Throwing My Hat

Steven James was a keynote speaker at the writers’ conference I recently attended. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard and thought so deeply during one speech. It’s the only CD of a keynote I purchased. It wasn’t that the others weren’t good, it’s just what he said somehow perfectly engaged both my brain and my heart.

The point that he made that was such an “aha” moment for me had to do with throwing your hat over the wall. I had never heard the phrase or the story to go with it before. I did some more reading about it when I got home. The phrase is used to describe commitment, especially commitment in the face of what seems impossible. The story goes that when a young man reached a wall that he didn’t think he could cross, he would throw his hat over the wall because that would ensure that he would get over the wall to get retrieve his hat.

I liked the image. I found a new commitment and courage while attending the conference. I determined that when I got home I was going to hang a hat by my desk to remind me that I was all in on this. I even knew the hat I was going to hang.

After my dad died in 1989, I “inherited” his black driving cap. It looks like this: My husband has worn it occasionally when he plays golf, but for the most part it has just hung by the door and gathered dust. This was the hat I was going to hang by my desk.

When I got home from the conference I started writing, even sent a few things off to be considered for publication. But as the days went by, questions arose in my mind and my resolve began to weaken. I began to replay old tapes. The worst one came from my dad.

The summer between fourth and fifth grades a few friends and I spent our allowance on steno pads and Bic pens and determined we were going to write the next great American novel—only we just called them stories. I wrote like my pen was on fire. I was proud of my story, so I took it to my dad for his approval. His lack of support was devastating. I can still hear his words to this day: “What were you thinking? This is terrible. You will never write anything that anyone is ever going to want to read.”

As much as it hurt, I kept trying. I received positive encouragement from my creative writing teacher in high school. Imagine my delight when we were able to briefly reconnect on Facebook and she reaffirmed her support. In college I continued to write creatively and my pieces were graded favorably and held up as examples. Friends and family, especially my husband, gave me all kinds of positive feedback. I wanted to send things in. Talked about it. Dreamt about it. But never seemed to be able to push past my father’s voice.

While I was at the writers’ conference, one of the things that I took full advantage of was the opportunity to meet with writers, editors, and publishers. I made some pitches, and used a couple appointments to pick some very talented brains. One of the people I sat across the table from was the director of the conference, Alton Gansky. I had nothing to pitch. I went in with a specific question, but when I sat down in the chair it just didn’t seem like the thing to ask. I asked him how to push through, to move from wishing to really writing. He looked at me, seemed somewhat surprised by the question. His answer, while not incredibly original, was exactly what I needed to hear: “Just do it.”

The other night I was awake late. The house was quiet. I felt like I was in a the middle of a weird game of tug of war. I was pulling for all I was worth, but I had this incredible team behind me, writer friends, family, friends, writing teachers and profs, Alton, my husband. Quite an impressive group. I smiled and felt a surge of strength. Then I looked across from me. There was only one person on the other team. It was my dad. And it dawned on me—this isn’t even a fight.

I walked into the office and I picked up his hat. Steven James was right. I do need to throw the hat over the wall. But I’m not going over the wall to retrieve it. I’m throwing it over the wall, and I’m walking away. I don’t know why my dad wasn’t able to be more supportive, but that’s about him, not about me. It’s time. It’s time to believe the whole host of people cheering me on. It’s time to just do this.

I know it won’t be the next great American novel. But I have stories to tell…and tell I will! And maybe I’ll go buy a new hat. One that fits me. One that is worth chasing.

Book Review: Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock

Travelers Rest
Ann Tatlock
Bethany House, 2012, 342 pages

This was the first book I have read by this author. When I could see that I was coming to the end of the book, I had already decided that it wouldn’t be my last! I

My first reaction was that the book seemed to start slowly, but as I continued reading the pace completely drew me in. I was no longer rushing around my world, I was moving with a different rhythm: a Southern mosey, and the slower movement of the wounded in the VA hospital. Ms. Tatlock’s descriptions were so enticing that I felt the sun, heard the music, felt Seth’s heaviness. She deftly wove together the stories, layer upon layer, but it never felt heavy or stilted.

This is the story of intersecting lives, dealing with immeasurable losses, learning to walk together, and to find hope. Toward the end of the book the point is made that “all the small steps finally fit together” (p. 309) I’ve read books where this felt unnatural—that was definitely not the case here.

The faith struggle of the characters is obvious, but not obnoxious, or forced. No easy answers are offered, and that is refreshing. There is room for the reader to ask their own questions and find their own answers.

I think the thing that I liked best about this book were some of the phrases that the author dropped into the dialog. Things like the reference to life being a gearshift with no reverse, or making peace with a place, and entering a chapter you didn’t expect. It was just real and relatable.

As I read this book I found myself thinking of the people in my life facing difficulties and how I would love to get this book into their hands. That said, yes, I would definitely recommend it!

(I received a free copy of this book to review from Bethany House Publishers.)

Book Review: The Search Committee

The Search Committee
Tim Owens
Tyndale House Publishers, 2012, 258 pages

I’m still on the fence about this book. In some ways it felt like I was reading two books at once. It took some time to keep the characters all straight as the author switched between the story as it related to the committee’s search for the new pastor and the story as it related to the development and interaction of the committee members themselves. I also suspected pretty early on the direction that the committee was going to take in the end. (No, I’m not going to give that away!)

The parts of the story that dealt with the search process were witty in their presentation. Perhaps because I was a pastor for many years, and served as an interim, I found much that was relatable. It was also interesting to learn about the search process in a different denomination.

The portions of the book that dealt with the committee members discovering themselves seemed very dark at times. The relatable part was the diversity of personalities on the committee. Sometimes I don’t think we recognize the vast difference of persons that make up the church. To the author’s credit, he created characters that were both easy to like and dislike—I found myself feeling something about each of them.

It’s an ok book. I thought I would like it more.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or Amazon review that Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

Book Review: Unstuck

Unstuck
Your Life. God’s Design. Real Change.
Arnie Cole + Michael Ross
Bethany House Publishers, 2012, 265 pages

I was looking forward to getting this book to read. Then I got it. My first impression was not good. The authors stated that their approach to getting unstuck was not found in a quick fix or formula, but they proceeded to describe steps for the process. The steps initially felt like a veiled formula. I decided to keep reading, and I’m glad I did. It became very clear that the authors were emphasizing process and relationship. I was also reminded that most of us don’t get stuck overnight, so we should realize that getting unstuck will indeed take time.

Each section of the book began with a list of concise goals that the authors intended to accomplish. I found this very helpful. The good news is that they did a good job of meeting their goals. Perhaps this is just a personal pet peeve of mine, but I have always disliked going to a workshop and having the leader identify goals, but never come close to meeting them. To the authors’ credit they demonstrated integrity in this issue.

One of my concerns at the outset was that the book, because of its foundation being based in a survey that was taken by the authors, was going be too statistically focused for my liking. What I found to the contrary was a nice balance between head oriented material referring to the study, and personal stories. This balance is such that it would result in the book appealing to either mindset. There is also a nice assortment of quotes to support their findings and their stories. Many of the names are recognizable, lending a sense of credibility and connection both to and beyond the material.

Another strength that I found in this book was that it was plainly written, without a lot of Christianeze or assumed common religious language. While this would be appealing to either unchurched folks, unbelievers, or those new to faith, there wasn’t a sense that the material was dumbed down, so it would still make sense and get the point across to believers who found themselves stuck in one way or another. With that in mind this book would be good for the new believer just starting their faith journey and wanting to understand the Word. It would be great from the perspective of preventative material so that they might be sparred some of the frustration of being potentially stuck in the future. There is still enough impact of the material for the stuck, static, and status quo believer.

The third part of the book puts the ball in the reader’s hand. It invites the reader to plot his/her own course toward a spiritual breakthrough. While the steps described sound like a formula, it is presented in such a personal way that the relational component came through very clearly. By including pages that resemble a workbook, the authors’ remove some of the natural tendency to put off doing the suggested work and reflection and instead create the opportunity for the reader to get right to work. It should probably also be noted that the book is formatted to be read (and digested) on a daily basis (each chapter gives a daily scripture reading and question). The chapters also close with a statement about what their research revealed and an encouraging nudge.

I think the thing that really sold me on the book was the way they seemed to tie everything up at the end. They have been emphasizing the importance of improving one’s relationship with God, especially as it is related to the Word. They share at the minimum we need to be reading and engaging the Word at least four times a week as the foundational component of getting and staying unstuck. They finish by describing the four critical elements of spiritual growth: knowledge; prayer, faith and action. I believe that these parallel the things that God himself requires of us, loving Him with all our heart (faith), soul (prayer), mind (knowledge) and strength (action) (see Deuteronomy 6:5). Anything that helps us understand and move deeper into relationship with Him is a good thing. This book does that in a very clear manner. I’m really glad I kept reading.

I recommend this book. Read it. Share it.

(I received a free copy of this book to review from Bethany House Publishers.)

Hi, I’m Tina

But you already knew that, right?

When you introduce yourself, do you lead with a list of what you do: I’m the pastor at First Church; I’m Austin’s grandma; or I’m the manager at McDonald’s Southview?

One of the things I was unprepared for when I got to the BRMCWC (Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference) was the introduction process that took place each time you met someone new. Standard process was such that you stated your name, where you were from, and what you write.

What I write? Uh, uh, uh, I write devotions and inspirational pieces, Bible studies, and monologues. Before I was done, it seemed like the asker had gotten bored and moved on to the next person. At first I was confused by their response, then I began to see that my confusion was the cause of the problem. As the week went on, I began to notice a change in myself that brought about a change in the response of others.

Throughout the week, we had opportunities to meed with writers, editors, and publishers in one-on-one appointments and to join them in conversations at mealtime. With each appointment I found myself more clear on who I am as a writer.

I’m Tina. I write non-fiction, primarily devotions. I’m also working on a Bible Study.

It may not seem like much, but this is huge for me. I feel like I have direction, but more importantly I really feel like I can do this. I’m not just an ocassional blogger and book reviewer. I’m a writer. And soon, I will be and author. The dream that God placed in my heart when I was just 10years old is starting to unfold.

Review: Soul Caffeine

This is a wonderful collection of stories and studies. As I was reading, I found myself nodding, smiling, and drawing closer to God. The writing is very practical and relatable. The author writes in a style that leaves you feeling like you are just sitting there discussing the topics over a cup of coffee. It’s the kind of book that I will go back to, but also a great book to give to new or old believers, and those who are searching for answers. Established believers will find familiar language and themes, but it is done in such a way as not to be off-putting to those who aren’t familiar with Christianeze. Don’t miss this one!

Smile for the Camera!

Accepting My Award

This was the highlight of my week at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. Well, highest of many. I was awarded 3rd place for Unpublished Article for Print.

It was an amazing week and I’m still processing through things. I have so much to share. I’ll be back to fill you in.