Yield

I've been thinking about this word a lot.
When you read the second book in the Restorer series, you'll learn why. (That's the manuscript I'm doing revisions on today).

I don't like the concept of yielding when I'm driving.

I don't like it in life, either.

Yesterday, God and I had a long talk about my problem with yielding to Him.

As a newly published writer, I've discovered a specific area where I'm wrestling with this. One of the first surprises for me after being contracted, was learning how many things a writer has no control over. Many decisions are made on behalf of the book, marketing choices are made by wiser folk than me, editors ask for changes, covers are selected, and I've learned to yield fairly easily. I appreciate the help and support and the experience of the team that makes decisions about my book.

But there is one major thing an author can't control that is TOUGH for me. Opinion. A writer has NO control of how a reader, reviewer, agent, editor, or critique partner will feel about a book.

Yield.

God whispers it to me.

Let go of your need to convince everyone to like you. Stand strong in my pronouncement that you are my beloved child. Stop believing you will shatter and die when someone is unhappy, disappointed, or angry with you.

Yield control of something you really never had control over in the first place.

I'm still wrestling with what that means. I know God isn't urging me to be careless in my work. Striving to write to the best of my ability is part of following this calling. But He is showing me how much chatter has invaded my mind, making it harder to write.

I joked with friends that this is a profession that gets harder--not easier-- the longer you do it. As I gain skill and knowledge as a writer, I'm that much more aware of the flaws in my writing, and it's more and more difficult to summon an atom of confidence. And writers need enough confidence to tell their stories.

So far, God has called me to pull back from some peripheral committments -- things related to my writing work, but not part of the core work of story telling. He's also working with me on avoiding too much input - my head is already swirling with the how-to books, the blogs about what isn't working in Christian fiction, the mentor's advice, the critique partners suggestions, the editors requests.

Yield.

My heart answers, "Yes."

Let the noise fall away for a little while. Helpful, wise insights. Important to listen to. But today, turn the volume down and listen to Him.

Is God whispering to you to merge more deeply into Him? Does it require yielding . . . a giving way?

Lord, give all of us the courage today to yield to your grace and tender love for us. Help us give way where you are nudging certain attitudes and actions out of our lives.
Amen.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, 6/2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2/2007)

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