For Elder Joey Spencer, what began as private journaling evolved into something far greater — a testimony meant to guide and uplift others facing their own struggles. Rooted in daily discipline through prayer, reflection, and faith, his journey reflects a powerful shift from fear to purpose. From The Bench To The Board captures that transformation, reminding readers that their challenges are not permanent, but part of a greater preparation — one that can ultimately be used to inspire, strengthen, and serve others.
Joey, your journey from journaling to publishing From The Bench To The Board is powerful. What was the moment you realized your personal reflections could become a book to inspire others?
The moment that I realized that my journaling would turn into a book was through divine intervention. I realized that there are many others that may be going through the same or similar situations, and by sharing my story (testimony) it might be a compass for them, and provide encouragement that they too, will make it through it.
Your morning ritual of prayer, Bible study, and journaling is deeply intentional. How has that daily discipline shaped both your mindset and your life path?
It anchors my day in peace, purpose and divine perspective, rather than chaos. My focus is shifted from anxiety to gratitude, and it helps align my actions with long-term spiritual growth.
The title From The Bench To The Board is compelling, what does it symbolize about your personal transformation?
The title “From the Bench to the Board” the Board symbolizes the preparatory phase, the trials and tribulations, and the work and strength and faith it took to keep on moving forward. The Board symbolizes, the opportunity to use that experience, strength and hope to share and to reach a larger population who might think that their situation is a permanent place, and there is no outlet, that their problems are bigger than God, that their trials are meant to strengthen their faith in Him, and that God still uses ordinary people, to do extraordinary things. He loves us all and has a purpose for us.
The transformation… is that even though I walked through the deep, dark, depressing and dangerous valley, I no longer fear. My fear is now faith, and I by the Grace of God made it through to tell this story, my testimony… to help others.
You describe your story as a testimony of how God uses ordinary people, what message do you hope readers take away about their own potential?
The message that readers should take away from my book is “To Never Give Up,” God Loves You And Want To Use You “You Are Somebody Special In God’s Eyes, and Trouble Don’t Last Always!!
Writing can be very personal and vulnerable. What was the most challenging part of turning your private journal into something public?
The most challenging part of turning my personal journey into something public was that it took a lot of self-reflection, courage, and weighing the cost of how many would react, but that didn’t outweigh the possibility that if one person is touched, then God would be Glorified, and that’s what is important to me. His Glory, not mine.
