Just Do It

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by Daniella Ojo

Last Sunday I went to a church I sometimes visit that’s closer to where I live. It’s been a particularly cold winter so far and the night before we had about 3 or 4 inches of snow. That may not be much to people living in other parts of the world, but for London that’s a lot. That was one of the reasons why I chose to go this other church as opposed to my regular church which is farther away.

I was so glad I did. The Lord knows exactly what we need to hear, when we need to hear it and when we can handle it. The message was about getting your voice back and singing again. The pastor talked about reviving your dreams; getting back your creativity. There are some of us who have let life, circumstances and fear sap our productivity and stop us from moving forward or making progress. This resonated within me because after a great start, I’d been struggling with my writing for a while.

Three years ago I completed the first draft of my first manuscript. After the joys of being creative without thinking about the technical and business side of the craft I got stuck and overwhelmed with seemingly contradictory advice, so I started writing and re-writing and then let ‘life’ get in the way. At a few junctures I began to doubt my call and felt so inferior reading the various emails on the loop that I retreated even further into myself.

But the desire to write, though buried, wouldn’t leave me. I learned to ignore it somewhat, but then family, close friends and even casual acquaintances began to ‘bug’ me about it. I just couldn’t run from it. So when I went to church and really listened to the ministration of the Holy Spirit, I felt a weight lift off me. You know how some of us sometimes get overly emotional and excited when we hear a ‘good’ message at church? And then when all the emotion has drained from us, we leave feeling empty? Well this wasn’t like that. It was emotional for sure, but from the words the pastor used it seemed that he’d been reading my thoughts from the last week or so!

I made so many notes but one set of instructions I noted stood out, “You have to start changing before the situation changes.” Hmm. That’s a thinker. I realise that it’s my responsibility to push through regardless of what else may be happening in my life. I have tremendous respect for such an august group of people in ACFW, not just because of the brilliant works you’ve collectively written and published, although that is impressive, but because you get a lot done despite the challenges you face in your own lives, running businesses, taking care of your families, through sickness and financial hardships. Kudos to you all! I have no excuse.

Yes, I’m still a bit shaky, but I’m getting on with it. By His grace (and my effort), I will finish editing my manuscript in a timely manner and move forward.

Daniella Ojo is a Technical Author and Software Trainer living in London. She is editing her first manuscript and working on some new stories about relationships and is trusting God for connections leading to publication.

Comments 0

  1. Daniella, it’s late and I was going to delete this email in my inbox and go to bed, but I didn’t, and am I glad I didn’t. I have had a similar situation, have not resumed writing, but…I had read a great book on writing, have looked over some research material…like getting your feet wet before you jump back in…thanks to you…here’s to jumping back in,

  2. Thank you for your post, Daniella–such a good reminder that we’re not in this alone. It amazes me, over and over, how God goes ahead of us, preparing the way for our every need. You’re right–He knows just what we need and when we can absorb it. I’m rejoicing with you and praying as you put the finishing touches on your manuscript! God bless!

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