Every story has a beginning. A spark. A moment that plants the seed of an idea deep in the heart. For Doris Rudd Whitfield, that moment came during a time when her faith was growing, and her love for storytelling was finding new depths. It’s the story behind Girtie: You Are Special—a tale that’s more than just words on a page, but a reflection of a journey filled with love, hope, and a little duck that left a big impression.
Meeting Girtie: The Spark That Started It All
In the early 1990s, Doris found herself at Christians in Action (CIA) camp, a place where faith was more than just a word—it was a way of life. This was a time when Doris was embracing a deeper commitment to her faith, a time when she was exploring the calling God had placed on her heart. It was here that she first met Girtie, a little duck who was different from the rest.
Girtie was blind in one eye, a simple detail that made her unique. But there was something more about Girtie, something that resonated with Doris. She saw in Girtie a story waiting to be told—a story about finding worth even in the things that make us feel different. In that moment, a connection was formed. It was the beginning of a journey that would eventually become Girtie: You Are Special.
Weaving Faith into Storytelling
For Doris, writing has always been more than just putting words on paper. It’s a way of sharing her heart, of offering pieces of her own faith journey to others. When she sat down to write Girtie’s story, she wanted to capture that same feeling of hope and resilience she had seen in the little duck at camp. She wanted readers, young and old, to see that being different doesn’t mean being less—it means being special.
Her experiences as a missionary shaped every page, every lesson woven into the narrative. Girtie’s journey reflects the challenges Doris faced in her own life, moments when she needed to lean on God’s love and trust that He had a purpose for every twist and turn. It’s a message that flows through each chapter, reminding readers that God’s plan is always bigger than what we can see.
From Idea to Page: The Heart of Girtie’s Story
Turning Girtie’s story into a book wasn’t a straight path. It was more like a meandering river, full of bends and pauses, moments of clarity and stretches where the words didn’t come easily. But for Doris, the process was part of the gift. It was a chance to reflect on what she had learned through her years of mission work and to pour those lessons into a story that would reach across generations.
Girtie became more than just a character—she became a symbol of the belief that God makes no mistakes. Her journey of discovering her worth despite her differences is a reflection of the message Doris hoped to share with every reader: that God’s love sees beyond our flaws and fears. It sees the beauty in what makes us unique, the potential in every challenge.
A Word to Aspiring Writers: Finding Inspiration in Everyday Moments
Writing a story like Girtie doesn’t require a grand adventure or a perfectly crafted plan. Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from the small moments—the simple encounters that leave a mark on your heart. Doris’s journey from meeting a little duck to writing a story that has touched so many is proof of that.
For those who feel a calling to write, Doris’s story is a reminder to start where you are. Write from the heart. Let your faith guide you, even when you’re not sure where the story is headed. Trust that the experiences God has given you—whether they’re full of joy or struggle—are the seeds for something beautiful.
And if there’s one lesson that stands out from both Doris’s life and Girtie’s story, it’s this: God can use the smallest moments to create the biggest impact. All we have to do is trust Him with the story.
Embrace the Journey
Girtie: You Are Special is more than just a book. It’s the result of a lifetime of faith, of moments spent listening for God’s voice and following His lead. It’s a story about a little duck that taught big lessons and a reminder that each of us has a story to share.
Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or simply someone looking for a story that speaks to your heart, may you find in Girtie’s tale the courage to embrace your own journey. And may you remember that no matter how small your story might seem, it has the power to change lives—starting with yours.