A Step in the Write Direction
(NOTE: I’m a little embarrassed to say that I just noticed the title I chose for this post is the same title as Donna Clarke Goodrich’s new book. She was one of the authors at the conference. I guess a lot really stuck with me from that conference. My humble apologies to Donna.)
To write is to reveal oneself to the world. But to write as a Christian is to reveal Christ to the world.
My words must be His Word. My thoughts intertwined with His. So far above mine.
This longing to write drew me on an unexpected journey. To an arena of virtual expression and technicality beyond my savvy.
Then came the invitation. A Christian Writers’ Conference only a drive away. Such opportunities I had rejected for years like the initial manuscripts I had sent out. Would this one be different? Why did I feel hope?
The journalistic who, what, where, when, and how was known–just the why remained. Those trepid footsteps that said the why was just imagined. There was no real call. The writing was just a filler for the past few months. Exhaustion pounded out a cadence for the need to rest. Just retreat. I should be home with our injured dog, the impostor heart chided.
But the journey was paid for. So these anxious feet made the trip to find only 25 attending. The feet stopped dead at the door. The mouth agape. Where were the crowds I was used to? That solo time I made a conference.
I reluctantly picked up the Sharpie to pen my name on tag. How could this be valuable? My feet wanted to march backward. I knew the speaker’s name, though. A recognized Christian author.
“Just move,” I told my feet. They carried me to a vacant seat. Someone was speaking. Words of a prayer were lifted up. Something stirred. I knew I was in the right place.
Two days of workshops. Nonfiction writing. Marketing. Writing devotionals. How to’s of interviewing. Consults with authors. Meeting other writers. Book Tables covered in knowledge. Copyright laws. Publishing. Relationships formed. Networks exchanged. Your manuscript reviewed–here.
The feet tapped a satisfied beat. A dance of fulfillment. A longing renewed. A hope-found purpose. The path of possibility.
Wrap-up and prayer. So much covered. So much to learn. So much to grow.
The constant–Jesus.
For apart from Him we can do nothing. We wither. We fear. We have only self. We die. His words never printed.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5&6 NIV
What have you discovered that you can do only with Jesus?
From My Heart to Yours,
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Janis there is so much hope,inspiration,truth and beauty in your words….keep on writing…lookingforward to more….thank you for your kind words over at my blog…:-)
I LOVE this post. Your feelings about writing and writers’ conferences really resonate with me. I feel the same way.
I’m so glad you got to go and found such hope there! I have DEFINITELY found out that I can’t do anything without Jesus!
~Jennifer
Carrie~thank you for your encouraging words and for your visit. I will keep on keeping on.
Jennifer~so good to hear from you. Hope all is well. Glad this post struck a chord with you. I’m learning more and more that He is my All in All.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Janis – This was so beautiful! Strictly from a “writing” perspective, I just loved how you wove your words. Some of your expressions were downright poetic…really! You have a lovely “voice” on the page – and I am excited to see where God takes you.
The constant – Jesus. Yes, oh yes…how true!
Sounds like a wonderful conference. Who were some of the authors you met?
The thing I can only do with Jesus – the blog is the biggest “creative” endeavor I have ever tried. He truly provides the thoughts, and the words.
GOD BLESS!
P.S. Thanks for the email, Janis – I sent a reply back to you. Trust that Chip is continuing to heal – and Marty sent an extra prayer for him today!!
“the feet tapped a satisfied beat”…
janis, this is so well worded. i LOVE that you were able to find peace and fulfillment at this conference… i know, only too well, the rejected manuscript, and the frustrations… but, as proven here, you have a gift. don’t give up! don’t ever stop writing. you bring him glory, sister.
Sharon,
You have been a true blessing to me as a friend, writer, and lover of dogs (who are like our kids).
Your opinion of this “different” style of writing for me means a lot.
Chip is healing, and I’m sure he will be back to his normal self soon.
Thank you for dropping by.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Oh, emily,
This was a real reach for me. Thank you for encouraging me and giving me the opportunity to try my hand at “imperfect prose”. I pray my heart’s desire will always be to give Him glory.
From My Hear to Yours,
Janis
You do “write” so well, keep on writing.
kim
~Kim,
Thank you for your encouragement. With His grace and leading, I will keep writing.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
I love your writing Janis… glad you are embracing the wonderful ‘talent’ He has gifted you with…
much love xxx