I'm heading home today from She Speaks (a writer & speaker conference). Women with a heart to reach the Kingdom through written and spoken words gather together to connect, grow and share for one weekend each year in North Carolina. It's been a breathtaking and life-changing weekend.
I came without expectation. No book to pitch, no plans to prospect for speaking engagements– I came hands open wide and heart ready to receive whatever God would entrust to me. At least I thought I did.
I met up with two of my dearest girlfriends — Melinda Garman and Karen Barrows. We had a couple of days pre-conference for catching up and laughter. We also talked about our upcoming road-trip in the Spring of 2012. Route 66 from Oklahoma City to Santa Monica, California. Yes, Route 66 — the old Mother Road, the road that no longer exists on maps but lives on in the hearts of those who love to travel.
The whole plan is FILLED with FUN! And it will be fun, but God has more for us on that road. He has hearts and stories. The stories from the women who are walking this faith out. Women who are struggling to make it through the day. Women who are suffering and women who are rejoicing. Stories of great joy and stories of sadness.
This weekend I heard just snippets and tiny morsels of stories. And I knew we are all His story. We make up this story.
What started out as a fun way to market my book, God, Grace, and Girlfriends, has turned into something altogether different. It's about the stories. Your story, her story, all those stories. We all have a story and we all need someone willing to listen.
And that's what the Route 66 trip is all about — stories from the Road. I want to hear those stories, but how?
That's my question to you. How can I hear ALL the stories that I'll encounter? Sure, there will be stops and gatherings along the way, but I don't want to miss even ONE word of someone's story. How can that work?
I'm all ears– and I love hearing your ideas.
I don’t really have any ideas for you but I liked your post!
Thanks girl!!
Mary,
It would be lots of reading for you, but what if we wrote out our stories and sent them in to you? Maybe that is crazy? You could give us a idea of what to talk about because we all have so many stories of encounters with Jesus and with the people He puts in our paths and the lessons learned there. I dont know?? Good luck with this one!! God Bless you as you hear from Him on how to proceed. Love you and wanting some more Mary time. I am hoping to get to go somewhere where I can see you this calendar year!! Love Vicki
Sounds great! I was thinking about doing a form on my blog to add your story. I’ll work on that.
If you’re on the road and have an iPhone you can record the stories of people you run into. Kind of like a roving features reporter. Or, you can simply record your recollection of their stories shortly after your conversation while your driving or when you make a pit stop.
Great idea!
Move myself and my family to a home on Route 66. Then you could stop and use the bathroom, and I could feed your chocolate cravings while peppering you with stories from my boring life.
peace~elaine
You are anything but boring! And I’d LOVE to use the bathroom at your house.
Trust me when I tell you that you wouldn’t love to use the bathroom of my house. Boys you know…
~elaine
Sounds like so much fun!!!! I say a video camera….digital, of course.
Oh my – have them write it down. I liked the ideas of recording too. I love seeing things written in people’s own writing. It’s a style all of it’s own, as well as their voice. I’d love to know what you decide.
Do you have a “flip”? Nice little digital video cam.
IPhone/IPad? Droid? Too many new tech gadgets out there to name that can make it easier to capture the moment and be able to retain every detail and every word.
Or even better….you could take me along as your scribe. 🙂 I could shadow you during your convo’s and take it all down for you. 🙂 If I can keep my ADHD in check we should make a great team!
Whatcha think!
Fabulous ideas, all. I love the idea of putting a form on your blog AND recording along the way. Why couldn’t we do both?
And, Elaine, if we’re moving you’re family anywhere, it will be to Texas, where I shall have a pair of boots waiting for you! ;o)