What began as a movie title that lingered in her mind for more than two decades has become the foundation of a deeply personal testimony for KuGompo City pastor, author and motivational speaker Nonqaba Sikelela “Nonnie D” Diniso, pictured right.
Diniso has released her debut book, The Cross I Bear, a collection of 20 short chapters that draw on her personal experiences of grief, disappointment, healing and faith. Through the book, she hopes to encourage readers to trust God during life’s most difficult seasons and to believe that no chapter of their lives is wasted.
Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Diniso is a qualified pedagogist, poet, inspirational speaker and radio personality. However, she said her greatest identity is found in her relationship with God.
She recalls watching a film more than 20 years ago, remembering very little about it except its title — The Cross I Bear.
“I didn’t understand why that title stayed with me for so many years. I forgot about it, but God didn’t,” Diniso said.
“When He instructed me to write this book, that title came back immediately, and I knew it was meant for this assignment.”
Although Diniso had been writing journals, poems, sermons and personal reflections for nearly 15 years, she admitted that she never believed her story was significant enough to publish.
“I kept asking myself who would want to read my story because I thought my cross wasn’t big enough. But when God said, ’write.’ I realised obedience was more important than my fears.”
She describes the book as more than an autobiography.
“It is a testimony that comes from a place of healing and wholeness rather than simply sharing where I come from.
“It is proof that what was meant to break me became part of God’s plan to restore me.”
One of the most emotional chapters reflects on the death of her grandmother, an event she believes marked the beginning of many of the struggles she would later face.
Looking back, however, she says she now sees God’s hand carrying her through every trial.
“The difference now is that I recognise the hand of the Lord upon my life. Without Him I would not have the peace I have today.”
Throughout the book, Diniso tackles subjects that many Christians find difficult to discuss openly, including discouragement, broken relationships, marriage, emotional wounds, unhealthy patterns and seasons of waiting.
She believes these are often the moments when people lose confidence in their faith.
“It was important to know that you can still experience pain while walking with God. Difficult seasons should never change His Lordship over your life. In fact, those are the moments when we are invited to surrender to Him even more.”
Writing the book also became part of her own healing journey.
“It exposed how far God had brought me. I could revisit painful moments and instead of bitterness, I found forgiveness.”
Diniso believes the message of The Cross I Bear is especially relevant for people who feel discouraged or overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
“I want people to know that their lives matter to God and that no chapter of their lives is a waste.
“While we all carry crosses in this life, Christ invites us to lay our burdens before Him because He cares for us.”
She said she felt a strong conviction that the book would bring hope to readers after being inspired by Isaiah 50:4, which speaks about encouraging the weary with a timely word.
“The Lord impressed on my heart that many of His children are discouraged during this season. I believe this book carries a message of life, healing and deliverance.”
Reflecting on life in KuGompo City, Diniso said the pressures of everyday living often leave little room for people to care for their spiritual wellbeing.
The Cross I Bear, which features a foreword by Pastor Bongumusa Ndzimande, is available in paperback and through Amazon. You can contact her manager Bungcwele Tshwete on 072-5189-830.
