Let me introduce to my friend, Michelle. Michelle DeRusha lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband and their two boys. She is the author of Spiritual Misfit: A Memoir of Uneasy Faith.You can connect with her on her blog and on Facebook and Twitter.
This fall, I’ve invited a few friends to share what God is teaching them. I hope their words are an encouragement to you as you continue to awaken to the joy and delight that comes with being a child of God.
Madeleine L’Engle quit writing on her fortieth birthday.
That was the day her manuscript for A Wrinkle in Time was rejected yet again. Declaring the rejection “an obvious sign from heaven,” L’Engle shrouded her typewriter with a sheet and then promptly burst into tears.
The trouble was, while she paced back and forth in her study weeping and bemoaning the loss of her profession, L’Engle found herself busily working out a new novel in her head. When she realized she was essentially still writing, L’Engle made a decision that would change the course of her life.
“I uncovered the typewriter,” she wrote in A Circle of Quiet. “I had to write…If I never had another book published, and it was very clear to me that this was a real possibility, I still had to go on writing.”
I can relate.
After a six-year journey, my first book, a memoir, was published last spring. I had high expectations for Spiritual Misfit. I figured I’d “paid my dues” on the long and arduous road to publication. I assumed once the book hit the shelves, I’d have “made it” –I’d be a successful published author, and all would be well.
And…that’s not exactly how it all went down.
Instead, sales floundered. Suddenly having published a book wasn’t enough for me. Despite the fact that I had achieved my dream, I felt like a failure. I equated success with robust sales and a healthy book rank on Amazon.
Mired in bitter disappointment, I turned to Ecclesiastes (the perfect book when you’re in the mood for an epic self-pity party). Amid Solomon’s relentless laments about the meaninglessness of life, I discovered a surprising nugget of wisdom:
“To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a gift from God,” Solomon observed (Ecclesiastes 5:19)
This, I realized, was Madeleine L’Engle’s epiphany the day she dried her tears, uncovered her typewriter and re-committed herself to writing. In that moment, she understood that her work and her present circumstances were both a gift from God, regardless of whether her words were ever published again or not.
I love my work. Writing is not only my profession, it’s also my God-given calling. Yet somewhere along the way I’d lost sight of that gift. Distracted by lackluster sales and blinded by a desire for success, my work had become a burden and an idol.
Suddenly the gift God had given me wasn’t good enough.
To accept your “lot in life” does not mean you should quit, succumb to apathy or perform your job half-heartedly. Just the opposite, in fact. To enjoy your work and accept your circumstances requires perseverance, but at the same time allows you to live satisfied, liberated from self-determined expectations and confident that God determines your “lot” with love, kindness and mercy.
Four years after Madeleine L’Engle vowed to embrace the gift of her work, no matter the outcome, A Wrinkle in Time was finally published. Not long after, the novel that had been rejected more than two dozen times won the prestigious Newbery Medal.
My books may or may not sell thousands of copies or win prestigious awards. The next publishing contract may or may not come my way. Likewise, you may or may not land the promotion you’ve worked so hard for; you may or may not garner gushing accolades from your boss for a job well-done.
But know this: God calls you to enjoy the work he has given you and to accept your present circumstances, even when they don’t meet your expectations.
God calls you to trust that he can and will turn all things toward good, in his time.
Madeleine L’Engle is one of fifty Christian women featured in Michelle DeRusha’s recently released book, 50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith (Baker Books).
This week, were giving away 3 copies of 50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith by Michelle DeRusha.
Throughout history, countless women have boldly stepped out in faith and courage, leaving their indelible mark on those around them and on the kingdom of God. In lively prose Michelle DeRusha tells their stories, bringing into focus fifty incredible heroines of the faith.
From Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, and Anne Hutchison to Susanna Wesley, Harriet Tubman, and Corrie ten Boom, women both famous and admirable live again under DeRusha’s expert pen. These engaging narratives are a potent reminder to readers that we are not alone, the battles we face today are not new, and God is always with us in the midst of the struggle.
The three winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
What a fun surprise to find you here, Michelle! Great thoughts from Madeleine AND you 🙂 I moved writing to the back burner when I realized that my foremost calling is to teach. Because I want to do that WELL, writing comes after studying and lesson prep.
I’ve recently been pondering this thought: what if the ministry we have in this life is intended to prepare us for what we’ll do in the next? Hmmm…
I consider the time spent reading this post a good investment. I’m in the early chapters of post/semi retirement and am pondering the best way to put my skills etc to use. Thanks for this.
I haven’t always been good at reading the history, but I would say, Ruth. She gave me lots of help in my formidable years.
I’m so thankful to know this story about L’Engle! Her book “Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art” really moved me. Grateful you’re speaking persistence and endurance to us Michelle — and that you’ll keep writing too! 🙂
It always encourages me to keep writing and teaching, when I read of the trials and joys of others. To accept our lot in life is sometimes difficult when we are struggling, wondering if this is what God has called us to as we try to define ‘success’ for ourselves, instead of trusting that God’s definition is best. Thanks for the reminder.
blessings!
Michelle, I truly hope this doesn’t come out the wrong way…and it easily could…
You’re transparent writing about lackluster sales and feelings of being a spiritual misfit are exactly why I find your words inspirational and comforting.
I read blog posts by motivational speakers like Michael Hyatt (nothing against Michael) and I come away uninspired…because I know I cannot do what he has done…not within the constraints of my life, my priorities, and my available time…and possibly not at all.
I cannot relate to Michael Hyatts success stories.
However, I can relate to your struggles, fears, passion…and success.
Thanks for writing!
Ooooooh, now that’s an interesting thought and possibility, Susan! Though I’m not sure I can quite imaging writing for a literal eternity – 😉
Absolutely, Gay. I am in a bit of a wilderness in the moment, so I completely get what you are saying about the difficulty of accepting our “lot” in the midst of struggle. I pretty much keep repeating, “Trust God” throughout my day, and that somehow helps to keep my perspective focused on God and His will, rather than on my own anxieties and stress. But yeah, it’s hard, for sure!
Best wishes to you in your post/semi retirement, Ralph, and may you discern what God has in store for you in this next exciting stage of your life!
Absolutely Ruth is an incredible role model, Brandi – I agree.
Loved Walking on Water – I reread it every few years – so much wisdom and truth in there. And thank you SO much, too, Alysa, for your encouragement and enthusiasm – I appreciate that so very much.
Yeah, I totally get it, Joe (and I am not offended at all – I know your heart!). Sometimes it can be discouraging and even frustrating to hear from the pros – we think, “I am so, so far from that, I can’t possibly relate.” So yeah, hearing a “real” story of someone struggling with some of the same things you are can be powerful, affirming and even encouraging in its own odd way. Thanks for your input here, Joe – I appreciate your thoughts so much!
I didn’t realize how desperately I needed to read this post today. I thank God I did, and thank you so much! 🙂
I am flat out jazzed to hear your words… the same sorts of words that roll around in my head and through my heart every day…. these words are about a calling. A calling and a purpose that won’t ever make their way to a balanced mark in a checkbook ledger or an Amazon scoreboard…. there’s a Kingdom of words to be spoken and written about. Why I’m in it at all is up to Him. Thanks.
Ha! Yes… what Joe said! 🙂
Love your perspective! I was in Ecclesiastes for the very reason you mention (pity party) and realized Solomon (or whoever wrote it) had no idea I would be reading and relating to their words 2500 years later.
Maybe the author’s life felt pointless because he had no idea his words would become part of the most hopeful story humankind has ever known.
If he had known, I wondered, would it have given his life purpose? Or, would the longevity of his words have left him too afraid to write?
Thank you, Margaret, for having Michelle as your guest. Michelle, I loved reading about Madeleine. Such a great post of encouragement! I know the Lord has called me to write, even if only one person is encouraged in his/her walk with Christ, then I’ve done a good job. I can only be obedient to write…God is the one who touches hearts and brings results. I just have to remember my position of being the penman! I look forward to reading your book. 😀
THIS BOOK LOOKS INCREDIBLE!!! I would love to read it and learn from these amazing women of our faith!! 🙂
This book looks amazing and this post meant so much to me today when I was feeling a bit discouraged but wrote a little something anyway and almost instantly felt better. God does know what medicine is good for the soul. Thanks for your words! I very much needed them.
Michelle, a joy to find you here on Margaret’s site. When I met you in January…I was in awe when Deidra introduced you as “her person.” (Envious of the friendship you both share,) And that was before I knew you were a writer. And then by chance we sat at the breakfast table together the next day. When you shared that you had a book coming out, I remember thinking–what is she doing talking to me? The last month, I have slowly been savoring the words you wrote in Spiritual Misfit–laughing and crying throughout. Thank you for your authentic and inspiring writing!
Sometimes the way God gets his message through is through someone else’s blog post. The wonder of a God like ours is never ceasing-a blog post was my answer for direction and perspective today. Thank you.
Sounds like a great book, so inspirational!!
Corrie ten Boom’s example has inspired me over the years. She’s a woman I can’t wait to meet in heaven 🙂
This was so inspirational to me, Michelle. Truthfully, I expected my books to go gangbusters, too; even though they haven’t, those who have read them love them and have been spreading the word. Successful financially or not, I cannot stop writing even if I tried. It is God’s gift and His calling for me. I’m trusting that all will be well in His time, not mine.
Blessings!
Loved this article Michelle! As usual, you hit the nail on the head and made it so REAL. I love re-focusing on the “calling” portion of living – sometimes amidst the laundry and projects and book unread and dinner to fix I forget that it’s really all wrapped up together. Keep up your great work!
Oh, I’m LOVING the book too! Thanks for following your calling! Hugs.
Gosh I needed this word today. I’m forever asking God to use my own writing like He used the little boy’s loaves and fishes… but it can be hard to trust that your own heart AND His are being heard through the millions of voices offering words everywhere. Thank you for this reminder!
WOW–this was exactly what I needed to read today! I publish a regionl Christian newspaper and have been lamenting my lack of significant income from it. Just this week, after many prayers and a lot of faith, I renewed my commitment to giving it my “all”, realizing it IS God’s gift to me, a way to use my writing talents, and, most importantly, a way to encourage others with His love. I was just thinking last night that in God’s eyes, “money” does not equal “success”. Doing His will, encouraging others, and using the gifts He has given me, THAT equals “success.” I am very blessed to have work I love! THANK YOU for more encouragement that I’ve made the right choice.
C.S. LEWIS! I find his writing and his life in general constantly make me sit up and take notice.
Thank you for this post! It’s great to know the joy can and should be there even when life seema disappointing.
I love Madeleine L’Engle’s work, and I love yours. I’m glad you both stuck with it. Funny. I was just re-reading Ranier Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet, and he posed that question to which L’Engle and now, apparently, you have found the answer . . . that you would die if you didn’t write (something on that order .. . . I don’t have the quote before me). I’ve published three books, and like you, after what I called my “passion” book, Love Letters to God, was published, I thought I was off the hook–that I had obeyed God after a ten-year struggle of insurmountable difficulties to get it published. Yes, God was faithful (though it surely seemed to take Him a LONG time to be), and yes, I’d obeyed, despite how often I wanted to quit. After the book was published with rave endorsements by extremely well-known authors (which, interestingly, the publisher decided *not* to use–go figure!), they didn’t even put it into stores. Disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe my angst. But all that said, the cruelest blow of all, I thought at the time, was in that I know God was telling me to lay down my pen. I obeyed then, too. So I don’t know how that jives with calling. I know I’m made to write. But the thing is, Michelle, one way or the other I still do. And I don’t feel disobedient in what I do. So, we’ll see if God would have me to write formally again. I don’t know. But like you, I’ve tried to be satisfied. Ecclesiastes boasts lots of wisdom (and so do *you*! 🙂 )
Love
Lynn
Thanks for listening.
the takeaway message i get from this is to keep on doing what God has called and led me to do no matter if i ever have earthly success with it or not. i plan to plug away, persevere and keep on trying, even when i am rejected. especially, when i know in my heart God wants me to continue to use the gifts and abilities and influence He gave me…and to have fun with whatever work he gives me to do for the good of His kingdom! in the end, that is plenty of a reward for me!
janna
Anne Frank. A young girl with tenacity. Inspirational writer.
This post gave me the encouragement I needed as I write (and re-write) my first work. It is a daunting project and I’ve given myself until the end of the year to complete. I did not consult with my heavenly Editor and it may take longer. It is enough to know this is what God wants me to do and to learn the craft of writing in the process. The lesson is very clear, keep on writing and run with patience the race that is before me.
What a gift to read Michelle’s words this morning as I too felt like a misfit!! In my writings. We are such a wonderful community of women
who love God! And in writing we are continuing His gift – we today are the forerunners of pens and pearls put to paper – an expression of love!
Thank you Margaret for sharing Michelle’s gift – I’m back to knowing God’s gifts are never late!! I wrote one novel- have began others – my mantra all this year has been and still is Trust. I have much to share!
I’m a writer myself (for the same age group as Madeline) and so needed to read this today!
Madeleine L’Engle is a personal hero of mine. I love her fiction. I love her Christian nonfiction. I love her trilogy of memoirs. Her writing always speaks Truth to me. I think she and Elisabeth Elliot are the two women writers who have most shaped me. I just started rereading _An Acceptable Time_ this week!
excellent post. Exactly what I needeD to hear!
This was such a great reminder as I continue you on in academic pursuits and have definitely been having moments of “what am I doing here??”, “others are doing so much better than me!”. Thank you so much!
As I continue to try to figure out exactly what it is God has called me to do (Has He really called me to do a little of everything?!?), I find this topic interesting. I’m 46, and I’m STILL wearing so many hats. Yet, at the same time, I don’t feel like He’s asking me to choose just one and settle down with it forever. So I continue to sprinkle myself here and there throughout the week. The only job I’m not doing well is that of “housekeeper,” but so far no one in my family is complaining, and they’re all that matters in this respect. I guess I’ll just keep going.
Michelle, the minute I saw this verse, I was filled with joy! I am a Special Education Teacher Assistant. For 33 years I have been working with children with challenges and their families. I had no idea that God planned this vocation for me and where this journey would take me. I am now teaching my own medically fragile grandson, Andrew. His life is a miracle! I had no idea God was training me to support my own family on our journey with Andrew (who was born on Ash Wednesday and given 3 days to live). Andrew is now fully included in a typical first grade class and I am his Special Educator assistant. I have always thanked God for my life, my vocation, in all things and continue to follow Him wherever He may lead me. I know my response is a bit different than the intent of your post but the joy I felt when I read that verse was just overflowing. And “A Wrinkle in Time” is one of my all time favorite books I read as a child! I would love to read your book! God bless your journey!
Ps. I would love to be on your mailing list Margaret!
Take heart, dear Michelle. Just read through this lovely thread of encouragement and validation. YOU ARE A WRITER, and a dang good one. Thanks for putting it out there so very well. Love you.
Wow, so good. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey – it was of great encouragement!
Oh, I get this. In my newest career as Full-time Mother, I have certainly played the pity me, cloaked as “right now is not enough, there is no enough unless you’re more and more and more” game with myself in the last 17 months. Certainly motherhood has its difficulties, trials, errors, and re-dos…yet I’m also very much enough, especially in the eyes of my Higher Power. See, because my Higher Power loves me, knows what I’m truly capable of, and is always with me. My Higher Power has allowed me this wonderfully, frustratingly, beautiful career beverage I am exactly enough the way HP sees it. I’m not the one who knows all, HP is and my impatience and expectation of more is solely my own, so it’d behoove me to let it go. 🙂
P.S. I enjoyed Spiritual Misfit
Perfect timing for this article. So needed to read this!
Really appreciate your words Michelle. Funnily enough I stumbled across the link to this post in a news feed and, as is often the way, it spoke straight into my situation. In the last year I’ve realised how much I love writing and have been purposely finding every opportunity to do it. My rekindled call to write has, however, left me feeling demoralised in my day job – which I do generally enjoy nine days out of ten. I guess my challenge, at least at the moment, is to enjoy both my day job, and the opportunities to write the rest of the time! Thanks again, Luke
Such an inspiring and timely post! Thank you.
You are truly inspirational in my book.
at times this can be a tough pill swallow especially you are waiting expectantly. If you are not somewhere you want to be acceptance is tough.
I would echo you, Joe. We relate to Michelle because she has dared authenticity. Most people struggle. Most people fear. You don’t wish that on her, but you experientially understand what she means. I do, too. Michelle, keep doing what you do. God is blessing your work more than you can imagine.
Lynn
I agree with you Joe! Thank you for this comment (also nothing against Michael Hyatt). I’ve tried to do some of what he recommends, but to very dissimilar results :). Thank you Michelle for sharing yourself with me (us).
Whatever stage of life we are in, it is so important to do what we are passionate about. Thank you for reminding me of these things. Look forward to your book.
Perfect. Timing. Thank you! In the midst of a job change, though I’m not sure what or where, I know it is soon. Thank you for posting. Thank you!
Ditto to that!
Great words of wisdom. Very inspirational and timely in my life right now. Thank you!
Michelle, L’Engle is one of my personal heroines. I was so happy to see that she was in your book! I take courage from her perseverance, even though I sometimes forget that my perseverance might not have the same results as hers 🙂 (dang it) Thank you for the reminder. And for being willing to share your disappointment, for remaining authentic and vulnerable through the trial of poky sales.
For what it’s worth, I realized this summer that my books’ poor sales means that I get to fly under the radar of most reviewers and so have avoided pretty much any negative comments about my books. I’m starting to think that’s not a bad trade-off.
I love this post! And it was so timely for me as I am in the middle of writing a book proposal! Appreciate your transparency and real life experience in this crazy world of writing, Michelle. Can’t wait to read your newest book!
So I am not a liar in the giveaway, I am commenting on this post. 🙂
Thanks for this post. I’m interested to hear more about what God is teaching your friends, Margaret. I’ve been journaling a lot + taking pictures. He is definitely ACTIVE! Happy Tuesday!
I have been discussing my writing goals (and how I’m not achieving them) and if I should give up on those goals with my husband over the last week. This afternoon I wrote a blog post where I mentioned my various frustrations and lessons learned from my parents. Putting two and two together my husband saw this post and sent me the link. It always amazes me when various things meet together to confirm what God is telling us to do. I know writing is my calling and my gift. I know I need to do all things as unto the LORD. I will keep writing. Thanks for the added inspiration and encouragement.
Looks like a ‘must read’
Thanks for the encouragement Michelle! I am coming out on the other side of this same struggle, to enjoy my work. It’s a much better place to be than constantly searching for something else!
Such great encouragement to not give up on our dreams and our calling! While I’m at a place in my life where I’ve put my dreams on hold to raise my young kids, and I’ve almost forgotten what I once felt any calling on my life was, it’s good to be reminded not to just give it all up entirely.
As I walked back to my desk from a conversation with a co-worker… my words echoed back at me. “I was expecting to get some recognition for my hard work, some acknowledgment that I am doing a good job”. Then I read this and I wept, because…. how arrogant I still am. How ungrateful I continue to be. I need to renew my mind and my heart with gratitude for having a job at all. One that provides a living to my family, and in fact, I really do enjoy. Thanks for the reminder that sometimes I need to get out of my own pity pot and realize I have great blessings in my life. I think Satan tricks us into thinking everything is horrible; we start to agree with him and speak out loud; and, then we live the lie. I choose today to ask for forgiveness and embrace my little job that God has given me. Blessings to you! Keep posting great articles.
I am having a very hard time at my job because I feel that God has called me to be a homemaker. I raised my 2 children until they were able to go to school and got a job. But, I know my true calling is to be a homemaker. I pray with my heart that God will show my husband this, an that He will make me content until that day comes.
I read this again today and had the AHA! moment. There was an annual photo contest at my previous job. After winning or placing several times over the years, I found myself taking pictures for the contest, instead of for the joy of photography. When I did not win or place in the contest, I felt critical of some of the entries, and sad and baffled as to why my photos were not selected. Now I am reclaiming the joy of this hobby, not related to any external standard. Much better! Thanks for sharing these thoughts, Michelle and Margaret.
alo 789: dang nh?p alo789 – dang nh?p alo789
online medicine shopping in india: online pharmacy india – india pharmacy without prescription
online medicine shopping in india: cheapest online pharmacy india – cheapest online pharmacy india
reliable canadian pharmacy reviews Certified International Pharmacy Online 77 canadian pharmacy
mexican pharmacy online: mexican pharmacy online – buying from online mexican pharmacy
https://indiamedfast.com/# india online pharmacy store
canadian online pharmacy reviews fda approved canadian online pharmacies vipps canadian pharmacy
vipps approved canadian online pharmacy: Pharmacies in Canada that ship to the US – best canadian online pharmacy
india pharmacy without prescription: order medicines online india – IndiaMedFast
https://indiamedfast.shop/# cheapest online pharmacy india
safe reliable canadian pharmacy
https://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican pharmacy online order
order medicines online india IndiaMedFast order medicines online india
https://mexicanpharminter.shop/# mexican pharmacy online
canadian pharmacy drugs online: InterPharmOnline.com – legit canadian pharmacy
mexican pharmacy online order: buying from online mexican pharmacy – Mexican Pharm Inter
https://indiamedfast.com/# online medicine shopping in india
canadian pharmacy king: most reliable canadian online pharmacies – northwest pharmacy canada
canadapharmacyonline legit canada pharmacy no prescription safe canadian pharmacy
online pharmacy india: IndiaMedFast – IndiaMedFast
http://indiamedfast.com/# cheapest online pharmacy india
buy generic 100mg viagra online: Generic 100mg Easy – cheapest viagra
https://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription
Generic 100mg Easy: buy generic 100mg viagra online – Generic Viagra for sale
Tadalafil Easy Buy TadalafilEasyBuy.com TadalafilEasyBuy.com
https://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com
TadalafilEasyBuy.com: TadalafilEasyBuy.com – cheapest cialis
Kamagra: Officiele Kamagra van Nederland – KamagraKopen.pro
https://kamagrakopen.pro/# KamagraKopen.pro
generic sildenafil Generic100mgEasy buy generic 100mg viagra online
Kamagra Kopen: Officiele Kamagra van Nederland – kamagra kopen nederland
Generic100mgEasy: buy generic 100mg viagra online – Generic 100mg Easy
https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra gel kopen
Officiele Kamagra van Nederland: kamagra jelly kopen – Kamagra Kopen Online
https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra kopen nederland
Tadalafil Easy Buy: Tadalafil Easy Buy – Tadalafil Easy Buy
Kamagra: kamagra gel kopen – Kamagra
https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra 100mg kopen
Generic Cialis without a doctor prescription: cialis without a doctor prescription – cialis without a doctor prescription
Generic100mgEasy buy generic 100mg viagra online Generic100mgEasy
cialis without a doctor prescription: TadalafilEasyBuy.com – cialis without a doctor prescription
https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra pillen kopen
Generic 100mg Easy: Viagra online price – Generic 100mg Easy
Generic 100mg Easy: Buy Viagra online cheap – Cheapest Sildenafil online
https://tadalafileasybuy.shop/# cialis without a doctor prescription
Kamagra Kopen: Kamagra – Kamagra Kopen
http://generic100mgeasy.com/# buy generic 100mg viagra online
cialis without a doctor prescription cialis without a doctor prescription Tadalafil Easy Buy
kamagra 100mg kopen: Kamagra Kopen – Officiele Kamagra van Nederland
Generic 100mg Easy: Viagra generic over the counter – buy generic 100mg viagra online
https://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra