How to use this Page

write2ignite:

God still speaks…especially at Christian Writers conferences

by Jill Roman Lord

I attend a Writers conference every year. This particular year I was attending a conference for only one reason. After all, I quit writing that year. I no longer claimed to be a writer. But yet, I longed to be there. So, I had a heart to heart talk with God before the conference explaining to Him that I would attend on one condition – That He speak to me (in my good ear) and tell me whether I was to write or not.

I gathered a couple of old manuscripts to submit for critiques and I was on my way. Mid-conference I rocked back and forth in a rocking chair on the porch of my hotel over-looking a swamp, complaining to God that I hadn’t heard anything yet. I had no further inkling as to what His will was for me. While I continued whining to God, I heard a scratching noise. I kept griping and ignoring the scratching noise until I could ignore it no further. I stopped my bellyaching long enough to find the culprit. It was a squirrel. While I’ve seen my share of squirrels in my life, this particular squirrel captured my attention.

I noticed he was working on a nut. He was scratching and nibbling his way through the shell to get to the juicy nut. I noticed when a person walked by, the squirrel scurried to a branch further up the tree then continued working on his nut. He was consistent. He was persistent. He was determined and focused. I realized he wasn’t going to let anybody take the nut away from him and that he would undoubtedly obtain that juicy prize - unless he threw down his nut and quit.

At that point, I got it. That is exactly what I had done. I had thrown down my nut and quit. I realized God had placed the gift of writing in my hands and I needed to be consistent, persistent, determined and focused. I would miss out on all God had in store for me if I quit. I vowed right then to stay persistent in my writing and never throw down my God-given nut again.

That week, I won the award for the best children’s submission. Later, I received contracts and writing opportunities that I never would have dreamt possible. 

While God does not speak through squirrels all the time, I believe He is present at Christian Writer’s Conferences and longs to make Himself heard. He speaks in ways that will reach us and in ways that we’ll understand. So, come to the conference with an open heart, expecting to Hear from Him and anxious to see what prized nuts he has in store for you!

0 Comments on November 20, 2009 as of 1/1/1900