I Made It Through by Emily Owen

 

Image Credit: https://unsplash.com/@yomex4life

You may be wondering, from the title of this blog, what I am about to announce. 

What great feat have I accomplished? 

Did you blink and miss me winning gold at the Olympics?

Actually, the title comes from a review of one of my books, that I recently spotted on Goodreads.

Someone took the time to review: I think that's incredible.

To me, reviews are presents that come beautifully gift-wrapped. 

Thank you so much to all who review. 

I welcome ‘a weak three stars’ reviews, as well as five-star reviews, whether or not I agree with them (incidentally, I do agree with some of this one, and can see why all the points were made: you can read it here).

The weak-three-stars review finishes: ‘But I made it through and didn’t really think of quitting.’

Perhaps it is the reviewer, not I, who deserves Olympic gold.

Reviews can be like buses, none for a while, and then two at once. So it was that, during my Goodreads excursion, I saw another review (about a different book, you can read it here)):

‘When I first started reading this, I was confused, it was all over the place then I paused, re-read the pages I had already read, and understood…Absolutely loved it, couldn't put it down…’

Both reviewers clearly initially found the books jarring, confusing, not easy to read. 

Both persevered. 

Both reached the end.

I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the church in Philippi:

'I press on toward the goal...'

Both my reviewers pressed on to the end of the book.

One, it seems, with gritted teeth.

One, who paused, began again, and discovered understanding that had been elusive.

Many people have noted the link between reading and writing, and I will join their ranks:

Both writers pressed on to the end of the manuscript.

One [it seems] with gritted teeth.

One, who paused, began again, and discovered understanding that had been elusive.

I can’t speak for others, but I have both these writers in me. During editing, particularly, the gritted teeth come to the fore. During initial writing there is - for me - more pausing, more taking time to reflect, more ‘eureka’ moments as I discover the words I am reaching for.

(Though editing brings joy, and writing brings gritted teeth, too!)

But just thinking about those words: I paused, re-read the pages I had already read, and understood.

As Christian writers, particularly if we are going through a gritted teeth stage, perhaps we’d do well to pause and re-read.

To remember why we write.

To revisit that nudge we felt from God.

You can do this.

To be reminded that the One who calls us is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

And to know once more, in the gritted teeth and in the pausing, that we go forward in His strength.

‘I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.’

Philippians 3:14