Page 16 - Kingdom News Edition 5 Online
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“A Chip Off the Old Block”
By Min. Angela M. Gracey
Writer’s Block - For writers, it is an occupational hazard!
Studies on this topic reveal a plethora of possible reasons for this impenetrable darkness, e.g.,
intense stress caused by life transitions (death, moving, job loss, retirement, serious illness and
fatigue/exhaustion). However, the enemies of our soul like pride, procrastination, jealous compe-
tition, selfish ambition, impure motives, the fear of rejection, the fear of failure or even the fear
of success are more likely to pollute our spirit and threaten our creativity.
Called to Write
I received God’s call to write in 1994. However, between the call and the fulfillment of the call,
there is preparation. Unaware of this at the time, I dove right in! After some initial preparation
and research, I finally wrote my first query letter. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I submitted
it and anxiously awaited the response. The editor was kind and encouraging, but it was still a
rejection. The pain of rejection was so unbearable it would be four years before I submitted
again!
During those years of preparation, I realized God gave me a gift to that had to be cultivated. In
1998, I started a communications and public speaking business, using my skills as a business
writer. When asked to write an article for a small business newsletter, I took another step of
faith. My article was entitled “Show and Tell – Making Trade Shows Work for You.” The edi-
tor liked it, and I got paid! Imagine the boost to my confidence!
The fear of rejection still haunted me and stunted my creativity for many years until one day, I
realized the editor rejected the piece submitted, not me! From 1998-2003, I went on to write
many articles for local newspapers, newsletters and even the Internet. Allowing God to build
my faith and confidence in who I am in Him as a writer, enabled me to move on in my calling to
write on purpose!
God had blessed my business writing endeavors, and I went on to write my first book, “Starting
16 ~ Kingdom Magazine
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