A New Member to ACFW

For months I have been dragging my feet and tripping over the ground I was walking on. And the scariest part was I didn’t even realize it. I live in the Ozark mountains, where the rocks frequently make me miss a beat or two, but they weren’t to blame for this. It was my own distractions, my other commitments, and downright procrastination on my part that kept hindering me from my writing. I was quickly becoming a pro at dragging my feet.

I was particularly hesitating over when to join ACFW. I knew I wanted to – and that I should – but the answer to “When?” was not yet clear. For over a year now, I had been watching from the outside in at this fascinating writing world with the kindest people you’ll ever meet, hoping someday I could join them.

I would never have guessed a year later I’d have my own blog, get to chat with authors like Julie Lessman and Karen Witemeyer, and be reading (and reviewing ) more books in the space of a few months than I had read the entire last year. My writing work increased and I felt closer to the Lord than ever before. Piece by piece He has been preparing my path.

But I was still dragging my feet with ACFW.

Nothing but empty excuses and unfounded hesitancy and yes, a little fear of the unknown held me back.

After a year of waiting and wondering and second-guessing myself many times, the Lord started pushing my stumbling feet forward. I can tell He’s going to push me right out of my comfort zone the deeper into writing I go. But He’s also been reminding me, “My presence will go with you and I will give thee rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

As Charles Spurgeon writes in his Morning & Evening devotional:

“May the Spirit of God assist us to leave the mists of fear and the fevers of anxiety, and all the ills which gather in this valley of earth, and to ascend the mountains of anticipated joy and blessedness. May God the Holy Spirit cut the cords that keep us here below, and assist us to mount!  We sit too often like chained eagles fastened to the rock, only that, unlike the eagle, we begin to love our chain, and would, perhaps, if it came really to the test, be loath to have it snapped.”

In the last couple weeks, He’s given me a sweet phone call with author Keli Gwyn, who helped me understand ACFW better and gave this inexperienced writer hope. He encouraged me through Kristy Cambron’s warm welcome, Casey Herringshaw’s dedication, and recent introductions to the sweet ladies from my local ACFW chapter. I had no clue I had writing friends out my back door! And I found out the conference this year will be held in St. Louis, a small 3 hour road trip for me. Hmmm. 😉

Finally, this over-thinker was stopped in her tracks. The Lord was done with me trying to delay the inevitable. It was time to jump in. Despite my inexperience. Ignoring my doubts and insecurities. Forgetting my questions about the unknown. He’s already there and He’s calling me to follow.

So needless to say, I recently became a member of ACFW.  I’m so excited to further commit to this pursuit and continue learning as I go along. And I’m extremely thankful to each of you who helped guide me.  I know He has set my feet on this path and I can’t wait to see where He will direct my steps from here. It’s an ongoing journey for sure! I praise Him for His sovereignty in my life. And in your life too.

Are you dragging your  feet in an area where God is calling you forward? It may not be ACFW. It may not even have any connection to writing. Just keep your eyes and heart open, my friend. As I’m learning myself, always ask counsel from the mouth of the Lord first in every decision you make.  “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

If you are a member of ACFW, I would love to hear from you too in the comments below. How did your journey begin? 😉