Jeffrey Nickle, a disabled combat veteran, has transformed his personal recovery narrative into a mission centered around faith and storytelling. After experiencing a profound journey of healing, Nickle established Shield of Light Publishing, aimed at providing children with uplifting Biblical tales that instill values of courage, resilience, and hope.
The Journey of a Veteran Author
Nickle’s path to authorship began during his tenure with the United States Army, where he served in special operations and faced numerous deployments. Unfortunately, an injury during service significantly altered his life trajectory. It’s during his recovery that he stumbled upon a new calling—storytelling infused with spirituality.
Reflecting on his experience, Nickle shared, “‘During recovery, I felt called to create stories that would inspire the next generation through faith, resilience, and love. I wanted to provide families with books rooted in Biblical truth that also speak to courage, compassion, and the power of hope—values I leaned on during my healing journey.’
In facing the trauma of combat and grappling with his injuries, Nickle found himself immersed in prayer and writing. He recounted, “‘Years later, that quiet moment of faith and reflection turned into the first lines of a children’s book. I never expected that moment of personal recovery would become the foundation for an entire publishing company. What started in pain has now become purpose.’
The Impact of Storytelling
Even during his hospital stay, Nickle was driven to share positive and impactful tales with others. The conclusion of his treatment marked the beginning of his publishing venture with the inception of Shield of Light Publishing.
The engaging children’s books that Nickle publishes are reflections of his journey through survival, healing, and spiritual evolution. His goal is to demonstrate how to derive meaning from adversity through the stories he shares.
A Vision of Hope
Starting a Christian publishing house dedicated to children’s literature is no small feat for a veteran. Despite numerous challenges, Nickle remains unwavering in his mission. Shield of Light Publishing aims to bring to life Biblical stories that are both engaging and educational, filled with messages of hope and inspiration.
As Nickle stated, “‘As a veteran, author, and founder, I understand how to build something meaningful from adversity and aim to use that testimony to inspire hope, action, and faith in every child who picks up one of my books.’
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Nickle has ambitious goals for his publishing company. He envisions establishing Shield of Light Publishing as a recognized leader in faith-based children’s literature, featuring a wide array of books, merchandise, and educational resources.
By forging partnerships with churches, schools, and community groups across the country, Nickle seeks to promote love, truth, and Biblical values on a large scale. In his role as an advocate for veterans, he hopes to serve as a voice for faith and a beacon of light for children, leveraging the transformative power of storytelling.