Feeling Like A Loser
Or are you curled into the fetal position weeping like a baby?
Part of the writing game is losing or, at least, feeling like a loser. There are contests you don't win. Agents you don't attract. Contracts that pass you by. And all that after you've poured your heart and soul into a story that bares part of who you are.
It's hard not to take it personally. Nah, make that impossible. What to do?
You can try putting on your big girl and/or boy pants and sucking it up. You can stick your nose in the air and pretend it really doesn't matter. You can take your writing ball and go home by quitting writing altogether.
But none of those choices will heal your heart. You'll still be an angry, walking, purple bruise. So allow me to introduce you to the only 1 sure way to keep from falling apart when you take a direct hit...
Hang out in God's word. The Bible. It's the best way I know of to directly hear God's voice and His opinion of me, which is the only opinion that ultimately counts. Here are a few of my favorite verses when I visit the land of I'm-such-a-loser-ville.
"I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9,10
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17
"You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you." Song of Solomon 4:7
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8
The bottom line is this:
If your name is on God's list, you've won the biggest prize of all.