12/03/2025
Today, we introduce Mark Ballard, an author and teacher of God’s Word whose life reflects the power of surrender and transformation in Christ. Once pursuing worldly achievements, Mark now devotes himself fully to writing Scripture-centered books that heal, convict, and inspire. His latest work, Words for a Wounded World, was born from real moments of ministry and points readers back to the hope found only in God’s Word. Mark is passionate about helping people break free from hidden struggles and walk in true freedom through Christ.
Join the Tell Your Story Team to learn more about Mark and his story.
“Even in a wounded world, the Word still heals.”— *Mark Richard, Words for a Wounded World
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Mark Richard Ballard. I grew up in Iowa, and also lived in Minnesota, Ohio, New York, and North Carolina.
What do you do for a living?
I'm in my final (and true) calling in life: An author and teacher of God's Word.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love reading, studying, meditating, and sharing the grace and truth of God's Word; photographing God's nature; creating/writing articles, books, and teachings; spending time with my brothers and sisters in Christ and with my beautiful daughter and granddaughter; and praying and giving thanks always.
What are two special or unique things about you that are probably not known by your co-workers and acquaintances?
I trained as a classical singer as a young person; and later in life, I created and owned a specialty food business that was featured on Food Network. I have an upcoming book due out in February, "Sacred Sexuality: Grace and Truth Revealed in a Culture of Confusion."
Are there causes or issues that you truly care about?
The hidden hurts that people carry that keep them bound. I try and hope to be a light to minister, help, and guide others to the freedom found in Christ.
What is your story as a person?
I lived a life of false identity for decades filling it with worldly achievements, pleasures, and desires. But, when you lay down your version of life to follow Jesus, you receive His life—abundant, eternal, and true. When you deny sinful desires, you make room for His holy desires to shape you. When you surrender your will, you step into His perfect plan. When you walk away from the world, you walk into the arms of your Savior. There is no higher calling, no greater freedom, and no deeper joy than living fully surrendered to the One who gave everything for you.
What is the main story you want to share with the world through your book?
"Words for a Wounded World" started with one poem as I was ministering to a young man, and that turned into a collection of scriptural poetry that bridges devotion and art. Structured in four parts, it journeys from the foundations of faith to the trials of endurance, calling readers toward reflection, repentance, and renewal. Each poem is rooted deeply in Scripture and followed by supporting verses, reflection questions, and prayer prompts, turning it into a comprehensive devotional experience. This book will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate Scripture-centered writing and desire to deepen their personal walk with God. Its written to remind us that even in a wounded world, the Word still heals.
Word for a Wounded World is currently ranked #1 New Release in Christian Wisdom Literature
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#1 New Release in Christian Wisdom Literature
Get your copy now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3YMSNY6/
If you had an opportunity to share just ONE message with the WHOLE WORLD, what would it be?
The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ was sent by God that we might be saved and have the abundant life (John 10:10). Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to God except through His Son Jesus (John 14:6).
What does family mean to you?
I am grateful for my brothers and sisters in Christ, and my daughter and granddaughter. It's a blessing to be within minutes of all of them. All are a joy to me.
What inspired you to write this collection of poems, Words for a Wounded World?
It all began with a young husband and father named Tucker. He was quietly losing a war few could see—caught in the grip of po*******hy and desperate for freedom but unsure how to reach it. As I walked with him through this struggle, the Holy Spirit stirred something unexpected in my heart: Write him a poem.
That poem became "Lured: The War for Your Soul." It wasn't meant to be creative expression—it was spiritual warfare. Every line was grounded in Scripture, confronting the enemy's lies, exposing the spiritual battle, and calling Tucker back to the Truth of God's Word. With the poem, I included companion Scriptures, reflection questions, and a call to repentance and renewal.
Weeks later, Tucker shared that the poem became his lifeline. He carried it with him. He turned to it in moments of temptation. And God used it to remind him that he wasn't alone—and that freedom is possible through Christ.
After Tucker, the Lord continued placing people on my heart, along with specific burdens and Scriptures for each one. One poem became two, then three... until I realized the Lord wasn't giving me isolated pieces—He was forming a collection. These became Words for a Wounded World, a book written for every soul wrestling with sin, sorrow, confusion, or spiritual longing, pointing them back to the healing power of God's Word.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
That's a tough question and a bit like asking which of your children you love most. Each of the sixteen poems carries its own story, its own ministry moment, and its own spiritual burden. They were all born out of real conversations, real struggles, and real breakthroughs.
What makes them especially meaningful to me is how each poem teaches the Word of God in a reverent, compassionate, poetic, and even prophetic way. They are not just poems—they are invitations to encounter Scripture, to hear God's heart, and to respond to His truth.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
I never set out to write a poetry book, and I certainly never saw myself as a poet. But when you follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and immerse yourself deeply in God's Word, you discover that God can do far more through you than you ever imagined.
The process was remarkable. For each poem, the Lord impressed a subject on my heart. I would turn to Scripture—searching, collecting, studying, meditating, wrestling, and praying—until the lines and stanzas began to take shape. After each poem came the reflection questions, journaling prompts, and the prayer prompts.
I didn't know where any of it was heading until the twelfth poem. That's when the vision of a full collection began to emerge. By the time the sixteenth poem was written, a four-part structure had taken shape—a structure I didn't plan, but that God did.
Writing Words for a Wounded World has taught me that God delights in using imperfect people with imperfect words to point others to His perfect Word.
Have you received any feedback from readers that surprised or moved you?
The most meaningful feedback has been how readers are drawn from the poems directly into Scripture. Hearing that a line, a question, or a prayer prompt sent someone diving deeper into God's Word—that's the highest encouragement I could receive. The poems were never meant to stand alone; they were meant to be bridges leading people straight to the heart of God.
Step into a journey of healing and truth. Get your copy of Words for a Wounded World today and let Scripture speak life into every broken place. Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other marketplaces.
Get Your Copy today!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3YMSNY6/
