I spent Wednesday afternoon through Sunday morning at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. I spent Monday sleeping fourteen hours and taking ibuprofen for my inflamed knee- a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis brought on by fatigue.
Totally worth it.
I attended workshops on world-building and the hero’s journey. I learned about connecting with readers on social media. I sat, inspired and motivated, under the teaching of novelist Tosca Lee.
Most of all, I talked, talked, talked from the heart about my passion for my book project. It was hard to put myself out there, to offer up my “baby” for scrutiny. But I was determined, because doing it was an act of obedience to God.
Before 2018, I never had a “word of the year” like some people. I never tried to be attuned to the Spirit in that way. At the dawn of this year though, I could not ignore the word that kept popping out at me, beckoning me to follow in obedience.
PROCLAIM.
Why am I doing what I’m doing?
“That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving And declare all Your wonders.”
Psalms 26:7 NASB
How often?
“Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.”
Psalms 96:2 NASB
I have received so much from the hand of God during my struggle and heartache as a mom of a kid with mental illness. Healing of body and soul. Comfort. The embrace of love when I grieved. Assurance that my pain and tears and effort matter. Restoration when I feared I was shattered beyond repair.
Now it is time to speak up about the wonders of the God who steps into the pit and draws us out into His embrace. It’s time to raise my voice and refuse to be silent about the good news of a God saves in this life and for the life to come. It’s time to proclaim.
At the same time, I’m listening- to you, the moms who email, the parents in the forums I’m a part of. You are devastated, mourning, overwhelmed. I know. I’ve been there and return regularly. And I long to proclaim with a gentle tone and full compassion that God is loving you through all of this.
So I’m trying to find a publishing home for my book. I’m trying to make myself available on social media when you need support. I’m trying to get out there and tell about how to rest in God in the chaos.
There is good news, and I am going to keep on proclaiming it with a voice of thanksgiving, day by day.
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