Branching Out

I never imagined when I started on this writing journey, how much would be involved outside of writing. Things like marketing, promoting, and. . .blogging. It can be a bit overwhelming.

Or it can be exhilarating.

Just this weekend, I spoke to a group of authors about committing themselves to their work. One of the ladies approached me afterward to tell me how inspired she felt. It was then that I realized that while speaking engagements are an important part of marketing my books, they can also be a way of encouraging and witnessing to other writers—a task that I can see God was preparing me for even in high school.

I had a teacher named Barbara Burmeister my freshman year. A very creative woman, Mrs. B, as we called her, loved teaching drama and theater arts. She encouraged me to try out for a school play, from which commenced a four year relationship that often involved her signing me up to speak to women’s clubs and community groups. I did more veteran’s programs and rotary dinners than I can remember. Every time I passed her in the hall she told me about another event she’d enlisted for me. But it wasn’t until this weekend that I appreciated her for it.

“You’re such a confident speaker,” one woman told me. “Thank you so much for sharing your time with us.”

And I thought of Mrs. B.

Right then, I whispered a prayer of thanks for this energetic woman who never let me pass up a chance to speak in front of people. In so doing, she helped the Lord prepare me for what lay ahead.

“If God has called you to write,” I told the ladies this weekend, “then He will equip you to write.” I didn’t add that He would also equip us to market, promote, and speak. I smiled as I drove home from Louisiana, realizing that He even spoke to me through this little class.

I’m no longer afraid of branching out because I know that God has been preparing me for everything He has in store. I may still have an attack of nerves now and again, but what a great blessing to realize I serve an awesome God, one Who has seen and planned all of my days.

And maybe, just maybe, He’ll be able to use me to prepare someone else.