and teaches them his way (Psalm 25:9 NIV).
Based on Acts 18:24-28
Apollos is mentioned a few times in the Bible as a contemporary of Paul. He rose from obscurity to recognition as an evangelist in his own right, so much so that some wondered if Paul might be “threatened” by the man’s appeal. Paul understood that there was room for the both of them at the top.
As I read Apollos’s progress from a teacher of Old Testament knowledge to a fervent expounder full of insight for his limited exposure to popularity of Christ, I was touched at how God fashions the writer in similar ways.
Apollos was learned
All Apollos knew of Christ was through the teachings of John the Baptist, and with many others, believed him to be the promised Elijah, the forerunner of the Messiah. Yet, Apollos stopped short of seeking the Christ of whom John preached.
When I thought it was time for me to move from hobbyist writing to professional writing, I soon realized that I was overconfident, hindered by my limited scope of experience. I thought I knew enough. I taught English for a bit and used my writing skills in all my human services jobs. I knew how to turn a phrase, how to use symbolism, and basked in praises from readers. But there is a difference between technique and passion, the dos and don’ts and the heart of the matter.
When I finally put my arrogance aside, stopped leaning on my own limited scope of understanding and allowed God to teach me what I needed to know to be the writer He wanted me to be, I discovered a change in how I wrote, no longer toiling for the pretty words to impress, but for the reader’s benefit and edification. A new sense of responsibility took shape in my writing psyche.
He preached with conviction
As he applied his knowledge to his work, Apollos presented an aura of conviction that shone through his words.
Once I began writing from the heart, success followed. No longer trapped within postulations, apologetics, and self-indulgence, no longer caught in a quagmire of muddy purple prose, ideas were finally free to flow from what the heart wanted to say rather than undue concern for cadence.
Apollos was theologically accurate
Paul notes that Apollos taught with good understanding of scripture. Fiction writers have a lot of poetic license with the mundane. But, I discovered I owe my readers accuracy in my depictions, especially pertaining to theological references. I am finding that I need to be as meticulous in my scriptural research as in my historical or geographical research.
He continued his training
Apollos was discovered by Priscilla and Acquilla, dear friends of Paul. They saw something dynamic in Apollos, saw fruit for God’s kingdom. They took him under their wing and taught him about Christ, crucified, risen and the power of salvation through belief in Him. Apollos accepted their mentorship, and his ministry flourished, probably to more than he could have imagined or dreamed.
I could own a fleet of cars on the money I’ve spent on conferences, studying the craft, and self-promotion. The more I think I know, the more I realize I don’t know and become even more aware of my dearth of understanding. This journey of writing is like life itself, a process.
Now that I am multi-published, I find these truths even more entrenching. I hope I never outgrow the need to be more than what I am today. For now I still only see through a glass darkly.
A native of Central New York, Linda Rondeau met and married Steve Rondeau, her best friend in life, and managed a career in human services before tackling professional writing. After thirty-four years of marriage, they have relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, leaving rural America to live in a city of one million.
While writing is her greatest passion, the more favorable temperatures of Florida allow her to follow another great passion – golf.
Linda is the wife of one patient man, the mother of three, and the grandmother of nine.
An award winning author, Linda is multipublished. Linda's first title, The Other Side of Darkness, released Fall 2012, won the 2012 Selah Award for best first novel. Her first book in her Sci-Fi, futuristic series, America II, written under L.W. Rondeau released summer of 2012.
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It Really is a Wonderful Life
Jamey Sullivan has put his professional life on hold in order to run the family business and to help his ailing father. He signs on for Midville’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life, although he hopes to receive a Broadway casting call any day now.
When these two meet, they are instantly attracted to one another. However, ambition, demanding children, and a romantic rival threaten to squash their growing love for one another.
It Really is a Wonderful Life is set in the beautiful Adirondack mountains, a perfect backdrop for romantic conflict.
