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| Melinda Viergever Inman |
Today we turn the page. We’ve crammed all we're allowed to
write onto the page entitled 2015.
Now we flip to a blank page named 2016. The
sheet rests snowy white before us, beckoning us to impress our mark upon it,
filling the blank space with thoughts, hopes, dreams, and stories.
But first we must pause to ponder our first intrusion into
this void of whiteness, hesitant to leave our footprints upon the unbroken
surface.
Where
will this year take us?
Before creating our first step upon it, we must look back to
evaluate the 2015 page.
- What did we learn?
- What will we change?
- What habits do we wish to carry onto the new?
- Which do we wish to eliminate?
As writers, the contemplation of the previous year can
prevent us from repeating the same worn paths that did not work. We can
determine what steps are necessary and possible to aim the direction we wish to
go. If we want to arrive at a particular destination, new habits can be begun
that aim us the right way.
Likewise, we can assess our spiritual condition as it
relates to our writing. Are we staying true to our calling? Did we forget God’s
sovereign control over our outcomes, our successes, and the events that we may
have labeled as “failures"? Have we neglected to yield to God's timing and
leading? How can we follow Him closer?
Three years ago, my thorough examination before stepping
onto that field of white enabled me to determine that I had lost myself. I had
aimed at what others wanted, trying too hard to please. I hadn’t published yet,
and I felt invisible and worthless because of it, hinging my sense of self on
this, rather than on my identity in Christ.
At the dawn of 2013, I wrote:
"I will not lose myself. I will be true to who I am,
true to this specific piece of God’s artistry that I am.
"I will stay on the path God has set for me. I will
listen to the inner voice—my sense of story and rhyme and reason, my conviction
of what God wants me to say and how He wants me to say it, my conscience as it
urges me to say it rightly, and the feeling in my gut that I have said it well.
"I will move at the pace God has set for me. I will not
lose hope, though the way is long and the path is daunting. I will trust in God
for the results.
"That is all I can do. That is everything I can do.
"I am resolved."
My contemplation and resolution helped me to grow as a
follower of Christ and as a writer. I became more self-aware. Pausing to
reflect and to resolve instilled confidence, enabling me to stay true to my
calling and to reach my goals. I grew. I transformed.
As we begin 2016, where do you find yourself? Are your steps
aimed toward what you hope to achieve as a writer? Is your walk even closer
with the Savior?
What
have you learned? What have you resolved?
Released December 12, 2015!
Love takes action: The Creator God establishes the cosmos and shapes a man. Adam rises from the dust. Envious, the powerful angel Lucifer despises him. Oblivious to the threat, Adam is captivated by his strong, intuitive wife Eve. In the Garden of Eden, they enjoy abundant food, gorgeous vistas, and intriguing challenges, including their budding love and passion. They have it all!
But
Lucifer’s deceptive brilliance tricks them into disobeying God. They eat the
one forbidden fruit. Their innocence is shattered. Their unity with one another
and with God is destroyed. Death will follow. Lucifer’s jealousy threatens
mankind’s tenuous beginning. But God is merciful. What astonishing promise does
He make? How will Adam and Eve survive—broken, shattered, and separated from God?
Melinda Viergever Inman was
raised in the tornado capital of the U.S. - Wakita, Oklahoma, of
"Twister" fame. There her parents met. There her roots were sunk in a
storytelling family. During years of relocation, tragedy struck. Wounded and
heartbroken, Melinda forsook her roots and ran from herself and from God. A
journey of trial and heartache brought her home again. A prodigal now returned
to her secure foundation, she writes with passion, illustrating God's love for
wounded people as he makes beauty from ashes. Fallen is her second novel, Refuge
her first. Melinda shepherds women in church and prison ministry and writes
inspirational material on her biweekly blog at http://melindainman.com/blog/. With
her family she is involved with Mission India, rescuing orphans and providing
theological and job training for impoverished students— http://rimi.org/.
Connections:
