Why Not You?

I just returned from another writers conference – this one a four-day trip to the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in Elizabethtown, KY – and as always I came back with my head and heart full of ideas and inspiration. But this time was different than past conferences…even different from the last time (two years ago) I went to this particular conference. I felt more energized and confident and less nervous even though I presented two workshops instead of just one. I felt good about sharing information and encouragement with other writers who were a little newer at this writing thing (along with publishing, marketing and public speaking) than I am. And I tried to remain teachable and was encouraged and inspired myself by other speakers, especially the keynote, H. Michael Brewer, an author, pastor at Blue Ash Presbyterian Church and adjunct professor in religious studies at Northern Kentucky University, who gave the keynote address. I shared with him in the hallway that I will soon be delivering my first keynote address (this October to the Vine & Vessels Writers Conference in Delaware) and he told me (laughingly) to feel free to steal his stuff!

Among other things, Michael spoke on not being afraid to answer the call to carry God’s message as writers.  There was also a comedy show one night by “The Eric and Joe Show” which featured several skits including a hilarious one about Moses being called by God to go forth and lead the chosen people into the promised land. In it, a young Moses tries to get out of the calling, asking if God can find someone else since he stutters, he’s afraid of snakes (when his staff turns into one), and he doesn’t do well with blood (when God lets him know He’s going to display several signs through him including turning water into blood). We all laughed because I think we all could relate – I know I can. I sometimes think “Who am I to write contemporary novels that re-imagine Old Testament stories in the Bible?” and “Who am I to speak or teach on relating to the Bible stories in modern times?” And “why can’t I just be content to work a 9 to 5 job and not feel compelled to write, speak and teach?”

The conference and the people there – both those to whom I listened and those who talked and listened to me, either in my workshops or in one-on-one consultations – reminded me all over again that it is sinful NOT to answer God’s call in our lives, that we are not only well equipped but empowered as children of the King to carry out His purpose, calling, mission for our lives, that this calling can change and grow over time and we need to stay open to it, and that there is room for all of us to be Christian writers, authors, speakers, coaches, evangelists, business people, teachers, volunteers, ministers and more – because the world actually needs to hear each and every one of our messages – or rather, God’s messages through us. All we have to do is suit up and show up and have the tiniest bit of faith that God is always behind us and out in front of us  leading the way. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20)

If you are in doubt at all today about whether God is calling you for a specific purpose – perhaps to write a book that will inform, educate, inspire, transform – or are questioning whether you have the ability, the courage and the faith to answer that call, take heart and take a look in the Bible at the cast of characters God called before you – Moses, Peter, Paul to name a few – and you’ll realize that as long as you start with the tiniest seed of faith, you will be able, like them, to make a difference in the world – even to move mountains!