At the time when people stop looking for new initiatives, 59-year-old L. Fitzgerald Stills is starting his writing journey. With a background in the airline industry, Stills is now poised to be a published author. His first book, “It’s Time to Rewrite Your Story,” is a strong Christian memoir that calls readers to overcome their history, accept purpose, and live in spiritual clarity.

The idea of the book popped up from a significant moment during his retirement party. Stills posed a basic but deep and intriguing question: What would you say to your 17-year-old self? That question, asked by his conscience, made him reflect on his path and the legacy he wants to leave behind. “I would tell my 17-year-old self that I should live by the principles and laws that I follow today,” Stills replied, speaking of the biblical directive that now directs his life.

The book’s title is taken from Jeremiah’s saying, which talks about God’s plan for a better and brighter future. Stills is not only inspired by this verse; it is also his own personal mission statement. “God has a plan for all of us,” he said. “We’re all different, but I got off track after high school. By God’s grace, I came back.

Faith Forged in Fire

Stills’ return to faith didn’t happen without pain. He speaks bluntly about the personal battles that nearly exhausted him, including two suicide attempts: one at age 27 and another at the age of 49. These experiences could have ended his story, but instead, they marked the beginning of a profound transformation.

“There’s a lot that’s been turned around in my life over the last 30 years,” he reflected, his voice filled with humility and gratitude. “Those low points didn’t destroy me; they crafted a better version out of me.”

His journey toward spiritual reawakening took time. A past filled with financial hardship, divorce, and the loss of many businesses forced him to revisit his priorities. “I had three cars repossessed before my first marriage ended. I even lost my janitorial business and had my truck taken,” he said. “It felt like everything was falling apart.” However, through perseverance and faith, Stills gradually rebuilt his life.

Today, he has boosted his credit score over 800 and operates two businesses: one nonprofit and one for-profit. He teaches kingdom principles rooted in scripture. His life now serves as a powerful example of what redemption looks like when belief is matched by action.

A Book that Serves Purpose

Although the concept for “It’s Time to Rewrite Your Story” began more than ten years ago, the journey to publication was not straightforward. Stills initially partnered with a publishing firm, but life’s demands, including work responsibilities, COVID-19, and health challenges, delayed the project. He believes the timing of its completion was divinely orchestrated. He got the motivation when he got spare time after retiring from his 20-year-long job.

Stills intentionally wrote the book to be short and impactful, designed for readers who may not have time to finish lengthy books. “Long books don’t appeal to me,” he said. “I wanted something people could read while waiting in a doctor’s office or sitting on a plane.” With just 12 chapters, the book delivers a concise yet powerful message meant to offer calm and clarity in a chaotic world.

Obstacles and Overcoming

Despite having a clear vision, Stills faced unexpected setbacks. In 2022, he dealt with serious eye issues that threatened to end the writing process. “I thought about quitting,” he admitted. “But my wife and a close friend encouraged me to continue. They were instrumental in helping this book come to life.”

This perseverance mirrors the central message of his book: that while challenges are inevitable, breakthroughs come through faith and support.

From Surface to Substance

What makes Stills’ account most persuasive is that he possesses a sincere, deeply rooted sense of calling. His message is not that of surface motivation; it is one of helping others discover their spiritual identity. He quotes Ephesians 2 countless times: a passage that describes believers as “God’s poetry” created with purpose and for good works.

For Stills, this means people must look inward to understand their divine purpose. “God doesn’t judge us by skin color or appearance,” he said. “Whether you’re Black, White, Asian, or Hispanic, He looks at your heart. That’s where true transformation begins.”

This belief fuels Stills’ rejection of prejudice and societal labels. “We’re all made in the image of God,” he emphasized. “That truth should bring us together, not separate us.”

Reaching an Unbelieving World

To skeptics or the indifferent about faith, Stills uses a wise comparison. “I liken God’s word to a car manual,” he said. “If you never read the manual, you may never understand how the car is meant to operate. It’s the same with life; if you do not apply God’s principles, you will never realize the desired result.”

While he recognizes the difficulty in reaching non-believers, he is optimistic. “You can’t make anybody have faith, but you can live in such a manner that makes them question,” he said.

Stills emphasizes the importance of feeding the spirit just as one would feed the body. “If you don’t feed your spirit, it will weaken. That’s why daily time in God’s word is important.”

Guarding Against Misinformation

Stills also addresses the misinterpretation of the Bible in today’s culture. “There’s an attack to make people believe there’s another way,” he said, referencing 2 Corinthians 4:4 that speaks of spiritual blindness. He encourages people to study deeply from scripture themselves, quoting 2 Timothy 2:15, which orders the believer to rightly divide the word of truth.

If we don’t take time to study God’s word, then we can be deceived by individuals who use His name for bad reasons,” he warned. This focus on personal study is an indication of his interest in genuineness at the expense of religious custom.

Looking Forward

With his first book completed, Stills plans to write six or seven more spiritual books in a similar format: short, accessible, and rich in wisdom. He is open to speaking engagements and podcast appearances but remains selective. “I don’t want to participate in something just to be seen,” he explained. “Everything I do must align with my purpose.”

Future platforms may include YouTube or SoundCloud, although Stills insists that his goal is not popularity but meaningful impact. “It’s not about likes or followers. It’s about reaching people who need hope,” he said.

A Legacy of Accountability

As the conversation concluded, Stills offered a lasting message about accountability. “We’re going to give an account for everything we do,” he said. “That includes how we use our time, our money, and our gifts to help others.”

His desire is to leave behind a legacy marked by service, truth, and compassion. “Life is short, and what we do with other people matters,” he said. “We have to live with honor, forgive those who hurt us, and help others rewrite their stories too.”

About the Author:

L. Fitzgerald Stills, a Houston native, is a first-time author, minister, and entrepreneur. After retiring in 2022 from a 20-year career in the airline industry, he has devoted his life to teaching biblical principles and encouraging spiritual growth. A 2025 graduate of Ever-Increasing Word Ministries Training Center’s biblical studies program, Stills leads both a nonprofit organization and a for-profit business. His mission is to inspire people to apply God’s truths to their daily lives and to help others experience transformation through faith and action.