For Faith or For Fame?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters...

Colossians 3:23

 

 

Go Big or Go Home ~ Be Bold ~ You Can Do It

Remember all those inspirational posters hanging in classrooms? I do! Because I took them to heart.

Throughout my life, if I thought it, I shared it. If I dreamed it, I tried it. If I envisioned it, I believed in it.

I’m not sure if that illustrates confidence or arrogance, but it’s always been that simple.

The more challenging part is defining the it. The most challenging part is defining the why.

 

Chasing Popularity

Looking back at grade school, I think— no, I know I was that kid bouncing in their seat to answer every question. Picture the one with her hand dramatically reaching for the sky and straining against the confines of her desk. Yep, that was me, wanting nothing more than to impress my teachers.

In high school, I volunteered to lead every group project, joined numerous organizations, and ran for all the leadership positions. I did that hoping my peers would value me.

We can forgive a child for striving to be a teacher’s pet. We can even extend some grace to a teenager desperate to be liked. But the truth is, I’m not sure I’ve been much better as an adult.

I can’t count the times that as a young wife I prayed to be included when I knew a group of moms or coaches’ wives were planning something fun…or the tears I’ve cried when Coach and I weren’t invited on a trip or to a party.

More recently and as an empty-nester forging a path as a Christian writer, I found myself spending way too much time scanning book reviews, measuring stars on ratings, and striving for bookselling success.

Why did I do that?

I began writing wholesome and cozy romance novels to give a home to the cute characters, sweet scenes, and romantic journeys that lived in my mind. They popped up all around me during the day and haunted my sleep at night. I put them on paper to get them out of my head. Then, I published those stories because I love books.

Along the way, I got caught up in the numbers…how many preorders do I need to rank on Amazon’s algorithm? How many sales garner a coveted #1 New Release banner? Can I attain Best Seller status? How many readers are in my community? How can I attract more? Will I ever really be a success?

Those questions hijacked my train of thought so quickly that I didn’t recognize when my motivation for writing romance and sharing my faith transformed into something I honestly find quite icky.

So, in 2024, I took a step back. I didn’t publish a single thing that entire year. I took a break from writing my newsletter. I quit sharing my passion for love stories, quilts, recipes, and all the things I find lovely in the world.

And I realized I really missed doing those things.

I missed the joy I receive when reading through a rough draft, astonished that the words and dialog and character adventures on the pages came from me. I missed hearing from readers that they, too, experienced delight, felt deep emotions, or indulged in a much-needed break while getting lost in one of my books.

So, 2025 has been about getting “back on the horse” and back into writing. I’ve tackled three Green Hills novellas as part of multi-author projects, a short story as part of an anthology, and a nonfiction Bible study that I’ll be pitching to an acquisitions editor next month.

Best of all, I’ve approached each of these endeavors as a worker for the Lord.

I’ve answered the call I felt to increase the faith elements in my fictional, Christian romance novels. I’ve followed the yearning in my heart to write devotionals and the Bible study I mentioned. And I’ve used today’s verse — Colossians 3:23 — as my mantra throughout the year.

Guess what…

I’ve been rewarded with stories I love to read and I’m elated to share. I haven’t felt desperate for accolades or ratings or reviews. I’ve moved at my own pace, relishing my walk along the path on which God has set me. Even amidst Coach’s wild career circumstances, our moving cross-country, and my setting up a new home, I’ve been at peace. Indeed, it’s been a much better year!

And yes, I still monitor KPIs for my book business, striving to publish high-quality novels and devotions that readers adore. Financially, I’d still like to support Coach someday, after he’s taken such wonderful care of me and our family for so long. I still work at everything I do with all my heart. The difference is that now I’m intently working for the Lord.

 

Thank you, Lord, for putting this verse in front of me when I needed to see it the most. God, please never let me forget that I’m working for You — to further Your kingdom. I’m so grateful for the gifts and blessings I’ve received. I pray I never again lose sight of the reason I received them. Jesus, you are the reason. In your name, amen.

 

With love and hugs,