I absorbed this quote, and considered its meanings, while I stood in line waiting to meet one of my author heroes, Karen Kingsbury, at a book signing in Tennessee.
The simple, block formation, with equally simple white lettering made me think about motivation, and the myriad ways we’re asked to dance in time to God’s tune, which often times comes in the form of angel whisperings…the call of instinct, Spirit…wings fluttering against your heart and soul.
That’s what I like to call God speak.
For many years I wrote secular romance for Kensington Publishing. My path led me to The Wild Rose Press and a story titled With This Kiss. I had taken considerable time off from writing between Kensington and The Wild Rose Press, so the process of crafting With This Kiss formed a road back to what I love—writing stories full of love, romance and hope. That calling bloomed deeper when I began to read stories from the “sweet” arm of The Wild Rose Press. These titles were called “White Roses,” and the stories were a revelation. They moved me, and left my preconceived notion of inspirational romance in the dust.
Angel wings brushed through my chest, and against my nerve endings. I really wanted to write for this line. Further, I had seen communications from the editor in chief at White Rose that left me in awe of her gentle, caring spirit and savvy publishing skill. More prompts pushing me forward.
Since then, I’ve contracted my twentieth book for White Rose, now Pelican Book Group, because I decided to dance to the beat of God’s call. I had always wanted to write inspirational romance, but needed to deal with some self-worth and self-doubt issues before God paved the way to a deluge of stories that pour from the very depths of my spirit. Instinct. Whisperings. Angel wings.
Listen. Pay attention. Move in that timeless dance, and the journey you take will lead you somewhere beautiful, and filled with the grace of dreams come true.
To dance hand-in-hand with God has opened so many doors. I’ve met friends through my writing ministry that will forever be a part of my life. I’ve embraced experiences like meeting readers, talking about my craft to interested conference attendees, and I've held books in my hands that I created via nothing more than the call of The One who made me, and the beat of His angel wings.
How about you? What's your dream? What defines the beat of an angel's wings in your heart?
What a testimony. You are where you belong, and you are a lot of what drew me there, too. (Of course, I keep wanting to lead in the dance--such difficulties I create!)
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Marianne.
Thanks so much, Liz! I understand completely about leading the dance - you're not alone there! LOL!! God bless, and congrats on today's release of A Soft Place to Fall!
DeleteMarianne, I love this post. YOU are such an inspiration to me! Hugs and love, my friend!
ReplyDeleteDora, you're a treasure! Love and hugs right back. Journey's Embrace is actually next on by TBR pile!!!! I'm so in the mood for great suspense!! xo
DeleteThanks Marianne. I've heard the whisper and I confess that I've ignored it a few times. I passed my inner voice off as my own thoughts rather than the divine. I hope I'm learning to be a better listener.
ReplyDeleteGay, I kept ignoring it, too. Sure, I was called to write for the Christian market, but I didn't feel "worthy" - I mean, I'm not a well-versed expert on the Bible, and I'm an imperfect sinner, but God broke through the barriers, as He always does! Love and blessings to you!!!
DeleteGreat post, Marianne!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! I've loved teaming up with you, Delia and Mary on the A to Z challenge - the posts have been just incredible. I'm so blessed by your friendship!! I love the way God has brought us together at the Haven!!! Following that call to write together is another amazing way God's angel wings have come alive in my heart!
DeleteMarianne, I love this beautiful, beautiful post! I'm so glad you listened to the flutters of those angel wings and decided to write where you're called - you're such a blessing to so many, myself included! Dancing to the beat of God's music can be a real spiritual workout, can't it? But wow - it sure feels wonderful when that last note comes to an end! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! I love that you pour your soul into your writing, congrats on all your books.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the rest of a-z. :)
Beautifully said miss Mariianne!!! :-) iam just begining to take those first baby steps in a new dance with Him.The last dance was wonderful, but teaching is now in the past and a new dance is beginning. so excited to see where iit takes me. thank you for helping me feel and hear the wispers of His angels wings.
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