Ruthie Chatman
Author of Reused, Recycled & Restored
T4JYM: Can you tell our readers what they can expect from your book, Reused, Recycled & Restored?
RC: Reused, Recycled & Restored! is a faith-filled, hope-anchored journey for anyone who has ever felt broken, discarded, or disqualified by life. Readers can expect raw honesty, biblical truth, and gentle restoration. This book reminds you that God wastes nothing—no pain, no mistake, no season. What the enemy meant to destroy, God repurposes for His glory. It’s not just a book you read; it’s an invitation to heal, reflect, and rise again.
T4JYM: What is next for you? Are you working on something new? Anything different?
RC: Yes—God is always expanding the vision. I’m currently working on new writing projects that dive deeper into healing, identity, and spiritual warfare, along with resources designed to equip women walking through recovery and transformation. I’m also exploring more ministry-based teaching and mentorship initiatives. What’s next is deeper, bolder, and more intentional.
T4JYM: Will you describe your writing process, from ideas through writing, editing, and publishing? What happens after it is officially “finished?”
RC: My process begins with prayer. Ideas usually come through quiet moments with God—sometimes through Scripture, sometimes through lived experience. I write in waves, allowing honesty to lead before polish. Editing is both technical and spiritual—I revisit the work to ensure clarity, truth, and alignment with God’s heart. After publishing, the real work begins: sharing the message, engaging readers, and allowing God to use the book as a tool for healing beyond me.
T4JYM: When did you begin writing? How has your writing changed from your first work to now?
RC: I began writing as a form of survival before it ever became a calling. Early on, writing was cathartic. Now, it’s purposeful. My voice has matured—more confident, more obedient, and more rooted in Scripture. I no longer write to be heard; I write to serve.
T4JYM: Let’s explore a few more favorites… What is your favorite: Food? Drink? Color? TV show? Musician/Band? Hobby? Movie? Book of the Bible? Bible Verse? Worship Song?
RC:
- Food: Seafood Boils seasoned to perfection and prepared with love
- Drink: Tea or coffee—depending on the assignment 😄
- Color: Purple (royalty and purpose)
- TV Show: Anything thought-provoking or faith-based, specifically Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds
- Musician/Band: Gospel worship leaders who usher in God’s presence
- Hobby: Writing, mentoring, creative content creation, cooking
- Movie: Redemption-themed films
- Book of the Bible: Proverbs
- Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
- Worship Song: Prophetic Worship Instrumentals
T4JYM: Besides writing books, tell our readers a little about you and the things that keep you busy.
RC: I’m deeply involved in ministry, mentorship, and community building—especially empowering women to walk boldly in their God-given identity. I also create faith-based content, lead discussions, and invest time pouring into others who are navigating healing and purpose.
T4JYM: Do you read books yourself? Have any authors inspired your writing?
RC: Absolutely. I love books that challenge faith and mindset. Many faith-based authors, pastors, and teachers have inspired me—not to imitate their style, but to be courageous in obedience to my own assignment.
T4JYM: Please tell us how you came to be a Christian and how this has influenced your writing.
RC: My relationship with Christ was born out of surrender. I met God in broken places, and He revealed Himself as a Restorer. Christianity isn’t just a belief for me—it’s a lived experience. That reality shapes every word I write. My writing flows from gratitude, reverence, and a deep desire to point others to Jesus.
T4JYM: If you could spend 30 minutes with Jesus, what would it look like?
RC: It would be quiet. No agenda. Just listening. I’d sit at His feet, ask questions, receive correction, and let His presence do what words never could.
T4JYM: Who is someone you look up to and why? Have you ever met them?
RC: I look up to individuals who live with integrity, humility, and unwavering faith. Those who lead without ego and serve without applause inspire me deeply. Some I’ve met, others I admire from afar.
T4JYM: Who has been your biggest advocate and supporter in your journey to success?
RC: God—first and foremost. Beyond that, I’m grateful for family, faith-filled friends, and mentors who prayed when I couldn’t, believed when I doubted, and reminded me of who I was called to be.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to someone interested in publishing their work?
RC: Don’t wait for permission. Obedience matters more than perfection. Learn the process, protect your voice, and trust God with the outcome. Your story may be the answer to someone else’s prayer.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to the youth of this world?
RC: You are not late. You are not forgotten. You are not defined by your mistakes. Seek God early, guard your identity fiercely, and never underestimate the power of discipline and faith.
T4JYM: Any final thoughts you want to share?
RC: Healing is possible. Purpose is real. And restoration is God’s specialty. If He did it for me, He can—and will—do it for you.
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