Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcie Fuqua

Hi Darcie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Nine years ago, after the birth of my first son, I experienced a rapid onset of postpartum psychosis. I was thrown into the chaotic world of mental health care and fought my way through a dark season of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. After overcoming my mental health battle, I felt the call to use my pain for a purpose.

Mental illness is still heavily stigmatized, especially in the Christian community. People who are uninformed about mental illness may say things that are more hurtful than helpful, even when their message is well-intentioned. Christians have told me that God would miraculously heal me if I had more faith or read the Bible. People seem to quickly forget the Bible has numerous stories of faithful characters experiencing mental illness, and God often used them for great purposes.  I wanted to let others know that mental illness or taking medication does not determine the size or strength of their faith and that they are completely loved and adored by Him.

I wasn’t sure how to pursue my purpose, but I kept feeling a pull to start writing. So, I prayed.

In 2017, I had a vivid dream of driving a truck down a dark road, and then I saw Jesus walking past me in the opposite lane. He wore bright white, and the light of His face blinded me. When Jesus passed my truck, I immediately yanked the wheel to the left, turned the truck around, and sped after Him. My dream abruptly ended when the alarm clock went off. I randomly wrote “The Road to Sold” the next day in my journal.

A couple of weeks later, I attended a short seminar at a local church, and the speaker taught me about the true meaning of redeem, which means “to buy out” and was explicitly used to purchase a slave’s freedom. When Christ died on the cross, He bought our freedom with His blood so that we are no longer in bondage to sin. 

​And then it clicked – The Road to Sold is all about handing your life over to Jesus and letting Him help you navigate the twists, turns, and bumps. You have been bought, but it is up to you to decide if you are sold.

I wanted to share about this challenging but beautiful Road to Sold, so I started a blog seven years ago, and God has opened doors to speak and write about mental illness and faith.

I just finished my first book proposal and signed with an agent after a fifteen-minute pitch.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Writing and public speaking are anything but smooth roads. An author’s job is often isolating and filled with rejection letters. There is a lot of waiting in this career, and sometimes, it is waiting for a case of writer’s block to disappear. When you put your words out into the world, you will always be met with critics and at a rapid pace in online communities.

You will always face opposition when you couple any vocation with sharing the gospel, but nothing and no one is powerful enough to keep God’s purpose from coming to fruition. And you will learn so much about yourself and God’s character in the process. So, it’s a hard-fought win.

The Road to Sold is never an easy path. We are guaranteed trouble in this world, but believers can rejoice because Jesus has already overcome the world and secured our victorious ending (John 16:33).

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

My niche is writing about the intersection of mental illness and faith. What sets me apart is writing from a place of restoration after a painful season. I never sugarcoat or hide the tough parts because I want to be transparent and relatable. Instead, I reflect on hard things through the lens of hope, humility, and a heavy helping of humor.

In addition to writing faith-based articles and speaking about mental health, I became a Youth Director early this year. I did not plan to take on this role, but I get to spend time with some amazing teens, teach them the Bible, and learn more about God in the process. We enjoy serving our community through mission projects and recently planned the largest Trunk or Treat community event in our church’s history.

What matters most to you? Why?

Living a life that demonstrates Jesus’s love for others is the most important thing to me. I hope always to write and speak authentic words that honor God and point souls toward Jesus. I share the transparent accounts of my story so readers can witness how God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love endure despite our humanness. My ultimate goal is that others feel seen, understood, and loved when they encounter me in person or online.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leightonlane.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighton_lane/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leightonlanehome/

Image Credits

Michelle Taulby Photography
Shots by Siera