Remember last month when I shared that I came home from Maine with a calling on my heart? Let’s just say I had a bit of trepidation about speaking it out loud. Because if you say something out loud, it makes it real. And if it’s real, well, you can fail.
It took me about nine months to really begin telling people that we were attempting to get out of debt. And it took us the entire time of paying off debt to reveal the exact total – $127,482.30 (a number I will never forget as long as I live). If I begin any new endeavor, I honestly like to keep it close to the vest for a little while. I’m not sure why. More than likely, it’s a fear that you won’t like me anymore or you’ll think I’m stupid for attempting or you’ll find out when I don’t complete said goal.
Really, I’m being stupid. Because you? You’re so nice. You keep reading even when I’m crazy. You keep sending me nice e-mails and tweets. You keep commenting and sending messages on Facebook.
So why I didn’t want to tell you? I don’t know. Call it ignorance or pridefulness or maybe I just wanted the chance to spring it on you if it panned out.
But I’m telling you today, as of August 15th, I began writing a book about our journey of getting out of debt. It’s one part memoir, one part frugal tips and advice, one part faith and finance, one part family and finance, one part . . . ok so that’s a lot of parts and pieces but you get the picture. On a whim, I decided to submit said book proposal to Tyndale Momentum’s publishing contest in conjunction with the re:Write conference. The deadline was August 31st. I disappeared for a little while and typed my little fingers to the bone.
I told a few close friends who committed to praying for me. And I wanted to tell you so badly but was a little bit scared.
On Monday evening, I was bouncing around on Facebook (I have a problem, I know) and checked out re:Write’s page to see if there was any new news even though the results weren’t to be announced until September 17. I saw they released the Top Ten and my heart sank a little because I hadn’t received any sort of e-mail notifying me. I went ahead and clicked the link and saw that indeed I was on the list. WAHOO.
The announcement does not mean I’m in like Flynn. Rather, there will be another round of “cuts” (I feel like I’m in 9th grade trying out for the volleyball team all over again). Then, the winner will be announced on October 18th in Austin, TX. As of now, I don’t plan to attend the conference because Lords & Ladies, I ain’t got the change. And *shocker* it’s not in the budget. I still consider the entire process a VERY long shot.
But today, I’m celebrating this little milestone. I’m coming clean because like I shared in the recent article with the Asbury Ambassador (p. 24), bringing something out of the dark into the light makes the fear of failing lose its power over me. I have a plan B in mind if this channel isn’t the one with my name on it. It just might take me a little longer to tell you about it. 🙂 Old habits die hard.
If you’d like to whisper a little prayer for this project of mine, I certainly wouldn’t mind. My heart’s desire is to bring hope to those who are seeking to get out of the bondage of debt. If our story can bring a glimmer of light to their dark situation, then I’ll keep telling it (over and over and over again).
Thanks for sharing this journey with me. I appreciate you so much.
awe, this is so awesome! Congrats!!!!
Thank you friend. We shall see where it leads. I’m trying not to get too far out in front of myself or wish away the month of September. But it’s hard because at some point you just want to know what’s next.
This is awesome! If there is anything I can do let me know. Your story is amazing! An inspiration.
You’re so sweet. At this point, praying for the process and for my heart to remain listening & tender regardless of the outcome, would be the most I could ever ask. 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement.
This is SO EXCITING!! I will definitely say a prayer for you. God knows what he’s doing. If He wants you there, He will provide the funds for your transportation, registration, and lodging as well. So proud of you for sharing this with all of us. 🙂