I’m starting to get to know some of you through the comments here at LYWB, and I’m falling in love. I think we’re witnessing the next generation of Christian thinkers and world changers cutting their teeth—learning truth, developing compassion, and growing in devotion to the gospel. Which tells me something: People are going to need to hear your stories—maybe even in book form. That’s why, when I was recently asked this question on LifeLoveandGod.com, I immediately thought of sharing my thoughts with you too:
“Ever since reading your book ‘Crushed,’ I’ve realized that I have a similar passion for helping young girls going through middle school and high school grow confident as daughters of the King of kings. I would love to be a Christian writer and speaker. Do you have any advice for getting a career like yours started?”
So in honor of her question and all the budding LYWB writers out there, here are my top six suggestions for hopeful writers and speakers:
1. “Writers write.”
That was some of the best advice my writing prof, Dr. Jack Simons, gave us college dreamers. Whether you get paid for it or not, you need to write lots of words. Mostly because the first two-hundred-thousand-or-so stink. So you have to get those out of the way, whether in your journal or a blog or scribbled onto fast food napkins. The more you write, the better you’ll become.
2. Incidentally, speakers speak.
(I know—I’m brilliantly original.) Don’t worry about ten years from now. Just be willing to share God’s love and the good news in whatever platform He makes available to you—whether a youth group, club, big stage, or small platform.
3. Get used to detours.
And road blocks, and complete changes of plans for that matter. I might have an idea how I think things should go, but if I’ve surrendered my life to God, I have to be willing to let Him change my course, whether the destination is a spotlight or obscurity. In fact, I don’t know many Christian authors or speakers who set out to do it. Like Paula writes about in this post, more often getting published is a detour—a “plan B” that God makes “plan A.” Be available, and let God decide where He can best use you. He always knows best. You can trust Him with your life!
4. Love and serve the people in front of you.
God doesn’t give us personalized career paths in Scripture, but He does call us to love and serve the people around us. If you’re drawn to teens, share God’s love with the kids in your church’s youth group, or host a small group Bible study. Some of my favorite ministry moments happened with a group of eight girls in our tiny apartment living room! That one-on-one relationship you build with the people around you is kingdom work at its finest. Never let publishing a book become your marker of success (this is a great post about that).
5. “You worry about the depth of your ministry, and let God take care of the breadth.”
That’s a gem author Dannah Gresh shared with me, and God has been massaging that wisdom deeper and deeper into my heart. I love this video from Mike Donehey (lead singer of Tenth Avenue North) called Get Smaller. We have to fight the temptation to want a bigger stage, and instead spend our energy on making what we do matter for eternity.
6. Don’t romanticize the dream.
Getting to share with people through speaking and writing is awesome on so many levels, but doing those things as a career isn’t all puppy dogs and chocolate. While you’re dreaming, don’t forget to factor in reality. Traveling takes a toll. Most of us get paid about as much as a wannabe musician trying to make it in Nashville. Spiritual warfare ain’t no walk in the park either. Of course, if God calls you to it, the pros far outweigh the cons (most days. Just keepin’ it real.) As Jesus said, it’s wise to count the cost before you jump in.
I’ll close by adding that I didn’t set out to make this my career. Nope. My dream was to be a travel writer for National Geographic. Go figure. But I made myself available to God, and in a slow, round-about way—starting with a small group of junior high girls and working as an editorial assistant at a Christian publishing company—He has opened doors to share my heart and His Word with girls around the world. My best advice is to give God the reins of your life and follow where He leads. It will be an adventure, I promise you that!
I want to know: Have you ever dreamed of being a writer or speaker? Or do you have another dream brewing in your heart?
About the Creator
Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
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