It’s official!! I have it in writing from Thomas Nelson – they want my book , Girlfriends, God, and Grace! What a humbling and overwhelming experience. I’ve known about this sale since the end of 2007, but I still have to pause, take a deep breath and pinch myself. I never doubted God’s call on my life, I just doubted that I was hearing it just right. I think that’s because I love to write and I love girlfriends and to think that God has called me to write about girlfriends – it’s almost too wonderful to believe. God is so good to me that it just knocks my feet right out from under me. I certainly don’t deserve any of these blessings and I certainly don’t think I did this on my own. I know He holds the keys to my future. I’m just amazed at His grace.
I also think the Lord is teaching me a bit about trusting in Him. While I had word that Thomas Nelson wanted the book, I didn’t have a signed contract in my hand and the lack of that contract combined with my overactive imagination sent me into spin. I thought up all kinds stuff – none of it good. I just had to push those bad thoughts out of my head and trust that the Lord had everything handled. Did I mention that I’m a bit of a control freak? I’m learning to let God guide my path – He’s so much better at this then me. Back to the story – so I trusted that He had it all handled and He did. The contract is winging its way across the US right now.
I know God has called me to this work and I’m trusting that what He has called me to He will see me through. There’s a verse that I’m leaning on (actually I have a whole spiral bound index card thingie full of verses, but I’ll just share one today) :
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19.
The hope of His calling!!
How amazing is that and it’s what I cling to – the hope of His calling! He has called me to this work and in Him I will find the ability to do this.
I just still catch myself looking up and saying “are you really sure about this one, Lord?” I usually pause here for dramatic effect and then I launch into all the reasons I’m not the person to do this:
I’ve failed miserably as a friend
I’m not a great writer
I’m just not that funny
I don’t know what to say or how to say it
To all of these, my Lord answers me with patience and assures me that He has called me – no one else – to this work. And this is where I usually fall down in awe. God is so good. I wish I could tell you that this has only happened once – God confirmed the call on my life and I moved on. Nope – this little scenario has played itself out several times – I’m a bit slow to catch on to some things.
So, with contract signed and book in the works, I’m asking all of you who read this blog to pray for me. Pray that I will stay at the feet of Jesus, that I will look to Him for the words I need to write, and that I will stay humble and submitted to this calling.
The hope of His calling….how amazing
Mary,
Just read your email (wrote ya back). Thanks so much for encouraging. I am excited about your book. Your blog is great! Hope we can keep in touch..
Corrie