Christian Writers, Speakers & Bloggers, Oh My!
by Alyssa Avant on June 24, 2008
in Just Me, My Ministry
Welcome back!
She Speaks, was a conference for Christian Writers, Speakers and Bloggers, oh my! The worst part, feeling torn between all three. I have for a long time called myself a Christian speaker, for a shorter time however I have began to dub myself a Christian writer and blogger. Though, I have had a love for writing a long time and been a faithful blogger as well, I just didn’t realize that I really WAS ONE! Does that even make sense? But now, looking back on the conference I realize, I am …. really… ALL 3. Which is awesome, but challenging at the same time.
As I chose for the conference to go as a speaker, I chose to take the Speaker’s Track and mostly take speaker related workshops with a few exceptions here were my choices: Blogging: What Works and What Doesn’t, The Power of a Story, Marketing for More Bookings, Teaching By The Book and Balancing Marriage & Ministry.
I feel like God placed me in each of those specifically for a reason. The blogging one helped me, in addition to Friday’s blogging reception to connect with those ladies online who I only knew by face and words. It was amazing to meet someone whose blog you’ve read and pictures you’ve seen 1000 times. I told my husband it felt so weird because I felt like I knew them already in “real life” though I really did not, but now can say that I do.
The other workshops were amazing, I learned too much to even possibly post. And, in addition I participated in Shari Braendel’s Speaker Evaluation Group which was the most nerve racking of all the things I did this weekend. You see, I’ve been a “speaker” for 3 whole years. I have had no shortage of speaking opportunities, no matter how small to me, I felt I was prepared. So, why did I suddenly become nervous when I strangely never got nervous before about speaking?
Well, normally the 11 other ladies in the room aren’t “evaluating” me. I think that was the key. However, these sweet sisters, were very honest, yet critical, but just what I needed and Sunday afternoon I walked away with an even greater confirmation that I am a “Christian speaker”. I can do this with God’s Grace!!! Ironically one of the themes of the weekend was “grace, grace, grace”, the other, “Setting my agenda aside, for God’s Will to be done.” Something I want, now, more than ever, “for God’s will to be done in my life”.
I was blown away when Shari shared with me during my speaker evaluation session that I should write my “speech” into an article and submit it for publication in a Christian teen magazine. This confirming that I am a “Christian writer”.
And, as I sit her “blogging” this morning, I know, I am a “Christian blogger”. So, I guess God has only confirmed in me what I thought I knew, but now know for sure! Amazing, and as I said yesterday I am truly BLESSED!
Though I know for many of my readers it seems like I am going on on and on….there is more… so stay tuned.
So glad you had a great time, Alyssa! I’m still at the point of wondering whether I’m really one of these things, or just an imposter.
Oh, you made a menu bar! It looks great!
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Alyssa,
As I read your blog all I hear is the Song, “blessed be your name.’ You are very blessed and you are doing a great job. Keep following the Path He is leading you down.
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That sounds WONDERFUL! I am so happy for you that it was such a positive experience.
Once upon a lifetime, I used to do some Christian speaking, although I would have been too insecure to say that I was a “speaker.” Also, although I have been writing all my life, I don’t think I have earned the title “writer.” But, I definitely would describe myself as a blogger now.
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Awesome to hear….can’t wait for the rest! So glad that God confirmed some things in your heart…and encouraged you too!!!
Yay You!!
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Those workshops sound like they were great for you and everyone involved. So glad you got so much out of your conference and made it home safe and sound, as well as determined to focus your efforts!
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It’s great to see how God is showing you exactly what you are. I love hearing how God worked through others to confirm something He put in you already!
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Yes, we were blessed in Charlotte at She Speaks. I had similar tracks to yours but there were so many women I missed out on getting to meet you. I am loving reading your blog. The idea to submit your speech into a written article sounds wise. My personal opinion is that we must be trained and prepared for both. As published authors it is important to give messages on the material of your book. As speakers being published gives more authority to you from your audience. You seem to have both going well. Keep up the good work.
Kay
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That sounds WONDERFUL! I am so happy for you that it was such a positive experience.
Once upon a lifetime, I used to do some Christian speaking, although I would have been too insecure to say that I was a “speaker.” Also, although I have been writing all my life, I don't think I have earned the title “writer.” But, I definitely would describe myself as a blogger now.
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