writer

It’s time to share with you a little more about one of my passions: writing.  Of course, blogging must make it obvious, but this is not the type of writing I am accustomed to.

For almost seven years, I wrote a weekly devotion that I emailed out to family and friends. It started my junior year of college after I had heard a speaker at a conference. Then, Hurricane Katrina hit, and something stirred inside of me. (Just now, I realized I am writing this post, as another storm approaches that area.)  My prayer is that Issac will not bring the devastation that still lingers after Katrina.

Someday, I will be able to share my thoughts on how Katrina’s storm and the city’s recovery profoundly impacted my life.

But I digress.

The devotions centered around God’s love and all that it encompasses. As I wrote week to week, all were inspired but came in various forms. Perhaps I heard a chapel sermon, or came to a realization as I was going for a jog, but more often than not, it was a combination of His Word and life happening that created the devotion.

As the weeks, months and years went by, various people asked to be added to the list. Some I knew, some I didn’t and had simply heard about them from a friend of mine. Eventually, I had people sharing how they had used the devotion in their own life or in sharing God’s Word with others. It was awesome to hear the impact my God-given gift had had on others.

Eventually, a few people mentioned the idea of writing a book. I had almost 300 devotions and had contemplated the idea. A college classmate confirmed my resolve when he asked if he could use my devotions for a ministry to college students.

Since then, I feel as I have put it off. Am I scared? Where does the fear come from? I’ve sought advice from published authors and mentors. I’ve found a self-publishing avenue and part of the reason I am blogging is to learn how to market myself.

But it’s my writing, and it’s personal. I share stories, struggles, joys, etc…in those devotions. Yes, I shared them with a select group of people, but can I release them to share with a much larger audience?

I’m at a time in my life where the opportunity is hanging right in front of me. It’s a matter of grabbing it and moving forward in spite of my fear and because of my desire.  I know my writing can have a bigger impact and it’s a way to share the love of Christ and my personal faith, too.  It’s a win-win-win situation!

What have you put off that you finally pursued or are looking to pursue? How did you overcome your fear? What did you learn from moving forward?