Many years ago, I had to buy a new dress because The Restorer was a finalist for a Christy Award. I didn’t have dressy shoes with heels, so my hubby kindly took the taps off of my shiny black tap shoes and I wore those. I remember being too excited to eat, sitting in a room filled with authors and editors I admired. I had often looked at the list of Christy finalists to build my “to read” pile, knowing that these stories represented quality Christian fiction. To be a part of that legacy was a huge blessing.
Shortly after that, my life changed dramatically. Health issues shrank my world, affected my memory and word-finding ability, cut my functional minutes of each day by ninety percent. When I was able, I tried writing short devotions, and eventually finished the fourth Sword of Lyric book. But I had little hope of ever writing another fantasy series.
A few years ago, my agent encouraged me to draw from my experience in dance to craft a new fantasy world. My imagination lit up, and slowly, tediously, with huge self-doubt, I began the new series.
That’s why my eyes stung with tears when I learned that the first book in that new series, Hidden Current, was recently named a finalist for a Christy. This year, I won’t need my tap shoes, because the award ceremony will be online. But my feelings of gratitude and appreciation are even huger than the first time, along with feeling so honored to be among the other amazing writers.
Joel 2:25 says, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…” (ESV)
God held me close during the locust years, and still does. And holding Hidden Current in print was like touching a miracle. It could not have happened without friends and family who prayed specifically for my writing life. Not just a quick one-time prayer, but faithful prayer support year after year after year when I wasn’t sure I’d ever see a book in print again.
Are you facing locusts of any kind? Or do you have a friend who is being eaten up by illness or broken relationships or poverty? Pray, pray, and pray some more. Our Savior will not only carry us through, but restore what feels lost. He is amazing that way!
Blessings,
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