What's Your Book Title?
Hey friends! This might sound crazy, but I've missed you! During #adifferentmarch, I got used to the daily practice of writing, and used to the comments/conversations we had. So I'm glad to be back at my keyboard sharing life with you.
Over the past couple of years, one of my biggest challenges, has been writing another book. I've written fiction for as long as I can remember. But with this book, God had something else in mind- non-fiction. I've been learning to exercise a muscle I never knew I had. It's been painful and the re-writes have sent me into tailspins at times. And now, I have to make a decision about the name. Apparently, the title of the book has a lot to do with its ability to sell. The more I thought about this idea, the more I thought about how much what we call things matters.
Recently my husband suffered a stroke. They diagnosed a blockage in his carotid artery and within 48 hours they could not find the blockage. I've downplayed this and even hesitated to call it what I know it is- a miracle. I posted, you prayed, God healed. End of story. I know it's true. I know what I call things matters.
We're all writing books with our lives and people around us are reading. If I'm timid to give God credit for my answer to prayer, I rob God of the glory. And I also rob people from knowing the power of the one true God.
If I don't call my husband's stroke on day #29 of #adifferentmarch "spiritual attack" then people can easily dismiss the warfare as bad luck. If I don't call the outpouring of love and support "community" people won't understand the value of inviting others into their life. They will remain isolated-disconnected. If I don't call my strength "trust in God" people will think I'm self-sufficient. And they may chase that instead of becoming God-dependent.
The book title for my life story is infinitely more important than what I name the book I'm writing. What am I calling the events of my life? What stories are pressed between the pages that speak of my Savior and His eternal and extravagant love for me?
John 16: 13-17 (ESV) Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!
Reflection: What's the title of your book? Who do you say Christ is with your life? When people are browsing through lives to listen to, what do they find out about you? What gives them hope? What do they read that makes them whisper under their breath, "Me too" or "I want that!"
What you call things matters!