I Laughed

“Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches.” Rev. 1:11

Back in 2002, I was running along a mountain path when God called me into writing. At first I laughed, then I realized He was serious. I knew I needed to get to work. Because, there, standing before God was a dyslexic woman who could not spell. So, I began writing short stories, my testimony, Bible lessons, and I filled many folders with ideas. 

When I believed I had compiled “my best work,” I went to my first writer’s conference. How does one sum up a weekend of great disappointment? By crying and binge eating of course. Wanting to put down or throw away the bane of my existence—my pen—I was reminded that man plans his ways, but God directs his path.

I would slowly continue to write.

Years later I found myself once again at yet another writer’s conference, this time with a "real gem," a story I believed to be quite publishable. Again—only to be disillusioned.

As I received my manuscript from the sweet, yet, foreboding hands of the editor, I knew that I would cry and binge eat soon. I was right. But this time I’d go to the bookstore and shop instead of eat. 

As I carried my Kleenex and dabbed away the silently falling tears, I found myself holding the sweetest little twisted cross, an identifiable reminder of Jesus’ love for me. It was not His fault they rejected my book. He loved me. This was all on me. Apparently, writing looked like a fool's errand.

As I pulled the cross away from its peg, I saw a Bible verse toward the back. Curious, I looked it up, and again was called into writing—

“Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches.” Rev. 1:11

Humbled to be on a path I felt I had no right to be on, I submitted to my Father’s calling.

As I was purchasing my cross, I mentioned to the clerk that I liked the Bible verse behind the cross. I mentioned how it really touched me and encouraged me to continue on my writing path. I probably gave her way too much information.

She looked at me dumbfounded and said, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

We walked over to the jewelry stand, and I showed her.  "See the card behind the crosses--Rev. 1:11?"

She said, “Oh, that’s not Revelation 1:11, that’s revision January 11th. It’s when we restock our inventory. But use whatever God gives you. I’m glad He spoke to you.”

He did indeed. God took this dyslexic woman and helped me publish my first book, But God: Seeing everyday life with a different perspective.

How is God using you? What are you laughing at because it seems ridiculous to pursue? If God is leading, are you following?

Father,

Thank You for Your tenacious love for Your children. Thank You for walking with all of us, training us, and transforing us into an image of Yourself. Thank You for not giving up on us and for leading us on Your path of right doings. Thank You for taking time to teach us how to listen and obey. We need these reminders often. Thank You for putting people who walk with us as mentors and encouragers at Your perfect timing.

Help us to continue to surrender all to You daily--for one victory does not make a legacy. We need You every hour of every day.

Your children love You. Help us to deepen that love as we learn to obey You, in Jesus' name.

Amen.