Tag Archives: calling
A New Decade
Happy New Year. I can’t believe we are well into the new year and a new decade.
Right before the new year stuck, the Lord gave me two verses.
Photo credit: Carrie ~ Creative Commons Flickr
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
“God is with her, she will not fail.” Psalm 46:5 (I bought myself a coffee mug with this on it).
I sensed the Lord encouraging me, as if to say, you are entering a new season.
As I’ve mentioned, it hasn’t been an easy few years for me and my family. Not that anything has changed, but I believe I’ve grown in the spiritual department and I’m grateful for that.
It’s not easy to walk by faith and not by sight. I guess the control freak in me wants to know everything before it happens. Don’t we all? But, God wants us to trust Him in all things, not just some, but ALL.
My situation has given me no other option but to trust Him. I mean, my life is literally in His hands. I lean on Him for everything now because I have no choice. I can’t say I’m any less anxious, but I can say He’s been faithful every step of the way.
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Fear has been the biggest hindrance in my life. It has stopped me from many things. It’s been a stumbling block, roadblock and obstacle, especially with writing. I’m aware all writers are faced with insecurity and fear, but many push through it and actually achieve their dreams.
My fear is paralyzing me from actually doing it because I think others are better than I am and who in the world is going to want to read what I write? There are millions of incredible writers/authors out there. Many have Master’s degrees from elite Ivy League universities. I haven’t even gotten an Associate’s degree. So, how can I even compete, not that I actually want to compete, because I’m not the competitive type. But, you know what I mean.
If there is one thing I would want to overcome in this new year and decade, is this horrible fear, insecurity and comparison trap that prevents me from writing.
I also don’t want to continue chasing other things to avoid doing what I believe the Lord has called me to do which is to write. I’ve been running from it and busying myself with other more productive things to do. But, I’m tired of the start, stop, start, stop. I’m 53 and this is getting old already. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and regret never trying and giving it my all.
The fear of failure is so strong that paralyzes me from writing. The irony is that I wind up failing because I give up. It’s a perpetual cycle that repeats itself over and over again.
I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions, but if I were to have one, it would be to overcome this gigantic monster called fear and write no matter what.
What about you? Is there something you’ve been wanting to do, but you’ve stopped yourself because of fear, insecurity or thinking others are better than you are? If so, please comment below or shoot me an email.
Posted in writing
Also tagged 2020, Cycles, Fear, Fear of failure, New Decade, New Year, Overcoming Fear, Success, Victory, Writing
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Be Original
This generation seems focused on being someone other than themselves. I don’t know if it’s movies, music, social media or all of the above. But people want to be someone they aren’t, instead of being original.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Yes, I am aware of the fact that there is a risk involved in being “yourself”. But why would anyone want to be a carbon copy of someone else?
God created us in His own image. He knit us in our mother’s womb. He made us an original, not a duplicate. There is no other human being on earth like us. That’s powerful.
But, instead of basking in this truth, we try to emulate others.
I’m not going to lie, I’ve struggled with this in certain respects. In that, I was always different. So I struggled with wanting to fit in and be like everyone else, so I wouldn’t stand out.
However, now that I’m older, I see that God didn’t create me to fit in or be like everyone else. He made me different for a reason. He created me to be exactly the way I am, an original.
Artists don’t look at the world around them in the same way as others, which makes them creative. We have our own slant on things, which makes us unique.
There is beauty in uniqueness, and in not being like others. Originality and creativity are attractive qualities to possess. But it takes courage to allow ourselves to be who we truly are.
Think about it? What would it be like if every butterfly you saw looked exactly the same? Wouldn’t that be boring?
Well, the same goes for humans; variety makes life interesting and diverse.
We need to embrace ourselves, and even accept our imperfections, because even our imperfections are unique and original.
Part of living on earth is discovering who we are, what our divine calling, destiny and purpose is. So as we are in the discovery phase, we should allow ourselves to express our unique flair or signature in whatever we do.
We can’t look at what others are doing better than us or more successfully. We have to focus in on honing our own skills, gifts, talents, and all of which encompasses who we are. The discovery process won’t happen if we are too busy comparing ourselves to others around us.
Everyone has their own lane. Take the time to discover yours and be original.
Do you struggle with being you? Do you find yourself becoming discouraged because you compare yourself to others and how well they are doing in comparison to you?
Posted in blogging
Also tagged Accepting ourselves, Artistic, Be Original, Creativity, Embracing Who We Are, God, purpose
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God’s Pen
This morning I had a dream. I was in that in between state, when I heard these words, “You are God’s pen.”
Courtesy of Creative Commons
You would think that at 47, I would have figured out my calling or purpose in life.
Here I am 25 years later attending college at night to pursue my undergraduate degree. I’m working long hours, and writing a novel too. I’m enduring the torturous process of taking remedial math, algebra classes and writing fiction. Yet, when it comes to knowing my major or calling is, I haven’t a clue.
This week I was brainstorming with some colleagues, and one said I should continue writing. The other said perhaps I can study forensic psychology or become a detective. She mentioned I like to research, which is true. I can spend hours researching topics of interest.
I was also thinking about becoming a lawyer, so I could help those who are facing injustice. But at the rate I’m going, I would be over 60 by the time I finish.
This morning I heard, “You are God’s pen.” I have been praying and asking God for guidance and direction. Maybe this is His answer.
But how could I possibly help people by writing and not “doing” something to make a difference?
I love to see God move in people’s lives. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to co-labor with God and see justice prevail. My passion is communicating, bringing awareness and advocating change for those facing injustice.
You see friends, I’m not into doing anything if there isn’t a higher purpose for someone to benefit from. Most writers write because they are satisfied with just writing as an art form. Don’t get me wrong, I love art. But, there is something deeper that’s propelling me. The purpose of writing for me has to be more than just making art, or for entertainment.
I am half way through my life. I don’t feel like I have much time left to be putzing around. I pray God makes it clear as to what He wants me to do and shows me the way.
Do you think writing can make a difference and change things? In what ways? Please explain in the comment section below.
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith, prayer, writing
Also tagged career, College major, direction, God's pen, guidance, purpose, selection
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Ordinary Servant: Extraordinary Gift
I am pleased to introduce Dayna Renee Hackett Bickham who is guest posting today. I met Dayna through the Michael Hyatt Platform Book Launch Team. I have been following her blog, A Year in the Spiritual Life for some time now. Dayna is a great writer and a spirit-filled, godly woman who I am blessed to know. Please follow her blog or on Twitter and Facebook.
“We are all pencils in the Hand of God.” – Mother Teresa
I have always loved writing in all its forms. When I was a child a pencil and paper were two of my favorite things. I would look at a blank page as a challenge and my mind would kick into overdrive to come up with a creative way to fill it up.
I am made in my Father’s image. He “page” is the tablet of men’s (and women’s) hearts. I am His pencil.
So are you.
You are designed.
Each of us is designed by God with a purpose in mind. Our everyday, walking around, take the kids to the mall, change that diaper on the fly, make dinner and look fabulous while you do, lives are not our own to live.
We are made to live for our Father: to show His love to others. We were made to write on the tablets of people’s hearts the love of Christ and awaken in them the desire to love God in return.
God is a Master Maker. He made the universe, all the galaxies, and you and me. Like the psalmist David, I have looked at the stars and asked “who am I, that you are mindful of me”?
You are made for a reason.
You are an ordinary servant with an extraordinary gift to give the world. God made you for a reason.
I cannot reach inner city kids, but one of you can. You are that pencil. I cannot minister to men in prison, but one of you can. YOU are that pencil. I cannot preach on distant shores, but one of you can. YOU are THAT pencil.
There are diverse gifts and callings. Not all of us can do everything. When you find that thing God made you for, then you will know just how extraordinary His plan is for you.
Are you ready?
You are an ordinary servant with an extraordinary gift. You are a pencil in the Hand of God. Are you allowing Him to use you? Are you sharp and up for the task? Are you willing to own your mistakes before people and bask in God’s grace when He erases your sin?
You are a pencil in the Hand of a Master Maker, what better way to create a beautiful work of art in this world than to be used by God?
What is one way you can write on someone’s heart today?
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith
Also tagged Dayna Bickham, gifts, Mother Teresa, ordinary servant, pencil in the hand of God, purpose
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