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By Brittany Fuller
Brittanyfuller@jessaminejournal.com
After receiving positive letters of encouragement from his weekly column in The Jessamine Journal, local minister Billy Holland has published his second book, “Convictions and Considerations: Encouragement for the Soul,” which he describes as a refreshing voice of peace, faith and hope in today’s society.
“Four years ago, I stepped out in faith and spoke with the editor of our local newspaper about submitting an article,” Holland said. “I brought him a couple of examples of my work and was surprised when he asked if I would be interested in writing a weekly column. This format has opened doors and I’m grateful for publications around the country who run the column as my readership continues to grow beyond my highest expectations. With all the positive and encouraging letters and emails I receive, I felt the Lord leading me to gather a collection of these stories into a book along with other styles of my work that have never been published before.”
His first book, “A Lifestyle of Worship – Living in the awareness of God’s presence,” was published in 2015. Being led to write his second work, Holland said the pages are filled with short stories, a biography, song lyrics, quotes, uplifting stories and plenty of Biblical commentary and insights.
“All (are) meant for the reader to contemplate and examine what they believe and why,” Holland said. “I see this book as a spiritual resource for those who could use a word of encouragement and who enjoy being challenged to think about the meaning of life. My goal is to motivate the reader to ponder about the will of man versus the will of God and to realize that our Christianity is measured according to how serious we are to be yielding our life to His Lordship.”
Holland’s books are available on Amazon and through all major booksellers for $20.99.
“I’ve ordered some books myself and it would be an honor to sign and send them to whoever wants a copy,” Holland said.
Born and raised in Lexington, Holland moved to Jessamine County after marrying a girl from Nicholasville and has now lived in the county for almost 40 years. He is the chaplain for Thomson Hood Veteran Center and the Jessamine County Fire District, a member of the state and local emergency crisis response teams and a licensed and ordained independent minister.
“My writing actually began with writing songs in the early 80’s as I would sing in church and travel as an evangelist,” Holland said. “The music evolved into writing Christian articles and sermons and through the years of personal studies, the Lord blessed my labors.”
While attending seminary, Holland said he was required to write a lot and almost 10 years ago he stared a blog and began working towards becoming a better writer.
“I can look back now and see that God was training me and today He is still teaching me the importance of listening to His voice and allowing Him to speak through me,” Holland said.
Today, he has a total of 10 books written which have not been published and hopes to keep releasing his novels as long as the Lord continues to give him the green light to keep going, he said.

For more information, visit billyhollandministries.com.