Unleashing the Lion ~ Valerie Ronald

Our neighbor’s new puppy grew quickly into a mature German Shepherd dog, purebred, high strung, yet often chained and ignored in their backyard. Elsa became frustrated and aggressive without proper obedience training and attention. One day as I was walking to my car, she bolted past the legs of her owner at the open door and ran right at me barking furiously, teeth bared, hackles raised. I threw my hands up and shouted at her, which made her stop in her tracks, giving the neighbor just enough time to grab her by the collar before she lunged at me. The encounter left me shaken. For days afterwards I carried a broom when I left the house, ready to defend myself from an unrestrained dog.

Unleashing an unpredictable force can lead to unexpected consequences.

At this point in my writing journey I see myself trying to control a lion of a story which, if unleashed, could grab me by the throat at any moment and shake me violently. Fear of unknown consequences often keeps me from giving the story freedom to be told. Yet at the same time, this story is the writing dream God makes quite clear He wants me to pursue.

What if the writing dream I’ve been given scares as much as it excites?

What if unleashing the dream releases painful remembrances of emotional trauma and pain?

What happens when my fingers are hesitant to unclasp the leash, yet the dream continues to strain against its restrictions, eager to be free?

I must be honest in admitting that I come to this dream reluctantly. It does not fill me with pleasure to chronicle the details of how I almost disappeared when I was married to a sociopath. I do not want to revisit the years of neglect, lies, betrayal and emotional abuse. Those painful times are in the past. God has since worked a healing in my heart and life, for which I am incredibly grateful. But the scars still twinge when I recall how they came to be there, and the memories stir up echoes of the deep pain of those heart wounds.

So what do I do with this dream that will not let me go? There must be a purpose in it.

God sometimes gives me glimpses of the lion set free and what it can accomplish for Him. Lions are dangerous animals but they have a place in the scheme of nature which no other animal can fulfill. Jesus was given the title the “Lion of the tribe of Judah”(Rev. 5:5), depicting Him with the majesty and strength of a lion, “mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.” (Prov. 30:30)

Because this lion of a dream is given by God, then I must not retreat before the distracting strategies of the enemy, who would like nothing better than to see it die unfulfilled. In obedience I must go forward.

I am learning to look at this daunting task from God’s perspective. When I view writing about my difficult experiences as a way to help others suffering at the hands of a sociopath, it takes on a purpose far outweighing my own discomfort. It helps me to think of it as God’s story, told within the context of my own. Only His intimate care, love and protection saw me through those dark days. He is the hero whose presence is woven into every detail of my story. I believe its purpose is to offer hope to others trapped as I was, hope only He can give. Because Jesus saw me through the dark valley, He can do the same for them. So I pray for the fortitude to set aside my own past pain and unleash this lion of a story, then see what unexpected consequences God will bring about.

When God created me in Christ Jesus, He had good works prepared in advance for me to do. (Eph. 2:10 NIV) I have it in writing that such confidence is mine through Christ before God, not that I am competent in myself to claim anything for myself, but my competence comes from God. (my paraphrase of 2 Cor. 3:4-5) God gives assurance in His Word that when doubts arise I am to remember that His Spirit lives within me to help realize the dream He has given. My part is to respond in faith and obedience.

Is anything impossible for God? Can feelings of inadequacy or fear tether the Lion when His power is limitless and His purposes have teeth?

“Aslan is a lion --- the Lion, the great Lion.”

“Ooh”, said Susan. “I thought he was a man. Is he --- quite safe?’

“Safe? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king, I tell you!”

~ C. S. Lewis – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Small Steps Can Cause Huge Changes by Wendy L. Macdonald

 This month’s writing prompt is a pleasure to respond to because even though I’m still puzzled about which manuscripts I’m supposed to try to publish, I have been heeding God’s nudges to continue taking small steps regarding my writing life.

Small steps can cause huge changes. 

Whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much ... Luke 16:10 NIV 

I’m practicing one of my small steps as I write the first draft of this blog post. Instead of answering emails first, I’m using this early morning time to write while my mind is at it’s freshest. Mornings are best because no one interrupts me. I can dig deep into the ink well of inspiration.

Another small step I’ve taken is to cut back on the social media posts I do. It has freed up time for me to write and edit my own blog posts for wendylmacdonald.com. Now I have more time to work on my bigger writing projects too. Plus, the time I do allow myself to engage on social media has been more enjoyable since I have more energy to focus on others. 

Engagement is more rewarding than posting—in so many ways.

I’m an introvert. It may not seem like it when I’m out and about because I often speak a slew of sentences. But it’s nervous chatter for the most part. I prefer it when I listen more and say less. My introversion often stops me from entering contests. But I need more feedback on two of my projects; therefore, I heeded the nudge to brave up; I entered them. The responses I get will help me decide whether to set them aside and switch my focus elsewhere. I’ve also braved joining a critique group for nonfiction writers. This is a small step that will reap huge changes for my writing. 

I’m keeping all my writing doors open. And I’m praying God opens and closes them according to His will for me. I’m a lousy guesser at what His plans are. So much about my life is not how I guessed or hoped it would be. 

But I have to admit my unexpected journey has taught me so much more about God’s grace and goodness than if I’d lived the kind of life I wanted in the first place: 

• God makes us richer for the losses we’ve suffered.
• Faith doesn’t shine until it’s been refined.
• The Lord uses the lean times in our lives to make our souls richer in Jesus Christ.  

I’m nosy-to-know if you’ve noticed small steps can cause huge changes in ones writing life?

P.S. I recently wrote a blog post about progress for writers here: The Pilgrim's Progress for Writers

Blessings ~ Wendy Mac   

You Know You Can By Vickie Stam

I can remember a time when I had a strong desire to watch a 'spine-chiller' on the big screen. As soon as one was advertised on television; I was hooked. I wanted to go. No matter how long the line up, I refused to leave until I was certain the tickets were sold out. But I wasn't alone. Being with someone made it easy to persevere. Nasty rain pellets couldn't dampen our spirits nor shivering in the blistering cold. Nothing could keep us away.

It was the experience of terror that I enjoyed. Sitting in the dark with my popcorn in hand I could feel my heart racing long before the opening credits started to roll and when they did I knew I was in for a chilling ride.

The eerie background music almost always set the tone that something frightening was about to happen. I quickly set my popcorn down and waited; not with eyes wide open but with eyes shut and hands shielding them so not even a trickle of horror could seep through. Other moments I cupped my hands over my ears hoping to drown out the blood curdling screams. I saw what I needed to see and heard what I needed to hear. The entire time my heart was leaping inside my chest but when I was caught off guard I jumped sending pebbles of popcorn everywhere. Afterwards, I laughed. I loved every minute of it!

So, why did I rush to see something that raised the hair on my arms? Why did I choose to witness something that left me clutching the sides of my seat in terror? Because I loved being caught in the grip of fear. I enjoyed the element of surprise. Imagine if all these years later I could say the same thing when I'm faced with the fears of writing.

"I love every minute of it." "I love being afraid."

Too bad that watching a scary flick and putting words down on paper do not bring about the same fears. The techniques I used while watching a 'spine-chiller' are not the most affective tools to use when it comes time to writing. Covering my eyes and ears simply isn't productive.

What I do know is that all those years ago I embraced something I enjoyed. I didn't care what anyone thought. I was having a good time. If I apply that same strategy to my writing I'm bound to produce something incredible simply because "I love every minute of it!"

Sure, I need to remind myself why it is that I write, especially when my fears are trying to convince me that I'm not good enough, that no one will like what I've written and no one will want to read it. The list could go on.

I realize that not all fear is bad. It teaches me to persevere. It tests me; calling on me to do my best. So when I feel my fears creeping up on me.... I'm glad that I'm not alone. I'm glad that I have friends and family who encourage my pleasure for writing. "Keep writing! they say...Don't stop! Don't be afraid! You can do it! You know you can!"

Psalm 118:6 "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Running Towards Fear by Gloria Guest

I have run smack, head on into the obstacle called fear many times in my life and I have to admit that a lot of those times I chose flight over fight. It has been no different when it has come to writing. Fear has been a barrier to me in my writing ever since I first realized that I had the ability because with that ability, came the realization that other people could read what I wrote and criticize or judge me. In my years working as a reporter I dealt with it on a daily basis and did learn to take a deep breath and get it done. However, in my own personal writing the fear has been harder to get over.

Team Work

When I think about how to deal with that fear I think about an obstacle course that my son participated in when he was going through training at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. Each trooper was placed on a team that trained for weeks in preparation for the competition. The course was gruelling with many challenging, timed obstacles. However the pièce de résistance was the twelve foot wall that the troops had to climb over without the use of a rope. There is even a sculpture on the grounds of the College dedicated to this obstacle entitled, ‘to overcome.’ My son’s troop practiced this particular obstacle diligently.

Pulling the last man up and over!

On the day of the event my husband and I followed our son’s team around the course, cheering them on. Finally they came to the Wall. I stared at its formidable height not sure that they were up for the challenge. I was about to be amazed.  The first two troopers climbed up on others shoulders and hoisted themselves atop the wall. Then they leaned down and gave a hand up to the next ones climbing up off of other’s shoulders. The last person had to take a mighty run, jump at the wall and grab onto a hand offered by someone who was himself hanging onto another. It was quite the feat but within a short time they were over. Their team didn't win the obstacle course, but they were proclaimed the fastest troop over the wall! They were true over-comers and it was all due to practice and diligence.

In military training they are taught to run towards fear; to choose to run towards the very obstacle standing in the path between them and victory. And the only way that lesson is learnt is through repetitive training and discipline.

There are so many analogies from that obstacle course that can be applied to my own fears when I write. I face obstacles. I want to get over them and be victorious whether it’s posting a blog or publishing an article or book. I can only do so with diligence and repetitive training. And sometimes, as in the case of the wall, it takes team work and a hand up. It could be from an editor, a mentor or friend.

Ultimately though, it is the hand of God that reaches down from that obstacle and offers me His hand. He encourages me to run towards my fear and take a leap of faith that He will be there for me.

I will overcome.

Shouldn’t I be writing something more serious? - Ramona Heikel

The writing that I do for personal enjoyment, with no intention of anyone else reading it or publishing it, is delightful and energizing for me.  Writing what I “should” be writing, however, is often less motivating, and more like hard work.

When I was around ten years old, I started writing poems and stories.  The poems were light, sometimes with a bit of humor, and the stories were usually one of two types.  I often wrote fantasies of the perfect life, which, at that young age, included having a cat (at that time, no matter how much I begged, I couldn’t have a cat) or the exciting adventures my cat experienced when it ran away.  I also wrote about having my own adventures, full of suspense and danger, sometimes with an element of science fiction or fantasy.  I love humor, and sometimes wrote silly tall tales.  As a teenager, I wrote little romances, and ever since then have enjoyed writing about relationships.

I’ve always enjoyed trying to put my impressions and thoughts into words, and love the rhythm, rhyme and imagery of poetry.  I originally wrote rhyming lines about everyday happenings and objects (one was “A Woman’s Pocketbook”), nature, and even Bible stories.  Once I wrote the lyrics and music for a short little song about the beauty and peace of nature.   

Of all the variety of pieces that I pen, these kinds make me come alive inside.  I can relate to what the missionary Eric Liddell said in the movie “Chariots of Fire” about his athletic talents, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” They say that people excel at the things they enjoy doing, and that must hold some truth because most of the works that I’ve had published are the things I love to write the most. 

But shouldn’t I be writing something more serious?  Something more overtly spiritual with obvious eternal value?  Several times, I’ve run across comments by respected classic authors of the faith who pointed to Christian fiction writing as evidence that society’s spiritual fervor is cooling.  Yet at the same time, I am certain that even fun or romantic writing changes lives and opens hearts to the true God.  But I’m just not entirely sure, and it often bothers me.

What to do?  I just continue to write, and trust in His faithfulness to guide me into his will.

Posted by Ramona

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