“Set a goal SO BIG that you can’t achieve until you grow into the person who can.” – Unknown
For as long as I can remember my dream was to become a writer. What does that look like? Why a writer? To be honest, I never thought beyond those words. I just knew that I had to write. It was in the doing that purpose would show up. I guess if I looked behind the curtain (my wall of insecurity), I would admit that I wanted to be published. I wanted my words to matter – to make a difference in someone’s life. A communicator after all needs at least one other person to validate their existence.
To move this dream forward I would need more clarity – but then that would assume I believed I was worth reading. I would have to believe in myself.
Counterfeit Writer
Lacking the self-confidence and the courage to embark on the writer’s journey, I did the next best thing. I read and collected books. My library was impressive. I attended a few writers’ conferences – returning with an armload of how to launch your writing career books. Every so often I would sit at Barnes and Noble and browse the Writers Magazines. It was still all make-believe.
Writing occurred in the private realm of my journals until the day I ventured out of my comfort zone into the world of blogging and social media. This soon became my new safe space. At the time I had not been published therefore my belief: I’m not a “real” writer yet.
Others Began to Notice
I was asked to write for an online leadership magazine. A volunteer position – no pay involved. More online opportunities surfaced. Still, I did not believe.
Asked to contribute to a book – a collection of articles. I was now in print! Still, I did not believe.
I picked up a number of followers on social media. Still, I did not believe.
And then God happened…
Catapulted! Out of my Comfort Zone
July 2016 – I attended my first Speak Up Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Click here to read my blog post recapping that event.). At that conference I stepped out of my own way and moved over to the God lane. It finally registered that I had been trying to write with only my skill set. God was ready to equip me to write for His purposes and not mine. I walked out of that conference a writer.
Ridiculously Committed
July 1, 2020 – in the middle of a pandemic – I have stepped it up. I am not only a writer; I actually write! I’ve challenged myself to write daily for 90 days on my Called To Action Blog. This is my #6 of 90 post. I also write weekly for Chispa Magazine. The Speak Up Conference has gone virtual this year. Starting this Wednesday as I like to say, “I’ll be with my people.” My 4th Speak Up conference, I’ll be networking with and learning from fellow writers, speakers and ministry leaders. It’s time to dust off and finish my first manuscript as the Lord leads. If not now, when?
Not About Me
Do you have a BIG God dream – one that can only be achieved with His help? Have you accepted your worth? Taken ownership in your part of the dream? Perhaps like me you’ve built your own dream look alike – your counterfeit. Perhaps you’ve put a but on your accomplishments, because they don’t look the way you expect.
God impressed upon me that, “Someone is waiting for you to show up in the fullness of your calling.” What was I waiting for? Who is waiting for you?
It’s quite possible that these words will serve to plant a seed or better yet, catapult someone out of their comfort zone and into God’s purpose. Wouldn’t that be great? But God says that’s none of my business. My job is to be obedient and do the work – plant the seeds – He takes care of the results.
I invite you to join me on this Ridiculously Committed Life Adventure! Yes?
Helping You Be You
Photo by Tegan Mierle
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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