“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” (1 Thess 2:4)
Over Labor Day weekend, I attended my first big in-person event in about a year. WriterCon 2020, a three-day writing conference, was held in Oklahoma with both in-person and streaming options. In addition to learning and networking, I represented my editing business, Prestige Prose, and the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI).
Leaving the comfort of my home for such an event was nerve wracking after so many months of avoiding large indoor crowds. But the event organizers and venue followed all safety protocols. We wore masks the entire time, except when we were eating or taking photos. In person attendance was down, as was to be expected, but so many streamed the conference that it made it the best attended ever.
It was so nice to see people in person again, even if all I could see were their eyes!
Along with catching up with old friends and making new ones, the highlight of the event for me was winning honorable mention at the WriterCon 2020 writing contest for my inspirational short story, “Lilly’s First Christmas”!
As you all know, I love my Yorkie companion, Lilly, and she is a great muse. Writing is difficult. Like any job, it takes hard work and dedication. It also takes a sort of bravery to put myself out there that has taken me over a decade to develop. Often, I still balk at sharing my writing.
According to Paul Gallico, “It is only when you open your veins and bleed onto the page a little that you establish contact with your reader.” In other words, readers connect with vulnerability. When I share lessons I’ve learned through my blog or my devotionals, I’m giving the reader (you) a glimpse into my life—where I’ve failed and where I thrive—in the hope that you will see yourself in my story.
Winning a writing award is validation that I’m on the right track—that I’m sharing appropriately and in a way that connected to my audience of one, the judge. Receiving feedback from you, my readers, is another form of validation.
But I do have to be careful—I don’t want to crave the accolades of man more than I crave the approval of Jesus. Prayer and studying the Bible help me stay centered.
With the approval of Jesus and Lilly as my muse, I pray I’ll continue to share the gospel in a way that connects with others.
Dear Jesus, thank you for offering validation through my writing peers and wonderful readers. Help me stay focused on you so that others will see you through me. Amen.
Staci, thank you. I needed this. In many ways it spoke straight to my heart. I am not a confident person in any way.
My first book, Dianne’s Destiny, won first place in the IDA contest. I would be farther along in my writing journey if I looked at it as validation as you did.
I find myself beginning to take better care of me. I agreed to serve as a delegate for the new OWFI affiliate, CROW. The board meetings only occur quarterly. That allows me to attend the meetings while one or both of my sons can take care of my husband.
Staci, you’re an inspiration. You are deserving of every award and accolade.
Nona, I’m so glad that my post spoke to you! Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s good to hear that you’re taking better care of yourself and finding ways participate in writing groups again. I’m praying for both you and your husband.