Do you have friends who have permission to say the hard things to you?
I have several of these precious gifts in my life. I hope you do, too.
A few months ago they sat me down and had an intervention.
Margaret, we think the reason you haven’t written a big book since Fight Back With Joy is that book was written out of such a place of pain that you’re afraid to write again.
I knew they were right. Fight Back With Joy was written between radiation treatments and surgery. The pain was so horrific I was on palliative care medication.
For me, to write again meant to hurt again.
I wrestled with my friends’ words for several weeks before giving in. I knew I needed to write…but what to write?
Almost a decade ago, I penned Scouting the Divine: My Search for Wine, Wool and Wild Honey.
I spent time with farmers and beekeepers and vintners and shepherds and asked, “How do you read this Scripture passage, not as a theologian, but in light of what you do every day?”
That book and Bible study changed the way that I and many others read the Scripture forever. Passage came alive in a whole new way. Stories sparked with new depth and meaning. When I was finished the project, I was undone. I also sensed the Holy Spirit nudge, “You’re not done.”
That was a decade ago.
Now I find myself drawn back to another Biblical adventure this time with a culinary twist. I’ve begun a journey of spending time with butchers and bakers and fresh food makers in order to understand the richness of food imagery in the Bible.
Though I expect the upcoming months will bring many aha! moments…
And I can’t wait to share them with you…
I also know I’m having to face the pain that came while writing the last book and find restoration from the One who rises with healing in his wings.
Would you be kind enough to pray for me over the next few months?
That I will taste and see God’s goodness…
That I’ll be extra sensitive to the Holy Spirit…
That God will provide the right people at the right time and right place to interview…
That God will heal me and many others through this writing…
That every syllable will bring joy and delight to God…
And if you want to get a sneak peak of the kind of spiritual adventure that I’m going on, you can pick up a copy of the Scouting the Divine book or even lead your group through the Scouting the Divine 6-Session DVD Bible Study.
Thank you, friend. I need you and I’m grateful for you.
