Friday, January 11, 2019

Pressing Me Out of My Comfort Zone

Amy's 20th birthday
As many of you know, my daughter passed away 6 1/2 years ago at age 28 after a lifelong battle with multiple disabilities. Two months after Amy's death, I participated in a workshop taught by the talented writer/author Alice Wisler on Writing the Heartache. This workshop freed a fountain of words that poured out of me. 

Over the next 10 months or so, I continued writing and showed some of my scribbling (for lack of a better word) to a couple of author friends and was encouraged by them to take my writing to the next level and submit a couple of articles for publication. They were super kind in offering advice and even critiques but my deep-seated fear of rejection and lack of confidence kept me from taking that next step, until God intervened.  

In October 2018, I was contacted by the founder and senior editor of the online publication Broken but Priceless:The Magazine asking me if I would be their guest writer in January. My initial thought was "I am not a writer" and that's what I responded back to Erin. She told me to pray about it because as she was praying about who to ask, I kept coming to mind. That gave me pause. Even though we are friends on social media, I had never spoken to Erin about writing. 

Embracing this opportunity the Lord provided, I emailed Erin back to tell her I would do it even though I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to read what I write. For many, it wouldn't seem like a big deal or even a challenging thing to do. For someone who fears rejection and lacks confidence, it's a big thing. I have much to learn about the craft of writing but I know this is the path I am supposed to be on at this time. Where it will lead, I don't know for sure. But I know the One who does and that is good enough for me!

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

If you would like to read my article titled Grief is not Temporary, you can sign up for your FREE copy of the magazine to be delivered to your inbox. Erin Elizabeth Austin and those who write regularly for Broken but Priceless share a much needed ministry encouraging those who live with chronic illness or are caregivers for someone suffering a chronic illness/disease. 

If you are in a hurting and/or desert place, I hope that you'll find refreshment among the stories shared by these women. I know I've been encouraged by their faith and fortitude in the face of their many trials and tribulations. May God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace. Amen!

Here is the link to the magazine if you would like to sign up>>>Broken but Priceless Ministries



14 comments:

  1. Thank you for taking a bold step, Anne! You are a blessing to all who know you. Your writing will surely comfort many grieving souls. Blessings.

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    1. Thanks, Darren. I know you're walking this hard road too. Praying for you, brother.

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  2. Anne, I am thrilled for you; taking this next step, walking through an open door, while not knowing exactly what is on the other side. It's called faith, my friend, and you have it.

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    1. You are one of my role models, Rebecca. I've learning to take those steps in faith from watching you. :-) Praying for your writing adventure too!

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  3. Anne, your writings, memories and emotions will be of enormous encouragement to others who are going through trials.

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    1. Thank you so much, Barbara! You are a sister-of-the-heart and I appreciate your support.

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  4. You are certainly taking a beautiful step in a direction the Lord is leading you in. He will be with you every step of the way, you can be sure of that.
    What a blessing to be able to go forth with this opportunity and encourage many hurting people, both with illnesses and those who tenderly give of their time as loving caregivers.
    I'm so excited for you!!

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    1. My friend, I have learned much from you! You mean the world to me and I'm eternally thankful the Lord brought us together through your precious Stephanie.

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  5. Fear of rejection kept me from writing for years. I still struggle with it...I probably always will. I'm so very proud of you for taking this scary step. May you be richly blessed for your faith.

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    1. Becca, Thank you for sharing that with me. I would never know it from meeting you and reading your books. :)

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  6. Thank you for sharing this info. God bless you. :-)

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  7. Blessings, Anne, for finding the strength in Him to move forward.

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    1. Thanks, Elaine! It's a little scary. Okay, a lot scary. Daily I lay my fear at His feet. :-)

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I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.