"You should write a book!" I have heard that so many times over the past few years. Honestly, the book has been in me for many more years than that. The book is my life message. It is what I was meant to communicate. It has been years in the making... years in the writing... and now, as of yesterday, the book proposal (not the completed manuscript!) is in the hands of two publishers, two literary agents and two first-time publishers networks. Oddly, I have mixed feelings about it today. I feel exposed (even though no-one has actually read it yet!). I feel inadequate to fully communicate this amazing life message (I keep thinking of things to add... as I edit and re-work this month... the book could double in size!). I feel like I am getting ready to cross a line that I have been moving toward since the time of my suicide attempt and the beginning of my recovery. I also have a bit of fear. Lately, the more I step up and share my story, the more criticism and rejection come my way. I will need strength for the professional feedback that I get from the agents and publishers. I am not a professional writer so I expect this feedback, I just don't want the message to get lost in all!
As I sit with these feelings, the song that keeps playing in my head is Philips, Craig and Dean singing "Your Grace Still Amazes Me". It is overwhelming to think that out of all of my mess, wounds, poor choices, manipulations, hurts, that the Father has brought out this powerful message of LIFE! As the song says... all I can do is offer Him my praise.
So... praise the Lord with me and pray that His will be done. At the end of January, I will have the book finished and will decide about self-publishing (based on the responses or lack thereof).
Happy New Year to all of you!
Thought for the day
He did it all for me!
About Me
- Pastor Bob
- I am celebrating life at age 50 with my wife Terri of 31 years, my 5 children and my wonderful church, Old Dominion Baptist (don't let the name fool you!)
14 comments:
Good luck! (Are you allowed to use "luck" when talking to a pastor?) Anyway, I'll be praying for you.
Also, if you need an editor, that's what I do. Don't hesitate to ask.
Annie (Janda)
Praying for you, Pastor Bob, as you go through the publication process, and as you take this time to relax, reflect, revive and restore your body, soul and spirit.
I am confident of this! He who has begun His good work in you will bring it to completion. Praying for you and your family. Happy New Year!
Huge Congratulations on your new blog! I'm going to blog it on mine. God bless you in all that you do. I can't wait until your writing gets out there for others to enjoy.
How many million dollars did you say God could provide to the church? Hmmm....I am seeing that book fly off the shelves...
You are a true warrior for Christ and I pray for you daily. I will go to battle with you at a moments notice. Love ya!
HI Pastor Bob:
You are on the front-lines of God's message, so you're squarely in the enemy's sites. I know the enemy doesn't want your message out, because I've seen the power it has with my friends and family! As your work comes closer to fruition, those attacks from the enemy will surely continue--so put on the full armor of God and keep moving forward!
If I had any guess, the feelings you are having our more than normal, they're probably to be
expected. Most people have some sort of "uh-oh" moment as their life work becomes more tangible for others to see, look at, share, and even ridicule to some extent.
For some reason, it's also human nature for some people to point fingers at someone that is doing something. Many times "doers" find themselves in the sites of cynics, those who would rather ridicule, and pessimists who would rather see someone like you fail in order to get pleasure of their own flesh. As for the publishers and agents, they'll be focused on selling books (in other words, getting the word out to as many people as possible!!) That's not a bad thing, and I doubt that they will change your message to the point where it's not what God wants you to tell people.
Keep reaching out to your true friends and those who believe your message! And keep moving, God has a plan and you are his instrument in this!
I'll keep praying for you!
Brian
I miss you.
Hey P.Bob,
We're praying for you!!! You know HIS message of life and grace is in you!!! So, it's gonna come out somehow-through your book, a song, your preaching, or with a group for coffee at Starbucks! However God chooses to use your book, more people will hear the message of life and grace and that's COOL.
Thanks for taking risks and being willing to be rejected for HIM. Garvisa (for John too) I know he'd agree if he was here with me.
Hey Pastor Bob,
Good thing you know how to cast all the worries and anxiety on HIM or you might stress out a bit!
God completes everything He starts, and He'll complete this, too. I learned that at church.
God bless you and give you peace.
Kathy Rachford
When Wycliffe Translaters are almost ready to publish a new translation, opposition in their personal lives mounts. This has nothing to do with them personally, or a work God is doing in them to "perfect" them, but everything to do with the victory at hand. The blood is your weapon against any type of rejection. It got you through your worst moments and it is your victory today and always. The enemy is very, very afraid. But rejection has no power over you...that is a defeated foe. The life of God in you can be spotted a mile away because of that! You are adequate, accepted, just absolutely fine and dandy, and on track for a major victory!
Nancy Weldon
PB
Keep up the good work! It must be a great message God is sharing through you if bouts of fear are coming. Fear - FALSE Evidence Appearing Real.
Don't feel defeated, even if a publisher says NO. God has done a mighty work in and through you and Terri, He's hardly finished. MORE GLORY IS COMING, I KNOW IT!
In all the CD's I'm listening to from Glorieta Writing Conference most of them warn writers not to feel defeat.
That is their profession, like being a great pastor and counselor is yours. If they offer suggestions, perhaps there is an even GREATER VISION that God is stretching here. They KNOW what will sell and how. If they say no, then I BELIEVE that God is just going to redirect you on a path where HE KNOWS it's going to get the absolute BEST EXPOSURE TO BRING MORE GLORY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD in CHOOSING LIFE!
I PRAISE GOD for the GLORY HE BROUGHT FORTH through you and Terri to be so willing to serve Him to help us. We just keep going from GLORY TO GLORY !
Now don't forget me when I'm sitting in your shoes blogging and feeling the same. Truth is stepping into the unknown is scary...PRAISE GOD we are not alone.
We miss you so much, but are thankful to our Lord He provides you rest and sitting at His feet.
ENJOY, REST and get writing!
JOY
PBob ... I pray God's richest refreshment on your sabattical (sp?) and for His clarity on the decisions about the book. If it were up to me, I would emphatically say YES but I have either been accused of being the Holy Spirit or not having the HS enough times to just leave that one alone. :) God bless and enjoy.
Eric in England
Dear Brother Bob: I like that you are my brother through Christ. It great to be related to such wonderful people!
I'm studying Numbers this week and I'm amazed there is so much to see and learn. Early on we see this census taken of over 600,000 men "able to go into battle." But of course, although they are numbered and given the assignment, they never follow God into battle in Canaan. My mentor/teacher said, "We still enter God's promised land the same way - by Belief and Battle."
So, take heart, big brother. Belief and Battle - I have no doubt in my mind that there will be plenty of both. There are, in fact, giants in the land - but, oh, Bob - how big and awesome is our God. He is sovereign in this too. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!
My prayers and thoughts are with you and Terri. Pray on, pray on.
In Christ Alone,
LaDonna
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