Mark 13:11 (HCSB)
I recently was asked to speak to the ladies group with my local church. Like most writers, I'm an introvert and am not one to speak in front of a group. Even though it was a real stretch for me, I said, "yes." I prayed for quite a while about how to bring together the topic of my writing as well as journal writing, which is something the group has been working on. After weeks of prayer, I came up with my topic, 'Allowing God to Write His Story in You'.
I reminisced quite a bit as I scanned through pages and pages of my writing from 4th grade up until age 53. 😃 I found different examples of how I used what I was going through in my life to write poems, stories, blog posts, and books. It's the first time I've opened up to share what parts of my stories were true. It definitely put me outside my comfort zone.
A week before I was to speak, I was under the weather, fighting issues with my sinuses that gave me a very gruff voice and didn't allow me to speak very loudly at all. Now, I'm soft-spoken to begin with, so this made it extra hard. On the day of my talk, I still had the gruff voice. I was quite nervous as I was preparing to leave. My husband took time to pray for me before I left.
As I started my talk, I felt at complete peace. I honestly can say that I wasn't really nervous at all once I began. It was a strain to talk loud enough for the older ladies to hear me, but my voice didn't give out at all. Afterward I was blessed to have several women come up to me and share how much they enjoyed it and how my words ministered to them. I'm thankful how the Lord met my need and also touched others in the process.
What is God calling you to do that's outside your comfort zone? Be brave and take that step. You won't be disappointed.
Jodie Wolfe
creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA) and has
been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former
columnist for Home School Enrichment
magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's
a contributor and co-founder of Stitches
Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband
in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Thank you for sharing, Jodie. It's so amazing how God is always with us even when we are stepping out in a new zone. Hopefully you are feeling lots better now.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time of being sick, but I believe I'm finally on the mend. Thanks for stopping by, Marilyn. :)
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