June 11, 2005 10:57 AM
I got an award!
This was the first year in many that I did not teach at or simply attend the Evangelical Press Association's annual conference. The EPA is the trade organization for Christian magazines and newspapers. It's an awesome place to be, among the gatekeepers.
And wouldn't ya know, the year I wasn't there, I received an award! My article "Two Gods Under One Roof," which you can read here, won the Higher Goals in Christian Journalism Award - First Place in the Evangelical Article category!
Doug Newton, editor of Light and Life magazine and one of the kindest editors I've ever worked with, sent the award to me framed, with these words:
"Your life continues to be a testimony to so many people around the country. Some people can only "achieve" when they neglect most of their relationships. But by God's grace, you are a walking example of the fact that people can accomplish a great deal while at the same time maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends."
Those words mean more to me than the award. They are a reminder to keep my life in good order.
I debated about sharing this on my blog, but decided to trust my readers to understand it's not at all about tooting my own horn. It's about recognizing what God can do when we are surrendered.
People often assume I grew up in a Christian home with all the advantages. I did not. And I wasted a couple decades in the counterculture. Who would have thought much could come out of that? But as my friend Zan Tyler says,
"God doesn't have to have a lot to work with in order to do great things in our lives, or the lives of our children."
Bloggers who are actually being called to become professional writers, I want to urge you to submit yourself to situations where you have editors to help and guide you. I can't tell you how powerful those moments have been when God has used the words of an editor to pierce my heart, to redeem my writing - and in the process, to transform my character.
The excitement of an award will last a moment. But the changes in my character are for a lifetime. Thanks to Doug and all the other faithful editors who took risks, challenged me in no uncertain terms, and in so doing helped me become a better writer and a better person!
Comments
Congratulations, Barbara!
Posted by: Marla | June 11, 2005 12:11 PM
Thank you for sharing this info with us, Barbara. Congratulations :)
Posted by: Donna | June 11, 2005 1:43 PM
congrats on your reward. i've recently discovered your blog which i'm enjoying very much.
Posted by: Monika | June 11, 2005 3:15 PM
Good for you!
Posted by: Julana | June 11, 2005 6:18 PM
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing, it gives us a chance to "rejoice with those who rejoice".
Thanks for sharing your editor's thoughts, too. I've noticed that many brilliant people through history have messed up personal lives. Way to buck the trend. Also, you inspire those of us with smaller broods to enlarge our territory, but not at the expense of our families.
Posted by: Lexie | June 12, 2005 1:56 PM
Okay, for those of of you who didn't read the "Two Gods Under One Roof" article that earned the award, go do it. Wow. What a journey.
Posted by: Lexie | June 12, 2005 2:04 PM
