Are you Sharing Your Story?

On the Fourth of July I strolled along the beautiful blue Detroit River in Motor City, Michigan.  Although it was a national holiday, people enjoying the unusually cool afternoon were scarce along the scenic river walk.  Hart Plaza stood eerily vacant except for two skateboarders posing for a photograph.

 

As my friends admired sculptures and paintings, The Lord stirred my heart.  My confused eye rested on an unusual creation.  Although it had been designed to overflow with soothing cascades of water, the fountain appeared abandoned.  The artist’s original purpose was faintly recognizable as a dry well underneath a rusty metal structure.

 

A disturbance rippled through me as I peered up at the magnificent skyline looming above.  This entire city was meant for a greater purpose.  Postcards describe Detroit as a center for travel and conventions.  However locked storefronts now display signs to call for an appointment.  Historic high rise buildings stand almost devoid of human activity compared to the hustle of a thriving city.

 

While I heard no audible words, I distinctly perceived God say, “You are like this fountain.  You have hidden My word in your heart, but My Word doesn’t flow from you.” Glancing back one last time, I remembered I had been created to “be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11

 

While I seek The LORD to guide me, I’m hesitant to share my writing with friends.  Fears of offending a co-worker, being rejected by a friend, or being attacked for my beliefs paralyze me.  Always worrying about what might happen consumes me.  Instead, I need to be obedient to the Lord’s will.  Allow Him to unleash his power however He chooses.

 

As uncles, brothers, and cousins gathered to barbecue among the dilapidated neighborhoods with burned out windows in Detroit, I prayed for Godly leaders to arise.  Seeing the men, women, and children loitering on the road side corners all day in the hot sun bothered me. Didn’t they have families or friends to visit?

 

Anguish descended on me as the burdens of this troubled city quickly overwhelmed me.  Then I remembered, “The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.”  (Isaiah 58:11) The city of Detroit desperately needs the Lord’s strength and wisdom, but doesn’t my own city have these similar type of problems?

 

Relief calms me as I rationalize I’m only responsible for my small part.  If I’m willing to share how God has spoken to me in my small circle of friends, He will strengthen all who are burdened. All I have to do is be obedient.

 

Girlfriend, if only if were that easy.  I have struggled to share my writing for at least two years. For some reason, I’m anxiety ridden about pressing the “Publish” button and letting my words drift off into the online world.

 

I struggled internally until obedience become more important than my fear. However, I still had to overcome finding the time to write, staying motivated, and committed to the Lord.

 

A dear friend, Doris Swift, also a fantastic writer of “Using Our Gifts to Impact the World”, recommended to try Hope Writers.  The encouragement, accountability, and motivation was exactly what I needed.

 

Hope Writers have library resources for the beginner, the person revising a manuscript, or the writer launching a book. They also have a private online Facebook community, fun Instagram challenges, and smaller Hope circles. Although I’ve only been a member for a few weeks, I have already connected with women who message me throughout the week to check in on my progress. I set my own goals and move at my own pace.

 

The women’s stories of hope and inspiration appear in so many different colors and shapes. It is amazing to see how the Lord moves through all our lives.

 

So, have you ever considered writing your own story? If so, can I encourage you to take the following quiz? It will identify where you are as a writer and recognize your areas of strengths as well as weaknesses. If you are curious, go ahead and check out the quiz. Feel free to share your results in the comment section at the bottom of this page when you are done. I am as curious as you are to discover your results.

Click on Link : Quiz Hope Writer Path

When I took the quiz, I discovered that I did not identify myself as a writer. Although I had convinced numerous 4th graders during my 15 years as a teacher that they are writers, somehow that just didn’t seem to apply to me.  This post is a declaration for me to announce to “my world” I am a writer, I have a voice, and you have one too! So don’t be afraid to encourage others by sharing your experiences and hard won lessons learned.

 

The next time you hesitate to share your story, remember God only desires you to be obedient.  He is perfectly capable of providing for whatever happens next.

 

Post your thoughts about whether you have ever considered sharing your own story in the comment area below. Are there any obstacles that are standing in your way?

 

If you’re a writer or have ever thought about writing a book, you probably have more questions than you can keep track of –

“How do I find time to write?”

“Who am I to call myself a writer?”

“What’s the secret to getting my writing published?”

“What platform do publishers consider most important?”

“How do I know if I’m ready for an agent?”

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the answers to questions like that all in one place?

Well, my author friend Emily is a co-founder of hope*writers, and to teach their members they interview dozens of writing and publishing experts every year. They’ve compiled the best answers to the most asked questions and put it in one simple free pdf download.

It’s short, super helpful, and it ends your random google searches.

Expert Answers to the Top 20 Questions Writers Ask is only available for a couple of days – grab your copy here!

If you are a writer or have ever thought about writing a book, it can be confusing to try to navigate the world of publishing.

From writing a book proposal to finding an agent and a publisher, the steps can be overwhelming no matter what stage of the writing life you’re in.

My friend Emily, author and co-founder of hope*writers, has created a free downloadable e-book to help demystify the publishing process.

It’s short, it’s simple, and it explains each step of publication.

The Newbie’s Pocket Rulebook of Publishing is only available for a couple of days – grab your copy here!

For more information about joining a writing community, visit  Hope Writers.

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