
out their very own mission statement! This alone will change a person’s
life.
God was intentional when He created each one of us, and He doesn’t want
us wandering around wasting time when He’s given us everything we need
to serve Him today. My book is meant to help people peel back layers of themselves
that they haven’t before and see how God has designed them to be a light
in this desperate and dark world.
The anecdotes are very interesting. Where did you get them?
The stories in this book have been collected for many years along the way.
As I would meet people or hear about stories of those who were truly
living their God-given purpose, I would research or interview them and
tuck their stories away until they could be used in a chapter. Many of
the stories are of friends of mine who let me interview them based on
certain circumstances that have happened in their life. Others were recollections
of people I used to know. The stories in the last chapter are of people
whose lives have overwhelmingly inspired me. Some of them I got to meet
and interview, while others I’ve only admired from afar and shared
about through research.
One of my favorite stories that I got to share is Daneen’s in Chapter
7. She is the niece of a family friend, and when I sat down with her at Starbucks,
I had no idea how blown away I was about to be by what she’s has gone
through. Anyone who’s had a rough past will no doubt be reassured by
the beautiful redemption that God has poured into this woman’s life.
How can teens avoid boredom without getting into trouble?
Once you find the mission that God has given you, there are a million ways
for you to live it out. We can first open our eyes to the needs directly
around us and see how God may be calling us to impact situations and
people right in our own backyard. But with God, you’re free to
dream big. In my book, I talk about the importance of researching issues
that you’re passionate about in your city and across the world.
Once we realize certain needs, God begins to lay on our hearts specific
ways that we can go out and serve those people. Pray and ask God to show
you what to do and how to spend your time. He delights in hearing those
prayers from His children… He’s been waiting for us to ask
for Him to lead!
At the end of each chapter, I’ve also given an “Action Challenge” to
help the reader find a place to start with the things I’m sharing. There
is never an excuse for any of us to be bored. There is too much need in this
world, and too much purpose that God has placed in you to waste our time doing
nothing.
What's a great way for Christian teens to spend spring break? How have
you spent it in the past?
However God is leading you! Make the most of it. On my spring breaks, I
found many times I needed a chance to rest and be refreshed because I worked
so hard at my school work and other activities throughout the year. I would
often take this time to work on one of my passions which was music – developing
my voice, studying artists, and figuring out ways to write songs that ministered
to people’s needs. I would also use this time to read non-school
books that would inspire me in my faith and build me up in my relationship
with the Lord so that I’d be stronger when I’d return to school.
One break I got to go on a mission trip across the country with my youth
group. I had been working the summer before and many months prior just
trying to raise money in order to be able to go. It was an amazing experience,
and I adore traveling to minister every chance I get. But… I’d
encourage all of us to remember that where we are currently is a mission
field. We are each called to be a missionary, every day, right where we
are.
How can this book help teens become world changers?
The key to being a world changer is finding your God-given mission. If
you want to find your personal mission… read Chapter 11 of my book!
;)
What's next for you book or CDwise?
I just finished up writing a book with my mother-in-law, Stormie, called
A Book of Prayers for Young Women. This will release in April of 2013.
I am thrilled to get to write this with her as prayer is the foundation
of our lives. We have covered topics that bombard young women to help
them start their conversation with the Lord about the real issues they
are facing. It is a privilege to get to write this book with Stormie,
and I know it is going to be powerful. I can’t wait to share it
with you!
You’re
in line at Starbucks. What are you ordering?
Right now, it’s my favorite season… Fall! So Pumpkin Spice
Latte!! Can I get an “Amen”?
What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
Ah, I’m so bad at answering this question! Let me think…
I have five siblings, all several years older than me. Two brothers, and
two sisters. And I am an Aunt to two nephews and one niece!
And… I’ve done almost every kind of schooling there is to do
(pre-college). I went to public school in kindergarten, was homeschooled
from 1st-5th grade, did a cyber-school 6th grade, went to a Christian school
from 7th-11th, and took dual enrollment college courses my senior year
of high school.
Three things always found in your refrigerator?
Now that I’m married, the three things that are always in our fridge
are salami and cheese… because of my husband. And ice cream, because
of me! ;)
Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
Your life is not an accident. You are chosen, known, and purposed. God has given
you a story, a living testimony that is meant to bless others. No matter what
pain you’re going through or have been through, trust Him, and He will
use it for good in your life, and in the life of others. Romans 8:28 says, “And
we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” I have experienced
this promise firsthand in my life… with everything in me, I know it’s
true.
Watch the trailer for Wake Up Generation (and read our review
of the book here!):
Tracy
Darlington is a freelance writer, and her work has appeared
in Brio, Breakaway, YS, CCM Magazine, Insight, Susie Magazine,
and other publications. She has interviewed countless Christian musicians
including Rebecca St. James, Delirious, Newsboys, Leigh Nash, Barlowgirl,
Krystal Meyers, Joy Williams, Pillar, Michelle Tumes, and many others.
In her spare time she can be found riding horses or listening to
music and sipping a Venti 3-shot sugar-free vanilla latte. Visit
her online at her
blog where she talks about Music, God, dogs and coffee. You can
also look
her
up
at Twitter and Facebook.