No More Excuses
The drive to Oregon Christian Writers one day conference from Portland to Salem was easy, but I forgot to get proper directions to the college where it was being held. Around and around I went. When I finally found the location, the correct parking lot, and right entrance, I was late. I grabbed my name tag at the registration desk and hurried toward the events hall.
“Lord,” I begged, “Show me why I’m here. I’ve attended so many of these sessions. I know the information. It’s practicing it that is difficult.”
I opened the door and stopped short. On the platform was a writer I had seen before who is challenged by cerebral palsy. Her speech is labored and difficult to understand. She can only type with two or three fingers, and yet she is called to write. And she does.
At this event she sat on her scooter beaming as someone else read her talk. She told of her struggles with discouragement and God’s continued assurances that He has called her. She rejoiced that He has now provided someone to type for her. And I stood and cried—deeply touched. There was no doubt. I knew why I was there. With her determination to write regardless of difficulties, who was I to be discouraged. You may visit her blog site: https://morethanlegs.wordpress.com/.
As if He needed to drive in the point, God spoke to me again through a friend who had a stroke a couple of years ago. Sue attends a Bible study that I also attend. She comes with a helper. Though she can walk, she walks so very slowly.
We had completed a series of studies, so there was an opportunity to share about how our lives were impacted. Sue stood and very slowly walked forward. We waited, some went for an extra cup of coffee as, with great effort, she made her way to the microphone. She shared about how the ladies have blessed her life. We blessed her? We are the ones blessed. I felt so humbled—as if I needed to sit at her feet and learn from her.
These two dear women taught me a new respect for those who struggle to do things I consider common place, like type a blog or walk across the floor. And as long as I can express myself, I have no excuse for not sharing God’s truth with a thirsty world.
Oregon Christian Writers Conference
“Yes, I like these articles. Send them to my office,” said a magazine editor.
“I think this children’s story will work for our magazine,” said another.
“I like your, Hotline To Heaven proposal. I’d be willing to represent it,” commented one agent.
“Send me a full book proposal,” said another.”
How sweet such words are to an author’s ears. And the author was me at the 50th Oregon Christian Writer’s Summer Conference earlier this month. I had seven editor and agent meetings—all positive. Of course, no contracts were signed, and I can’t be sure of the final result, but the initial responses could hardly have been better. I’ve worked like a little beaver this last week since I returned. I sent in the articles and story. Now for the book proposals—two of them.
I’m very grateful for God’s amazing favor on this conference. The atmosphere was extremely welcoming, friendly. Editors, agents, writers, staff members were all on the same level—all working to see God glorified. What could be better?