“In the Atlantic Community” debuted in September 2008. It’s been a blessing from day one. I’ve tried to write to you, my friends, as though we were chatting on the front porch.
Having the opportunity to write Christian material in a secular newspaper is truly a gift from God. My editor and publisher, David Schaef, has given me the chance to write uncensored articles that turn people’s eyes toward God and Jesus every week. David almost never edits my work. He lets me write from my heart without criticism. Thank you so much, David. Without your commitment, no one would be reading this column.
It’s just amazing how God works. I heard about this job because my brother’s mother-in-law read an ad in Community News. She told me the publisher was looking for writers to cover community events. She emailed me and told me to go for it.
I’m eternally grateful that I did.
I remember my phone interview with David very clearly. I pitched a column on the Jamestown area, where I live. He reminded me that his readership is from Crawford County. I assumed the interview was over, so I thanked him and said good-bye.
Just before I clicked the off button, I heard David asking where I grew up, what my background is, things like that. I told him I grew up in Adamsville and had attended Fallowfield United Methodist Church most of my life. I could almost see the twinkle in his eyes when he said he’d wanted to publish Atlantic-area news for many years, but hadn’t found the right source. It was a perfect fit.
I told David I would write from a strong Christian slant. He chuckled and told me he sat in the front pew of his church and served as a trustee. As always, God was in control.
People have told me they subscribe because of my column. This always blows my mind. It’s so sweet of them and enormously encouraging.
I’ve received letters from one dear lady who has cited specific columns that meant a lot to her. My sixth grade teacher emails me occasionally and tells me she’s been encouraged by my writing.
I had a gentleman email me because he remembered my late Uncle Don McEntire from his years as a minister. (I’d written about him in a Fallowfield School reunion article.) This kind of encouragement sticks with me.
I’ll never meet most of my readers. But I praise God daily for the opportunity to write and publish, and for the editors who have given me the chance to reach my audience.
God has blessed my writing career. I started writing in 2007 while enrolled in the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild’s Apprenticeship program. I completed the program in 2009. It trained me as a writer, something my degree in English didn’t.
God has helped me publish hundreds of columns, 29 devotionals, a one-part online Bible study, four print magazine articles, one online magazine article, two front page news articles in daily papers, and ghostwrite a children’s nonfiction book.
My mom once told me that people open their hearts when they read. I agree. I hope you always feel safe opening your heart when you read my column.
I can’t thank you enough for reading my words every week. Knowing I’m called to write and having the opportunity to publish regularly is one of the greatest blessings in my life.
I hope ten years from now I can thank you again for reading my work. Until then, have a wonderful week. Blessings!