Barbara Eubanks is an author, Christian humorist and conference leader, but she never intended to become a writer. In fact, she was a shy child and avoided the spotlight whenever possible.
But with encouragement from her late husband, Steve, and “holy nudges” from God, she has published seven books and is in demand as a speaker at Christian events. Her latest book, “Fear to Fearless,” was published in 2021 following a season of fear during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Fears come in different sizes, forms and shapes — some rational and some not,” Eubanks writes. “From falls to foes, heights to hell, storms to swamps, people are prone to fear. Fears are known by different names: phobias, anxiety, terror, worry and dread, but regardless, any of these that disturb our calm and serenity hinder the life God desires for His children.”
The book includes 365 devotionals. Contributors include Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions Executive Director Rick Lance; Mike Goforth, pastor of Sardis Baptist Church in Boaz; and retired Alabama Baptist pastor A.L. Courtney.
Eubanks found that being creative helped her deal with COVID-19 fears and at the same time share her skills with others.
She used her cooking skills and started making videos called “Use What You Got,” in which she shares cooking tips, how to substitute ingredients and humorous family stories. She published a cookbook by the same name last year. “Use What’cha Got Cookbook” includes recipes, pictures, funny cooking stories and devotions.
The food-related devotions were a suggestion from her oldest son, Steve Eubanks Jr., she said, who commented that devotions were really her “expertise.”
God provided a plan
Eubanks has come a long way from the 15-year-old who married her sweetheart. Before she was 20, the couple had three sons. Her husband, a longtime pastor, encouraged her as she went on to earn three college degrees. “You can do it!” he would say.
Writing wasn’t even a thought in the early days, however. The discipline wasn’t emphasized when she was in school, but God gave her a desire early on to share her thoughts in writing.
In college she intended to study nursing, but the Samford graduate gained confidence in her writing as professors recognized her gift.
“I did well on essay-type questions,” she said. “I remember feeling validated when a professor would write a personal note in the margin of my test paper. Encouragement is so important.”
She went on to teach English for 35 years. During these years she kept a journal of students’ funny sayings, along with humorous personal anecdotes. Just before her retirement in May 2005, Eubanks wrote three humorous devotionals back-to-back, filled with personal anecdotes and spiritual insights. It became her mission to spread the gospel using the written word and laughter.
After her retirement, Eubanks developed a platform for speaking and felt God calling her to help others.
“If what I write or [what I say] can help others be saved, I have obeyed God. Even if just one person is saved, I have done what God asked me to do.”
Eubanks said she has trained her mind to look for inspirational thoughts and devotions — driving, taking a walk, nature and God’s creation provide ideas. She’ll continue sharing what she’s learning with audiences and readers as long as she can.
Learn more about Eubanks at barbaraeubanks.com and find her on Facebook at Barbara Ann Eubanks.
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