This may be one of the fastest blogs I’ve ever posted. I wouldn’t normally write this fast, but I’ve listened to about 30 book pitches today as faculty at Mount Hermon, and I’ve got worship to lead in the morning….
I always have an amazing time here. And it’s always because of the new writer friends. I’ve posted about the essential value of writing friends before. But this week I got to share with the whole group all at once. And it has made it such an amazing time.
If you were misunderstood in your life, or ever felt alone and uninteresting to those around you. If people ever thought they knew you or put you in a box. If you reserved yourself out of habit, or spent years hoping someone would see you, not look down on you, not make you someone you’re not, or expect you to perform, change, lead, speak up, or set an example…then you know some of what makes a writer.
Now imagine all those things being shared, accepted, and known. Imagine complete freedom to be unboxed together in a big community. And imagine if you got to lead the opening ceremonies to the week by talking about your favorite thing: the path of freedom for Christian writers.
You’d probably be having a pretty great week too.
This will be a short post because I’m exhausted and yet I’m not spent. I’ve reserved myself and been able to retreat to solitude this year with a private room–which is the absolute best thing in the world right now, hands down. I’m not spent because I’m not spending so much as investing. I will see this time bear fruit.
And I know because I’ve seen it so many times. Years pass and some people leave forever. But the ones who come back? They swell my heart with such pride and gratitude. They’ll take what I’ve sown and use it to grow. And I’ll have had a hand in some amazing stories all because God made me to enjoy words and books and the people who make them.
Friends, you are those people. You are those people to me, and you are those people to others. So be those connectors in your circles today and let me know how it goes for you. I’m just amazed at how all the stories I’ve heard today can blend into one big story of what God is doing to unite us and draw all things to himself.
And to all my new writer friends, the dream is alive. I can’t wait to see you again.
For the Higher Purpose,
Mick
YAY! So glad you are bursting with this excitement. I know you are blessing so many, and receiving blessing, what a great place to be. Praying the rest of your time there is filled with all God has for you and all those who have also come with open hands to receive the amazing gifts He can’t wait to give.
If you could see hearts, mine would have a huge silly smile. Thanks for getting it, my friend.
Thank you Mick. It is an honor to be your friend and to benefit from your wise counsel. I know the people at Mt. Hermon are incredibly blessed by your ministry. Blessings on your week.
The horor is all mine, Gigi. I mean the honor. :) I’m a bit punchy at this point. But I hope to bless as many as I can before I fall down…. Thank you so much.
Amen, Mick. Personally, I benefited greatly from your friendship and advice. My book http://www.TheLastApostle.com is doing great. I know that the advice and encouragement you gave me years back made a huge difference.
Glad that you’re in a position to do the same for many others. You never know who you’ll touch.
Dennis, that’s such great news! Thank you, brother. And congratulations! You’ve earned it!
I am so grateful for the time you spent with me today. Thank you.
So grateful for the time too. It’s always a pleasure with you.
Thank you Mick for all your help at the conference and I look forward to working with you on my manuscript. What a wonderful conference. As a first-timer, I was amazed at how many people were there to guide and help us as writers.
“If you were misunderstood in your life, or ever felt alone and uninteresting to those around you. If people ever thought they knew you or put you in a box. If you reserved yourself out of habit, or spent years hoping someone would see you, not look down on you, not make you someone you’re not, or expect you to perform, change, lead, speak up, or set an example…then you know some of what makes a writer.”
Mick, this autism-mama shouts AMEN. God bless you.
… and the boxed-in Asian daughter, worship leader’s wife, and deaconess… they all shout AMEN, too.