A Journey of Faith and Fulfillment
Written by Terry Tamashiro Harris
“Publish the Word!” Those three words found their way into my fourteen-year-old heart from the moment my eyes landed on Psalm 68:11 in my daily reading. The verse in the KJV reads: “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” I had just learned to watch for what the Lord may be speaking to me through His written Word, so diligently I poured over the text looking for words that could somehow be personal to me. It may have been an immature thing — just looking for what I could get out of the Bible, but it was a start nonetheless. And now that I look back 40 years later, I can see clearly how God breathed that word into my childish dreams and brought it to fruition.
Over the following decades as I studied writing, editing, and publishing, and wrote fledgling articles, poems, and tidbits, I imagined that word meant to publish my own writing. As a result, I started a small enterprise through which I created personalized books for children from stories I had written. And that’s probably why I was so surprised in 2010 when God began to use my talents to edit and publish the work of others under that same enterprise, Harris House Publishing.
At that point, I wondered, “Is this what it all meant after all? Was it never about my own writing?” Yet, I still had a burning in my soul. You know that feeling, don’t you? The feeling that there’s something really important you need to share. That feeling that won’t quit gnawing at you, won’t let you relax and enjoy a TV show without a pressing feeling that you could be using the time to write.
Then one day, about four years ago, I had what I believe was a revelation from the Lord. It came with a sudden thought and a giddy excitement as the idea unfolded in my heart. I would start an imprint of Harris House Publishing called Torch Runner Books. This revelation came with a vivid vision of someone running with a flaming torch, which they passed on to the next person waiting to receive it, and so on. This vision symbolized the passing on of stories, faith, and inspiration from one person to another, creating a continuous chain of light and truth.
Building Torch Runner Books
With this revelation, our publishing company took on a new life. Not only is it a platform for my own creative expression (including the recent publication of my first novel), but a beacon for others who feel called to share their stories. Editing and publishing the work of others has been an honor and a blessing. It’s been incredible to witness the diversity of voices and the unique ways in which God speaks through different people.
Embracing the Community of Storytellers
The journey isn’t always easy, but it is profoundly fulfilling. Every manuscript, every story, every testimony that comes through Harris House Publishing and Torch Runner Books is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of His Word. It’s a joy to see how God uses these stories to touch hearts, encourage faith, and spread His love.
Encouragement for Aspiring Writers
To anyone who feels that burning desire to write, I say this: don’t ignore it. God places these dreams in our hearts for a reason. Whether it’s a personal story, a testimony of faith, or an imaginative tale, your words have the power to impact others. And, some people may only receive God’s message from you. Trust in God’s timing and His plans. He can bring your dreams to fruition in ways you might never have imagined.
Truth in Hindsight
Recently, I came across the carefully folded notebook paper tucked away some 40 years ago. Scrawled in the loopy cursive from my early teens were those three words I had written from Psalm 68:11. “Publish the word.” Intrigued and amazed at how I’ve seen this come to fruition, I decided to study the verse, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” I found it interesting that the “the word” referenced here is not only a command from God (as some other Bible versions translate it), but a promise denoting reconciliation and pointing to the Gospel. Isn’t that beautiful? The words God gives us to proclaim or publish are the very words that could bring people into a relationship with the Lord. That’s the goal, isn’t it? For all to know the blessings of just walking with the Lord — that’s the deepest desire that motivates all we do at Torch Runners.
As a woman, I was particularly thrilled to discover that the word for “company” is derived from the Hebrew “tseba-ah,” a feminine origin. The ESV translates Psalm 68:11 as: “The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host.” Harris House Publishing is a woman-owned company, and although we have amazing men on the forefront of all we do, I am touched that God caused this particular verse to stand out to me as young girl — a scripture that I hadn’t even realized calls on women to proclaim, or publish, the good news from the Lord. He is just so good!
And one last thing I want to mention that I discovered in my study is that the same word origin, “tsaba or tseba-ah”, denotes an organized army that goes forth to do warfare. Appropriate, isn’t it? We certainly are embroiled in a spiritual war, and though we know the outcome, we all have a role in it. We are called to put on our armor and engage in battle for the very hearts and souls of all people. It’s not the time to shrink back and wait for the outcome. It’s time to march forward and proclaim God’s precious invitation of reconciliation, His beautiful Word of grace, to a dark and dreary world.
Conclusion
In summary, Psalm 68:11 certainly wasn’t just about my own writing. It was about facilitating the proclamation of God’s Word and stories through many voices. God’s plan was much more expansive than my initial dreams. He was calling me to help others publish their stories, to be a part of a great host proclaiming His deeds and truths.
This verse continues to be a guiding light for me, shaping my journey and our company. From a young girl’s dream of publishing to a flourishing enterprise that amplifies the voices of many, God has been faithful.
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” (Psalm 68:11 KJV). Together, we are that great host, proclaiming His word and His wonders to the world.
