Too Old to Write?

My hubby retired last year. Oh, how I love having him home. Twenty-four/seven I  have my handsome man at my side kissing me. What's not to like?

Except, there is a  restlessness in my soul and a passion in my heart not to retire, but to write. Can I have the kisses and the contracts too? Dan thinks so!

At the Advanced Writers and Speakers Conference #2015AWSA, we were blessed by the words of Mama T. Thelma Wells is 70+ years old, has just begun a new book, and is
speaking on the 2015 Women of Faith Tour. I want to be Mama T! www.ThelmaWells.com 

Thelma's words encouraged us all and struck a chord in my heart:

"There's nothing I can do without the anointing of God."

"If you are over 50, you have something to say. Why haven't you written a book?"

"Write it like you talk. Get directions from God — not from other writers."

I like the way Mama T thinks.

Sitting beside me  was Dianne Barker, best-selling author of Twice Pardoned and Living Proof. I'm currently loving her book I Don't Chase the Garbage Truck Down the Street in My Bathrobe Anymore! www.diannebarker.com 

Dianne whispered to me, "I want to die holding a pen."  Me too, Dianne. Me too.

May we older writers be encouraged by these who went before us:

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her first book in her mid-sixties.

Dr. Seuss wrote his last book at age 85.

Frank McCourt, published Angela's Ashes in his mid-sixties.

Harriet Doerr wrote Stones for Ibana at age 73.

And Mama T keeps on writing.

I hope you do too.

When does a writer retire?  When  the anointing of God has left your spirit and you have nothing left to write or speak. For me, I hope that happens when I end my journey on earth and begin writing in Heaven.

What are your thoughts?

May today's reflections be a splash of serenity to your writer's soul.

Called to Suffer. Called to Write. Reflections From the Advanced Writers and Speakers Conference

Glancing at the books on the author's table at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Conference (AWSA), I sensed the presence of God as I realized I was standing on Holy Ground and sharing life with women whose names could have been included in Hebrews 11.

Each called to suffer. Each called to write. Their books all bring glory to God and hope to those who hurt.

These dear AWSA sisters know human pain and they know God's healing. One has her only son in prison with a life sentence without parole. Another lives daily with her brain damaged daughter hurt in a car crash as a baby. Quite a few cancer survivors filled the room. Too many women damaged by abusive marriages, but, thankful to be loved by God. Several bear the scars of childhood sexual abuse. All have a story. All give glory to God for His tender comfort when life hurts.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion

 and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

 with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 (NIV)

I could highlight each author and sing praises to God for His work in her life. But today, I think of one of the many who left laughter in my heart.

 Funny. You know you are at a writer's conference when two strangers meet and within minutes this is happening:

Two authors eating the marigolds decorating our dinner plates. Sort of a dare, which left us both hysterical.

 "I'll eat a petal if you eat a petal."

"I'm going to eat the whole marigold! It won't hurt me!"

"Except for the insecticide!"

We laughed. We ate marigolds.

Perhaps those who know suffering not only take time to smell the roses, but also to eat the marigolds

Susan VandePol knows pain. As we laughed and ate flowers together. I asked what every author asks another, "What's the title of your book?"

"Life After Breath.  

http://www.amazon.com/Life-After-Breath-Husband-Morgan/dp/1630473421

My husband was a firefighter killed on duty. I started a ministry called   'Families of the Fallen' to help grieving widows and families." (May not be a direct quote, but said to the best of my recollection.)

And so I sat in the presence of another who loved  and trusted God enough to revisit the pain and put her story into a book for others to know the comfort Susan herself received from God.

To learn more about Susan VanderPol  please see her website at www.MattersofLifenadBreath.com

Susan, forgive me for posting that silly pic of us, but we did have a great laugh and laughter is healing.

Do you have a story God wants you to  share?  In so many ways, it is easier to shut the door and move on. Forgive and forget and pretend all is well.

 But God, called some to suffer and some to write. Has He called you?

Be a splash of serenity to someone hurting today! At the very least, go buy them marigolds and share a meal.