Wednesday, June 7, 2017

When Life Hands you Lemons

by Christina Rich

Make Lemonade.

It's no huge secret that my husband was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago, and it's no secret that come Father's Day and June 19th, it'll be his first anniversary in heaven. I think we're kind of special, because we get two days to celebrate and remember such a wonderful man of God instead of one. :)

So, when news came in my inbox about the closing of Love Inspired's historical line, I brushed it off. Even though I had been working on a revised proposal. Even though I had hopes of contracting another book. Even though I could have used my advance to pay past due bills on utilities. Even though I could have used the advance to replace our broken down vehicles. Even though I could have used the advance to buy some sort of furniture for my empty living room. Even though 95% of my income had been ripped from my hands...

Even though I was told by professionals in the industry that historicals were pretty much dead and don't bother sending any historical proposals, I smiled. I'd heard that before at a writer's conference in 2009. And it did not stop me from writing historicals. I'd been told that nobody would buy my historical romances set in ancient Judah, but that didn't stop me from sending them out into the publishing world, where they sold to LIH.

I'm not saying the closing of the line isn't a big deal. It is, and not just for me. What I'm saying is, there could be worse news, there could be worse days. There have been worse days. Let's face it, I feel like I've walked on the stormy seas safely embrace in my savior's arms and came out unscathed. After the last year, I've learned to not allow my circumstances, minor and major, throw me for a bipolar emotional roller coaster. I've learned, that in the grand scheme of things, the only things I'm in control of is how much I truly trust God and how I react to any given situation.

I've learned that I don't have to get out of bed every morning. I don't have to move forward. I don't have to trudge through the day. I choose to get out of bed. I choose to run forward with my head high and a smile on my face. I choose to skip through the day, with child like trust. And I try to absolutely choose to walk in the Spirit, rather than in my flesh.

My choices dictate whether I choose chaos or peace. My choices dictate whether I see the lemons handed me as a curses or a blessings.

 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
Psalm 65:5-7

My writing opportunities are wide open and my foot is hard on the gas pedal. I know God has my back. He knows my heart and He knows why I write. To honor and glorify Him. If a contract comes out of it, Praise, God. If it doesn't, I'm going to praise Him anyway. The success of my writing career isn't dependent on a publisher and their success and my happiness isn't dependent on a contract, if it is, I feel as if I'm writing for the wrong reasons.  I pray my entire being, my every breath exists to glorify Him, and if I trust Him to keep this world spinning on it's axis and hold the oceans in place, then I better well trust Him with the call He's placed on my life. I'm just sayin'.

As for what I'm currently doing, I'm writing. More than I ever have. I've released one full length and one novella with Forget Me Not Romances in the last few weeks (you can find those on Amazon), and I have another one coming out in the next few days. AND, I fully intend on submitting to Love Inspired in the near future.

Many blessing to you,

Christina




32 comments:

  1. What an encouragement you are to others who struggle and continue to struggle. I know that God will use you mightily as you honor Him with the abilities He has given you. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Christina, what a beautiful, heart-felt post. Thank you for sharing your experiences and lifting our hearts and eyes to the One with all the answers.

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    1. He is what it's all about. Without Him I wouldn't have a writing career.

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  3. Thanks for writing this inspirational post, Christina. You are a perfect example of how to walk through life with grace and wisdom. Life has surely handed you some lemons lately and I just know you're going to make lemonade.

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  4. Christina, what an amazing post. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  5. You brought tears to my eyes, Christina. I'd been praying this morning to stop feeling sorry for myself and to thank the Lord for all the blessings in the troubles. Thank you for your testimony. Bless you!!

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    1. I love how God is faithful in answering our prayers. I'm honored to be a vessel.

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  6. Christina, it was a heart-felt encouraging post. Thank you.

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  7. Lovely, Christina! Trust in the Lord can be hard, especially in times of pain. Bless you for your faith and steadfastness. You are an inspiration to all of us.

    Praying abundant blessings for you and your family...and for the perfect home for your delightful stories!

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  8. In a world of ebb and flow, sometimes the ebb is simply time to take a breath before a killer flow! That is what I pray for all the historical writers.

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    1. Oh yeah! I've just learned to trust the current. ;)

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  9. As always, Christina, you inspire with your faith and determination. What an enormous God we serve! Praying that your work finds the targets ordained by our Lord and that your needs are fully met. Also praying for all the historical authors looking for new publication avenues. God bless!

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    1. Thank you for the prayers. I know we all appreciate it.

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  10. Christina, this absolutely touched my heart. It was so honest and heartfelt, I'm sure it will touch many. I actually discovered LI books at the hospital when my husband had a heart attack many years ago. Three heart attacks later, he too is in Heaven. But I still believe in God and I still believe in happy endings.

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    1. Amen! (Sorry for your loss, but oh, what a glorious day when we get to heaven)

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  11. Thank you for this encouraging message. I love your outlook.

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  12. So much truth and wise perspective here. Thanks for sharing your heart, Christina!

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    1. You are welcome. I often pray for wisdom, especially in dealing with people. I don't ever want to cause wounds.

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  13. You are a true inspiration, Christina. I've been trodding through a lot of muck lately, and I'll admit sometimes I have to remind myself Who's got this. Praying your needs will be met and that you'll find new outlets for your work.

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    1. Deb, I got to the point of, even so... I will praise. I spent hours in constant praise before, during and after the muck. It made warfare effortless because of the peace that encompassed me.

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  14. Christina, what a beautiful post. I admire your courage and your strength and your faith. May we all live by faith each day.

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    1. It's funnyn because my faith has come into question a few times, after all, if my faith was big enough, hubs would ave been healed. So, I appreciate when you all encourage me about my faith

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  15. What an encouraging post, Christina. Thank you for sharing.

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  16. Thanks for sharing, Christina. I admit I'm a half-glass empty gal. My husband is a half-glass full guy. We truly balance each other out and make a great team. Thank goodness. :)

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  17. Christina,
    Hubs was healed in heaven just not the way we usually thing about. Thanks for the reminder to keep my eyes on GOD not other things. It is inspirational and so true that most things are bumps in the road. Praying for all of the authors to get new publishing homes.

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  18. What a wonderful post. I needed to hear that this week. You are a strong and brave example of God's grace and love. You will always be a success because your heart is full of all the right reasons.

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  19. As a reader, I have to disagree with very few people liking historical fiction! It's my favorite genre and I know of several other readers who are as well. I am very saddened with the news that Love Inspired is closing it's line down next year, not only for readers, but much more for the authors. I've gotten to know them both through their books and connecting with them via social media and newsletters. I'm not sure what I'm going to do without my LIH!

    But we have a big God who cares about the little things! I pray other avenues open up because there are many more stories to be told :-)

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