May 16, 2017

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone by Nina Faye Morey


I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
~ Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

For many years, I wrote mainly for my own personal pleasure. I’d had a few poems and other pieces published in the Western Producer’s “Young Co-operator’s Club” as a teenager. But, as I grew older, other things in life took precedence over my dream of becoming a published writer.

Then in 2004, God nudged me out of my comfort zone. I felt a sudden urge to see if I could actually get my writing published in newspapers and magazines. With time swiftly passing, I decided I had to try now if I was ever going to see that dream fulfilled. So I stepped out in faith and submitted my first article to a farm publication.


First Article I Wrote, Submitted to and Published by Grainews

What God wants, God enables. Shortly after, the editor called to talk with me about revising and resubmitting my article. She assured me she was interested and stated the deadline to resubmit it. I did as she requested, and it was accepted! Thus, my first article, “Is Santa Claus Real?” was published in Grainews in December 2004. That was followed by several other articles, short stories, and poems published in Grainews, The Manitoba Co-operator, The Prairie Messenger, The Canadian Messenger, The Prairie Journal, FellowScript, and Write On!

Some of My Stories Published in The Canadian Messenger

Soon the finger of God pointed me in another direction. I submitted a couple of pieces that were accepted by a Christian anthology. When Sheila Webster dropped by to deliver my copies of InScribe’s 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers in the summer of 2015, she offered me the position of columns editor for FellowScript magazine. I’d become comfortable as a writer—but an editor? Could I do that? I had no previous editing experience! I asked why she’d chosen me. She explained she’d been impressed by the grammar and writing skills I’d displayed in articles I’d submitted and published through some FellowScript Writing Contests and assignments I’d submitted for the FellowScript Free Writing Course she’d offered in 2015.

First Devotional and First Anthology

It wasn’t long before the hand of God nudged me out of my comfort zone once more. Sheila asked me to consider taking over as FellowScript’s editor-in-chief, expressing again her faith in my ability. At first, I accepted. Then I got cold feet and declined. She persisted; I vacillated some more. Sheila was determined and patient, reassuring me that I had the skills required. Finally, I succumbed to her persuasive powers when she promised to be available to help me if needed for the first couple of issues. But she was confident I’d be fine on my own. I’m not really sure how she knew, although I believe God had placed that assurance in her heart.

However, fear still gripped my heart. Was I really ready to step into Sheila’s shoes? What if I wasn’t up to the task? I had to remind myself of the lesson I’d previously learned—sometimes you just have to step out in faith and tackle opportunities, despite your fears. I’d already done that several times. So once again I stepped up to the plate, taking on the challenge of becoming FellowScript’s editor-in-chief. 
First Magazine as Editor

God was right! Sheila was right! “You took to it like a duck to water,” she remarked later. So I’ve discovered I’m capable of editing a magazine, and I’m feeling comfortable in that role now. I thoroughly enjoy being FellowScript’s editor-in-chief and trust God will continue to give me the ability and strength needed to carry out this special assignment He’s given me.

I can’t wait to cross the next stepping stone He places on my writing path!


Photo Credits: © 2017 Nina Faye Morey


8 comments:

  1. We're so glad you listened to God's prompt!

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    1. Thank you, Tracy! I've learned over the years that when God prompts me to do something, it's important that I listen. It seems that He never gives me more than I am able to handle.

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  2. We all need to have the verse you quoted from Philippians stamped on our foreheads, so that we can read it as we greet one another. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.~ Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

    You are a living testament to this. Thank you for answering the call to be editor-in-chief and thanks for your good work in this role, Nina.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Sharon. That Philippians verse is one that I find myself repeating often. So many things in life often appear to be insurmountable challenges. But when you have God by your side, you find that you truly can conquer your fears and do anything that you set your mind to.

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  3. Thanks for sharing, Nina.

    It is wonderful to hear and see how God is working in and through you. I just received the latest copy of FellowScript. Great Job! Thanks for being faithful to God's calling in your life :)

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    1. Thank you, Ruth. It's great to hear that you are enjoying your copy of FellowScript. I am so glad that Sheila convinced me to try my hand at editing the magazine. It has turned out to be a great source of enjoyment and blessing for me, and I hope others feel the same way about the magazine, too. I've learned that it is wise to listen to God's promptings because He always has great things in store for me if I am willing to step out of my comfort zone and put my faith and trust in Him.

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  4. Sheila was right! God was right! - So true, Nina! You are doing a great job. I love reading FellowScript! It's exciting to hear how God has been working in your life, Nina. Press on.
    Pam M.

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  5. Thanks, Pam! It's so great to hear that you love reading FellowScript. Having a wonderful pool of writers, such as yourself, to draw from really helps make my job as editor a whole lot easier.

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