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| Jennifer Rodewald |
Know Your Why
I’ve worked as a leader in various capacities in our local AWANA program for more than sixteen years. Though the leadership, kids, building, books, and time span have all changed, there are a few things that have remained constant.
One of them struck me the other night as we began another Wednesday evening.
We always say the pledge. Not only the American pledge, but we repeat the AWANA pledge as well. This seems…well, routine. We do it without thinking. It’s just what’s always been done. But the other night, I really paid attention to those long-known lines.
I pledge allegiance to the AWANA flag, which stands for the AWANA clubs, whose goal is to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him.
I found those words striking. Here’s why: for sixteen years my husband and I, along with our four children, have dedicated every Wednesday night during the AWANA year to the clubs. More, I work with some couples who have done the same for over thirty years. Why? Well, see above. To reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him.
Every single week we repeat our why. I realized that doing so has helped our longevity in service. So much has changed during the years, and I’d be lying if I said that there have never been seasons when we’ve had to talk ourselves into continuing. Because the thing about ministry is, no matter what that ministry looks like or who it serves, it’s HARD. That’s the nature of the thing—there will simply be times of real struggle, and those times come with doubt, exhaustion, and a big temptation to quit.
I do have a point here, and it does relate to writing. Savvy people that you are, you probably see it. 😉 But just in case, let me say it plainly. Writer, you must know your why. If we intend to last through the hard seasons—those times of real struggle, doubt, exhaustion, discouragement, rejection (I’m really painting a rosy picture here, aren’t I?)—we will each need to have a clear statement of purpose.
That why statement may not be a universal pledge among all writers, like what we say in AWANA. Likely, it will be unique to each individual, and that’s okay. But for the sake of your endurance and your effectiveness in this ministry (yes, let’s name our endeavor that!), you need to have a clear understanding of your purpose. Your why.
For me, it looks like this:
I write to the glory of Jesus Christ, seeking His pleasure in my work. I write to learn, to hear my King and Savior speak, and to discover the unique perspective of others, and I must surrender myself to the heartaches, the flaws, and the difficult journeys that belong to another. I write to encourage my fellow disciples of Christ, that they would know they are beloved of God, and to extend a gentle invitation to know the Truth that God shows us in his word. I write redemptive romance with the hope that each story would offer truth, hope, healing, and a desire to know Jesus more intimately because He is the original Author of both romance and redemption.
With these goals, this purpose, these whys, I press on, praying for the inspiration, the discipline, and the grace to follow through.
So now it is to you, my friends. Do you know your why?
Writer, you must know your why. via @JRodes6 #SeriouslyWrite #encouragementforwriters
But for the sake of your endurance and your effectiveness in this ministry, you need to have a clear understanding of your purpose. via @JRodes6 #SeriouslyWrite #encouragementforwriters
I write redemptive romance with the hope that each story would offer truth, hope, healing, and a desire to know Jesus more intimately, because He is the original Author of both romance and redemption. via @JRodes6 #SeriouslyWrite #encouragementforwriters
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| Always You |
A Murphy Brothers Story
Potter’s House Books (Two)
Amid their separate struggles, they made a pact of friendship. Love was not supposed to be part of the deal.
Lauren is desperate to escape the massive shadow of her father’s and sister’s political careers.
Matt is running from the biggest disappointment of his life.
After a messy meeting in a snowbound airport, they strike out on a new friendship, founded on a mutual love for the Lord, and an agreement of respect and friendship. They find themselves working together at the Lakeshore Resort, thankful to have each other as they both carve out a fresh start.
But as the winter season wears on, and through a few interesting predicaments, one begins to feel more, and the other... well. Maybe neither knows what they really want. Already wounded from the things they've left behind, both Matt and Lauren wrestle with what comes next. Afraid to move forward. Not wanting to go back.
Each must face a dilemma that only the Hand of the Potter can work into a hopeful, promising future. Can they surrender the hopes and plans they’d previously clung to and trust the good intentions of the God they both love?
Always You, a Contemporary Christian Romance, is Book 5 in The Potter’s House Books Series (Two). Stories of hope, redemption and second chances.
Jennifer Rodewald/J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too.
She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at https://authorjenrodewald.com/ or at www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald.
