Estimated reading time: 3 minutes:-)
This last Friday, I had the privilege of having my first book signing!
With the help of my favorite people (Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck and my amazing friend Emma:-), we had around 70 people show up at LuHi, and it was one of the most amazing nights I’ve ever experienced. I was so humbled by the outpouring of support from my friends and family. It was truly incredible.
I got to write a short speech for the event, and I’d like to share it on here for those of you who couldn’t make it. God has blessed me so much the last year, and I can’t emphasize enough how good Jesus was, is, and will be. So here it is;-)
“I have been blessed with a talent for writing.
Some people treat this blessing as if I conjured it up within me, worked hard for my success until it came to fruition.
But when I say I have been blessed, I truly mean it in that way.
I struggle with pride. Before, when I was praised for my writing skill or my creativity, I denied their praise as some feeble attempt at humility, while still making it all about me.
And I still struggle with pride. But now, my response is quite different.
Jesus blessed me with a talent for telling stories. Jesus blessed me with a publishing deal with Morgan James. Jesus has guided me through the whole process. Jesus has filled my mind with ideas for continuing the story when I felt empty. Jesus lifted my chin when I felt defeated and reminded me of these words: “I am with you always. I will never leave you or forsake you.” Jesus saves me.
So as you read Far Below Human Eyes and come across a sentence, a word, a phrase that inspires you, thank God. I know it sounds strange. But I don’t deserve to be praised for a gift I was given.
Don’t praise the gift. Don’t praise the receptor. Praise the giver.
I hope you can enjoy the story God has blessed me with as much as I have. I hope–for it is my objective–that you can see God in Harold’s story. And I hope with all my heart that you know how magical it is, how wonderful and beautiful it is, to live in a world far below human eyes.”
If you were there on Friday night, THANK YOU so much for being there and being in my life. You are the biggest blessings I have. And if you couldn’t make it, know that I am so grateful for your support and encouragement. It truly is incredible. THANK YOU.
Psalms 61:1-4 says, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” I hope your Sunday is a blessing!