Wisdom’s Waiting

It’s a wonderful opportunity to follow powerful writers and thinkers. There’s a bunch of wisdom waiting from them, just for the picking.

God Uses Others

For example, I know when I read a piece from Lori Roeleveld, it will stick with me for days. From her early books Running From a Crazy Man and Red Pen Redemption to last year’s Graceful Influence and her latest upcoming book, God’s Abundant Mercy, I am confident I will see the Hand of God. Her words share more than a passing thought. They hit right to my soul and her words of wisdom are wrapped in scripture. They burrow deep into my heart.

Another source of wisdom is Becky Antkowia, known to her friends as Becky Blue Hair. Don’t let her hair fool you. The story behind her choice to color her hair can be found at Compassion.

Becky’s got a spidie sense that helps her see our gifts we use for God’s glory is one she wants to support–especially in the Christian writer. She leads the 540 Writers Community, a faith-based 501c3 nonprofit that exists to educate, encourage, and equip writers to create clean, clear, compelling, life-changing content. The 540 Writers Community seeks to help underserved writers overcome barriers by providing free, accessible opportunities to learn and to hone writing skills. They offer conference-level writing education, community for writers, and connection to writing-related resources.

And I would be lost if I didn’t mention Eva Marie Everson, CEO of Word Weavers International, and prolific writer of fiction and nonfiction alike. After I read her work, I often sigh. I can’t imagine being as gifted as this writer is. And her dedication to others is strong. She’s ever present to cheer me (and other writers) on to be who God wants us to be. And how could I not mention Edie Melson, director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference? A true renaissance woman if there ever was one. Yet in everything that she does, she still offers wisdom to those who want to hear. Her words offer balm for a troubled spirit, yet like iron sharpening iron, she instinctively knows when to kick a person in the pants.

All of these women have spoken God’s truth, patience, and acceptance into my life, at different times and when I needed it the most. All are fantastic writers and leaders in Christian communities. And I’ll gladly listen to them all day.

Who do you listen to?

The first sign of wisdom is having a hungry and teachable heart. Proverbs 2:1-4 tells us: My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.NLT

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Proverbs 2:1-4 NLT

Does Anyone Listen to You?

The road ahead of me looks shorter than the one a leave behind. Because of that, I need to be more purposeful than ever before. Self-evaluation is necessary, more now then ever. Am I speaking wisdom into others? Have I used my years and my spheres of influence in a way that offered a sweet aroma to God?

 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Ephesians 5:2 NLT

Time for Action

I appreciate January and try to use it to do some extra self evaluations. The longer nights make it perfect for expanded quiet time with my Lord. He tells me that wisdom’s waiting.

The same’s for you. All you need to do is ask for it. But first you need to realize your need.