Lunging, reaching, stretching, doing whatever it takes to cross the finish line. Have you been watching the winter Olympics? Crossing the finish line, landing the jump, making the shot, winning the game is the goal. For some of the events, the competitors collapse the second they cross the finish line. Some never make it that far. They stumble or crash or just run out of steam before reaching the finish line. It’s so sad when that happens. All that work gone in a moment.
Watching the winter Olympics is my only interest in winter. My avoidance of winter is nearing its end. Today, I leave for Nashville to attend the NRB convention where I hope my book will debut. I’ll have interviews about its message and do all I can to get it noticed. I’m looking forward to it with a little apprehension mixed with excitement. I’ve put in the work, but will it be enough? I’m wondering what connections God has for me there. (I hope to connect with at least one order of hot chicken!)
The last two months have been a whirlwind getting my new book across the finish line in time for NRB. There were file crashes, delays, winter storms that stopped the presses. I still don’t know if it will make it, but I am hopeful. Even if it doesn’t get there in time, I know that God is in control and has the best plan for me and this project.
My publisher, Abundance Books, has worked tirelessly to get it ready to launch on March 3. The managing editor even worked on it during her mission trip to Jamaica to keep it on schedule. I can’t express how thankful I am for them and their expertise. The prayers of my friends, family, and launch team members for this project have supported and buoyed me through the stress, like Olympic coaches and teammates, coming alongside me. We’re almost there, the finish line is in sight.
Like the Olympians, I’ve been working on this project for a few years. The work was arduous at times, and I wondered if it would ever get done. Then one day there was a cover and then inside copy and then everything fell into place. But then we hit some bumps in the road, and I wondered again if it would come together.
What will the next four days bring? Probably some wins and some losses, maybe some thrills and some scary moments. But my goals are so close. I’m reaching, stretching, using every ounce of energy to cross the finish line. I just might make it across, or at least push the book across, before collapsing. That will be a win!
Lisa J Radcliff ~ Finding Freedom from the Past 