As a professional writer, I attend writers conferences whenever I can. Since I write in the Inspirational (Christian) genre, I prefer to visit Christian conferences to catch up on industry news and trends. But occasionally, I’m invited to speak at secular writers conferences (generally larger than Christian conferences), where I find myself in a parallel universe that has omitted my Jesus.
No opening prayers before breakfast; no friendly chatter about which churches are the most welcoming to speakers; no writing tips with ties to biblical principles; no pervasive feelings of comradery in the efforts of everyone there to fulfill Jesus’s Great Commission (Matthew 26:18-20):
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of the nations, baptizing them in the name of Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”
Taking the good news of Christ (the gospel) into all the world via our books and articles is the main motivation of Christian writers. It certainly is mine! Every time I submit a new book or article, I take a few moments to give it to the Lord before I hit “send.”
But the atmosphere at secular conferences doesn’t provoke feelings of unification with the other attendees to accomplish this enormous mandate via the written word, but rather stiff competition with everyone you see, trying to one-up each other, and become the publishing golden child. With sharing the gospel of Christ as my motivation for writing (not money or fame like most there), I feel like a fish out of water. The atmosphere is completely different. Super competitive. Almost cutthroat.
For example, I was astounded at the last secular conference I attended when I was asked what types of books I write and I had to explain what a devotional was to a woman whose grandfather was a Methodist minister.
Another time when the discussion turned to popular genres, I mentioned that Amish fiction seems to be perpetually strong in the marketplace, and nobody there had a clue what I was talking about. “The Amish write fiction?” someone asked. I was flabbergasted.
But the coup de grace (did I spell that right?) was when during a game testing your knowledge of Publishing World, someone made the shocking flippant statement, “Lord, save us from your followers!”
Gulp. That would be me. 
I felt so uncomfortable that I slipped out of the room, pretending to go to the bathroom. I didn’t return.
But something is wrong with this picture. It occurred to me that in taking the gospel into all the (nonbelieving) world, I’m supposed to feel uncomfortable. Discomfort is inevitable when you’re rowing your boat upstream against the current. If all I ever do is paddle around my own peaceful pond in Christian World, I won’t be able to fulfill Jesus’s mandate to the best of my ability.
If I’m trying to catch fish, I have to go where the fish are.
What are your thoughts, dear BFF (Blessed Friend Forever)? Do you find a similar conundrum in your field of work? How do you handle it? Could we be too immersed in Christian World?
Wow Debora. Praying for you as more opportunities come in your path.
Thanks, so much, Sylvia. I pray for more opportunities too, and the strength to take advantage of them for my Jesus when they occur. I’m so glad you commented – I love to hear from you!
I have always felt this way at work. So different from everyone else. It made me feel uncomfortable at times, when certain people put down Christians (especially in front of me). I just try & remind myself maybe I’m the only Christian they have encountered all week? I always pray for those around me & to be a light in the darkness for them.
That’s such a good perspective, Lorena. You definitely are a light in their darkness, so keep shining for Jesus, my friend. I’m praying for you. Hugs!
Hi, my friend! You can never be too immersed in Christianity. I wish we were always comfy when doing the right thing, but I think it wouldn’t be as meaningful to ourselves if it were. (Is that even a thing?lol) I have slipped out of situations like that before. Not from nerves or fear – but because I knew I wasn’t supposed to be there. (The old trash in/trash out’ theory) Your thoughts & feelings are spot on in my opinion! ?
It’s hard ‘to be in the world, but not if it’ but it’s what we are called to. To separate for purity can cause us to let spiritual muscles atrophy. We also can forget the depths of what we were spared from and take hope for granted some as well as all other gifts. It does take courage to be salt and light.
Hi Cindy, you make a great point. And I totally agree: It takes courage to be salt and light! Hugs to you!
Thanks so much, Kim. I value your thoughts – I think the worst moment I ever had at a secular conference was when the speaker launched into instructions on
“How to write a sizzling sex scene.” Good heavens! Thankfully we don’t have that topic at Christian writers conferences. Hugs!
Oh Deb! Maybe you feel unwelcome in the Secular Writers conferences, but your books are needed. I give them to people who need a connection again to our Father, in a loving, accepted manner. Your words are so much better than I am able to voice myself. Like when you find that greeting card and the words say exactly what you wish you could have written yourself to convey your true thoughts and feelings!! Papa God gave you a gift to write and I am thankful you continue to use your gift. Know that you’re reaching more souls than you will ever realize. God bless.
Paula,
You don’t know me; I’m sure you have never heard of me. The world of writers would not consider me in the room. That’s okay. I enjoy following Debora.
I just want to say thank you for those encouraging words to Debora. She is an amazing Christian writer.
Florida Granny
Patty, remember if you can’t NOT write, you’re a writer! And you’re a gifted one, my friend. Thanks for taking the time to comment! We value your opinion. Hugs!
Thank you, Paula – your sweet, encouraging words made my eyes leak. I’m just finishing up the final draft of my new devotional and am in the tortured phase that all writers go through after they’ve edited their own work for the 45th time: you feel sure it’s the worst thing ever written in the history of the world and wonder why you ever thought you could write in the first place. Your wonderful words lifted me out of my pit of self-incrimination: “Know that you’re reaching more souls than you realize.” I surely hope so!
Love you, my friend! Thanks for taking the time to write.
Oh Deb, I hear you. Remember, we met at the Florida Writers Conference many years ago. I LOVED those meetings. But times have changed. Stay strong in the faith and with your witness always.
Hey there, Tricia = yes, I absolutely DO remember meeting you at the Fla Writers Conference! That was actually one of those secular events where I wondered why in the world Papa God wanted me to go there because I felt so much like a fish out of water. But then I met you and I knew why. He always had a purpose, doesn’t He? You have been such a blessing to me over the years, my friend. Thank you.
I don’t think you were a fish out of water because you’d have “died” in that environment. No way will you ever die, anywhere you go. You have been chosen for this purpose, to fish for men (all mankind). You weren’t fishing with a net at that conference, but you only had a fishing pole,without any bait ( ie your own personal testimony. ) Go again to another and fish with your fishing pole and your bait. 🙂
Esther, thank you so much for the encouragement. You’re right, I’m not dead, just still flopping around on the ground a little too much. I love your analogy of fishing with a pole versus a net. So true – and I need to add more bait to my bucket. Love you, my Green Acres friend!
Hi Debby,
Many years ago, we attended TBPC together. Through the years I have followed your career with great interest and appreciation for the work you do to draw others closer to Christ. I agree with you that we were not made to be comfortable when surrounded by those who don’t understand or comprehend the impact the Lord has made in our lives. In fact, I encourage you to embrace it and allow your joy to overflow. Forgive the snide remarks and startle them with the love and gentleness that the Lord showed to others. The unsaved world is always watching and the seeds you plant by demonstration of his love can spring to life long after you have left the room~it is a fragrant offering that lingers.
So true, Christine! I just wish I was better able to forgive and ignore the snide remarks; I tend to be more sensitive about that than I should be. I really like what you said: “Startle them with love and gentleness” That’s my new prayer for me, that Papa God will give me the strength and grace to do just that. Thank you so much for commenting!
I started going to Christian writers’ conferences as a reward to myself for working in the secular world 40 hours per week. We are called to be salt and light, but we need those periods of refreshing from being around likeminded believers. It’s always cringy to hear someone make flippant remarks about God or use his name in vain. Praying you find a good balance between walking out your call and preserving your sanity.
Yes! Teresa, you read my mind! We need both worlds for different reasons, don’t we? Thank you for your prayers about finding balance and keeping my sanity (although it may be to late for the latter). Lifting you in prayer too, my friend!
Debbie, I’m reminded of the stories in the gospels when the disciples “caught no fish”. All night long they had worked at their “jobs”…..they were professional fishermen, and they came up empty. You know they were disheartened and disappointed. Both times, Jesus told them to try again. That time, their nets were full. The disciples didn’t do anything different. It was JESUS that BROUGHT the fish to their nets. Jesus placed those fish in that spot so the disciples could draw them in. If the disciples had not cast their nets, the fish wouldn’t have been caught. And maybe this isn’t a good analogy, but I’ve worked very little in the secular world, so I’ve not experienced the pressure and discomfort that many of your readers have. But Jesus has brought MANY fish into my life, swimming around in this world. I just have to be prepared and willing to cast the net.
Hi Jan, it’s a great analogy! I’m especially touched by the line, “if the disciples had not cast their nets the fish wouldn’t have been caught.” That meant they had to actually hear his voice and obey. I think maybe I allow myself to be sometimes be too scared to cast my net and fear the fish are actually piranhas. Love you, my friend! Can’t wait to see you soon.
Deb, my history with you at UF reminds me that you have always been special, curious, different from others, and a witness for kindness and understanding. It wasn’t until later that I became aware of your love of Christ and commitment to share your devotion to others.
I have recently discovered “The Chosen”, a series about Jesus and his mission to select and train his apostles. The episodes have stretched my understanding of the tribulations of the time. There are many parallels to our current events as human nature is the primary constant in all societies.
Yes, we all want to be cozy and comfortable and stay within those zones with friends, family, and beyond. Giving witness has always been a challenge, even for those closest to the miracles. Cultural leaders can be destructive in the way they influence their followers. Their minions will avoid challenging their “authorities” that they hope to impress. I am glad that you have aptly described your experience. May we all join you in rising to the opportunities to share the message of Jesus who multiplied the “fish out of water” and provide sustenance.
Hugs
Hi Jenny, I love hearing from you! And I love hearing you’re a woman of faith! Those days at UF seem like ages ago now, don’t they? Are you retired nowadays or still plugging away? I retired from OT about 8 years ago to focus on writing. I love the Chosen too! You make a great point about the similarities to current events of today. I’m trying to strike a balance of venturing into Secular World for sharing a little Jesus-joy with those who don’t even know how much they need it, and Christian World for recharging. Some years I seem to need more of that than other years. Thanks so much for commenting – somehow I don’t feel so much like a little fish flopping around on a table. Please do stay in touch!
I jumped into retirement on Leap Day (Feb 29). Talk about a “fish out of water”, but I readily adjusted into not working. Adjusting into a new schedule was the greater challenge. Working on small goals and “catching up” on the things there was “no time for” before are taking my attention. I had hoped to exercise myself younger more effectively by now but there is still time.
Your comment to Jan, “I’m trying to strike a balance of venturing into Secular World for sharing a little Jesus-joy with those who don’t even know how much they need it, ….” impacted me as I pondered the thought. It’s a delicate impulse that could develop into a challenge (certainly influenced by the audience). Let’s have lunch with our Joy one day! Wink-wink
Not always do the people holding the mic actually represent what the crowd thinks. Even when they get the laugh. There are more silent Christians than we think. And many more people who are searching. What is needed is a voice that waits on the Holy Spirit to speak of Jesus. It may be a one on one encounter, or it may be to the crowd. It may be one word, or many words. But if you are willing, He will give the opportunity and the words. And even if you never know who, someone who needed to, will hear it. Years ago, I was sitting at a table on Thanksgiving of about 20 people that were friends of my (new age believing ) father and step mother. They were discussing crime and why it was on the rise. The hostess turned to me and said, “You are a young person, what do you think is the reason?” I said, ” Well the Bible says” and was immediately cut off by the hostess. Later on in the living room, another younger lady came up to me and said she agreed with what I said. I didn’t feel I got to say anything. And yet with only one word, the Holy Spirit said a lot.