She slammed her laptop shut and threw the reference book across the room. Her husband ran down the steps.
“What’s going on?”
She hung her head. “I can’t do it.”
“What?”
She pointed to the book on the floor. “All this marketing stuff. It’s too hard.”
“Of course it is. Anything worth pursuing in life is difficult. Don’t you think it will be worth it?”
She knew he was right, but the thought of what she had to do to sell her book overwhelmed her like a heat wave on a summer day. She didn’t know if she had the energy.
He crossed his arms. “Come on. It’s your dream. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t at least try.”
She sighed. “You know me too well.”
He picked up the book and handed it to her. “Get back at it.”
This was me a week ago. Okay, so I didn’t slam my laptop shut or throw a book across the room, but I was overwhelmed with writing a proposal/marketing plan for my book, Amber Dreams. There’s a lot to think about. How do you sell yourself when you’ve never had a book published? How do you grow your platform? How do you catch the eye of an editor or agent when there are hundreds and thousands of other authors out there trying to do the same thing?
How can I stand out?
It almost made me want to throw in the proverbial towel.
Almost.
Then I heard a sermon this past Sunday that put everything back into perspective for me. Love when God does that!
Pastor Dave Elliott at Knollwood Baptist was doing a series on “Dare to Dream” and said our “dreams require perseverance.”
Oh my. Lord, You’re talking to me, aren’t You?
The next question hit me like a ton of bricks. How do you persevere in order to pursue your dream? He spoke about when Jesus healed the paralytic. Remember how the man’s friends didn’t give up? They cut a hole in the roof to get their buddy to Jesus. Even the obstacles didn’t get in their way. Pastor Elliott gave these five points.
- Think creatively when confronted with a problem.
- Bring your needs to Jesus.
- Link arms with others in order to get the job done.
- Rise above the opposition of negative people.
- Remember who you are doing it for.
The last one hit me. I know God has called me to write. He instilled this dream in me. I can’t give up.
I decided right then and there I would persevere and keep on going. No matter how overwhelming it is. I just need to keep focused and remember these points at all times.
What would happen if we dared to dream? Many things! The sky’s the limit. Just imagine what God could do!
Do you have a dream? Are you ready to give it up? Don’t. Apply these truths.
Come on. I dare you to dream!
What’s your dream? Share it with us in the comment section.
Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Dream big – the sky’s the limit!
Ok Sis, you got me crying first thing in the morning! I knew soon as I starting reading this is was you and Jeff. He is such a support and loving husband to you! I think this message was for all of us who read it. Thanks for sharing your heart. Love ya Sue
Thanks Sis! While I did make this story up, as I didn’t throw anything across the room (gasp! a writer should NEVER throw a book anywhere! HA!), Jeff has been a tremendous support to me and encourages me to keep striving for my dream! It’s definitely overwhelming, but I’m taking it a step at a time. Just like we all need to do with anything in life. Thanks for your continued support. I love you very much! xoxoxoxo
This post was just what I needed! thanks 🙂 great inspiration! Do you mind if I ask what kind of promotional plan you came up with so far?
Thanks Virginia for your comments. As soon as I’m further along in my plan, I’ll let you know. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my site. I appreciate it!
Darlene
Congratulations. I’m so glad you had the energy. I don’t, but I still write and publish independently. Yes, at your age, I would have had the energy.
Thanks for stopping by my site Mari! Some days the energy wavers. ha! 🙂
K Jeffy ‘ats my boy!!!!!!! I have trained you well.. hahahahahahahaha…. You are both incredible people and dare you are well are the most encouraging and supportive friend. Luv you angel!
HA HA! Thanks love for your continued support! xo
“Amber Dreams” is the fulfillment of one of yours . . . and it’s too well-written to give up on. Keep on keepin’ on, my friend. I can’t wait to see AD in print.
Thanks Steph! I’m excited too! 🙂
Dar, isn’t it interesting how the enemy knows just where to ‘hit’ us when we are the most vulnerable! But more so is the knowledge that the God of Creation has overcome the enemy! Thanks for reminding us that perseverance is the one thing that no one can take away from us unless we give in. I am very proud of you for not giving in! Appreciate your friendship!
Yes, darned that enemy! He definitely knows where to strike. But, as my favourite hymn says, there’s Victory in Jesus! Thanks Ruth for your encouraging words. I miss you!
Dar
Darlene, were you at Write! Canada this year? “Persevere” is one of the words I brought home with me. Thanks for reinforcing it, and I’m glad you’re persevering!
Hi Janet! No, I wasn’t able to go this year. 🙁 Persevering is tough, isn’t it? But it’s something we need to do! God bless!
Keep believing in your dream. Keep flexing your wings for take off. 🙂
Heather, I’m so sorry! I didn’t even see this comment. Thanks. I’ll keep on believin’! Thanks for all of your encouragement. Love ya! Dar