I have covered a wide array of topics over the last 31 days. I’m not going to lie…it wasn’t exactly easy to sit down at the computer and write every single day. The upside through doing so is that I have become more disciplined. I have a couple of people holding me accountable too, which has made it a bit easier. Some days I rushed home after work and couldn’t wait to get my story out. Other days it was like pulling teeth to make my fingers type. There were several mountaintop moments, several low moments and everything in between sprinkled throughout. That’s life.
I’ve just returned from a faith and writing conference this weekend in Anderson, Indiana. This was my first time at this conference and I was not sure what to expect. Being an introvert, it is challenging for me to put myself in that type of situation where if I am going to get much out of it, I need to make an effort to connect with others. I have difficulty striking up conversations with complete strangers and especially about my writing, which is very personal to me. (Although it is hanging out there on the Internet for the world to see!) But I did manage to make some great connections. The attendees ranged in age from 20 something year old college students to 70 something year olds.
I spoke to a young fiction writer who is just beginning her journey in life. I spoke to a middle-aged empty nester turned recently published fiction writer. I spoke to very well dressed middle-aged gentlemen who found his writing voice later in life and is now a recently published young adult fiction writer. I spoke to an older, much wiser than me lady who is lucky to even be alive. She was found in a garbage can when she was a baby. Her story brought me to tears. And then there is me, trying to find my place in all of this. The common thread is that we each have stories of struggle, faith, hope, victory and resilience. They are stories that need to be heard.
I sometimes wonder, “Why am I doing this?” I am not a person who enjoys the spotlight. I don’t like attention at all to be honest. I am the girl sitting in the back of the classroom diligently taking notes, but hoping to slide under the radar unnoticed. But here I am…sharing my innermost thoughts with you anyway. My words might resonate with some people but others might read my entries and think I am a fool. I am completely vulnerable here. Yet I do it because God has called me to do so. There is no other explanation. I must carry on.
Making the choice to follow your dreams, no matter what they are, takes a big does courage and a bucket of blind faith. And as Paul Coelho so eloquently said, “What other people think of you is none of your business.” It has taken me years to realize the truth in that statement. But I know now the importance of following the dreams God has placed in your heart. You never know whom you might be helping.
I am excited to be sharing the work of three guest bloggers here in November. I have met these writers through Twitter, Instagram and my blog. Each of them encourage ME! They come from different backgrounds and face different obstacles but share the common theme of resilience. They have stories inside of them that need to be told and that need to be heard. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with each of them and I look forward to sharing their work with you. Stay tuned.
Thank You God for allowing us to share our stories and for trusting us the way You do. Thank You for giving each of us a unique voice to touch different people in different ways. Our vulnerability is power not weakness. Please continue to give us the faith we need to follow our dreams and do the work You have called us to do. In Jesus’name, Amen.
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive
