With about 30 minutes to spare before I could go downstairs and have breakfast, I decided to pull out all of my published works and reread them.

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My sister-friend had just published a devotional, and the professionalism of her book made me want to look over my own. The published quality of my books paled in comparison to hers. While the content in both was divinely inspired by God, the delivery showed what happens when you self-publish versus hiring a professional. I could do better; I would do better.

About 2.5 seconds later, I gave myself grace, remembering that I published nine years ago when I was a completely different person. I was 30 (almost 31) years old, still fresh on my healing journey. I had more thoughts than tools to navigate those thoughts, and, unfortunately, the quality of my books reflected that. But I am not ashamed of the work that I created. In fact, I found immense joy in the books that God had placed on my heart. Nevertheless, with all due respect to God, my next book will be my best book to date. He deserves nothing less than that; His story of redemptive love, grace, and triumph in my life deserves to be elevated from the highest platform. So I made it my goal to do just that.

After making that mental promise to myself, I pulled out my copy of Flash Fiction Aficionado, a local book created by my late friend and classmate, Celeste Williams (nee Walker). She was ahead of her time with the way she saw education and writing. Almost every day, I wish she were still here to see what is unfolding in the world. Personally, I would love to have heard her thoughts about The Blueprint for Maryland’s Success, and I would have been elated to read the stories that she would have created to bring a voice to the injustices of the world. Her writing was always so poignant, and her stories so intentional. She was long ahead of her time, and this world could not hold her; I believe that’s why God called her home.

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As I flipped through the pages of that summer edition of her book, I flipped to my favorite story, “Sunflowers and Eclairs.” Ok, yes, it was a flash fiction story written by me, but it was also my favorite piece of all time. Nothing that I have ever written has brought me as much joy as that 1,000-word story, and sometimes, I pray nothing ever does.

While the world may never read that piece (or any of my other writings), I rest each night peacefully knowing that I am doing what I was called to do. I have to push myself to remember that God called me to write… who reads my work and when is all up to God.

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Beloved, from firsthand experience, I know just how difficult it can be to pour your heart and soul into something, only for it not to yield the results that you desired. However, I want to encourage you today. We each have a unique and distinct calling on our lives. As I’ve mentioned before, some of us were called to plant, others water, and others still were called to harvest. As a planter, I write, create, share, and trust God to pave the way for someone else to water what I’ve planted. I know my lane, and I must dwell solely within it, leaving the other parts up to God to handle. Sweetfriend, that’s what I want you to do today- be who God called you to be. Do your part and let God do His.

Be blessed.