When I was in high school, I saw a PBS film entitled, My Brilliant Career, based on the true story of a sixteen year old girl who had written and published a book. I was mesmerized by the idea. When my high school English teacher urged me to enter a local college writing contest, I eagerly accepted the challenge and was thrilled to earn first place in my category.
From that moment on, I dreamed of becoming a published author. I pursued an English/Creative Writing degree in college and wrote a rough draft of an inspirational historical novel which I entitled, Under This Same Sky.
Then life happened!
After college, I started a job and then married and had my two sons. And while I wrote and submitted short-stories and articles to various Christian magazines, my novel manuscript…and my dream…lay tucked away untouched for many years. But I never gave up hope that someday that dream would become a reality and continued to commit my writing ministry to the Lord.
Somewhere along the way, I came across a picture of a frog being eaten by a stork. But rather than give up, he took a strangle-hold on the bird’s neck to keep from being eaten. The humorous image not only made me smile, but the Lord used it to bolster my determination.
The phrase at the bottom, DON’T EVER GIVE UP, gave me courage to hold onto my dream when it didn’t seem a possibility.
There are many instances in life that can make us feel like giving up: difficult decisions, unexpected health issues, family tragedy, financial issues etc. Though the Lord sends encouragement in many ways–such as a silly drawing–the richest encouragement we can find for facing life’s challenges is Scripture.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
The healing Word of God holds the answer to all life’s challenges. When we find our strength in Him, we no longer have to flounder or feel like giving up. He has given us His Word and His Spirit to lead and guide us.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
**To learn how the Lord made my dream of publication a reality,I invite you to listen to my Ideas to Books Podcast.
Do you have a fun photo or story that encourages you to keep trying? If so, I’d love for you to share about it in the comment section below!!!
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
Dear Cynthia,
Thank you for your message about never giving up. I am currently reading a book that is very encouraging. It is called “A Praying Life” by Paul Miller. I highly recommend it.
Hi Linda! That sounds like a good book. Thanks for taking time to read my post and comment. God bless you!
Good Cynthia, I am glad you didn’t give up, its good to keep praying for family who aren’t Christians, sometimes that can be discouraging, blessings.
Hi Ann! Yes, it sure can, but the Lord works in His good time. We need to persist and not give up, especially on behalf of people’s salvation. What a wonderful ministry you have to your loved ones. God bless you!