On Sunday October 27 a local conservative Mennonite church made an announcement telling the congregation they should not attend our conference, specifically naming ‘Shattering the Silence’. This inspired me to write a blog, appropriately titled, ‘Local Preachers Forbid Attending Sexual Abuse Conference‘.
Even though I knew the day would come, it still punched me in the gut when it happened because of which congregation it was. I had already helped numerous of their congregants work through abuse, and had done so respectfully, with their leaders’ knowledge. As quickly as the punch came, I ruminated on what good it could possibly inspire.
I am a firm believer that out of everything intended for harm, God already has a plan for good in place if we will but ask Him and reach for that good. Sometimes it comes almost immediately, sometimes it takes years, and sometimes it takes weeks. This time it was barely days.
The thought that went through my mind that night, as I contemplated their announcement, was, “If we can’t get the people to the message, how do we get the message to the people?”
I already write a blog, but many of the people I want to reach, locally, don’t have computers. I could write a book–which I have, and am working on a second one–but that takes a long time. After writing it, I have to publish it. If I self-publish, I have to raise the money first, and if I don’t self-publish, I have to find a publisher. That takes a very long time. And, furthermore, I believe the message God has given me is needed now. As in yesterday. Sure, the book will be good, when it’s ready, and it will be helpful. But in the meantime how do I get the message out there?
And then it occurred to me…
I sat down at my computer and I composed a message to a local paper…
“Does the Elmira Independent ever look for guest columns to be written? If so, I would be interested in doing this, from time to time, or regularly. [insert explanation about abuse and what I do]… I cannot sit back … without at least attempting to get a message of hope (to abuse victims), so I will nudge every door I can think of, to see which ones will open. And I will become bolder and bolder until those who desperately want help find it. If (writing a column) is not an option or an avenue of speaking into the issues of healthy family life, abuse etc, that’s okay. I am not afraid of closed doors. But they definitely won’t open if I don’t knock.”
I hit ‘send’ and waited. A day later I received an email asking me to write a sample column to see what I have in mind. Immediately I sat down at my computer and tapped the keys for an hour or so, before sending my sample column to the editor. And then I waited.
Several days passed. An email arrived. It was an apology. The editor was sorry she had not been able to find time to read the sample column, as she was sick. She would get to it as soon as possible and let me know. Again I waited.
A week and several days passed, still I waited, until moments ago when an email arrived saying she had finally had time to read the article and, yes, it is definitely something their paper could use! Would I consider letting them use a headshot photo with it? And what about contact information and a little blurb about what I do, would I be okay with that? And could I have the columns to them a week in advance? And the first one will be printed the first week of December. As for restrictions on what I may say, or write about, how about ‘none’ to start?
Wow! How amazing is that?! I’ve dreamed for years of writing a column but never had the courage to put myself out there! One negative experience, forcing me to ask the question, “How do I get the message to the people?” took me to a place of pursuing another dream.
Over and over I am amazed by God. When I speak locally at conferences, I speak to an audience of under 200 several times a year. Now I will write monthly, for an audience of over 4000. And who knows what doors that will open?
More and more I am learning to trust God when it feels like those who oppose our work have an upper hand. It is impossible to get the upper hand on God, and it is impossible to stop His truth from spreading. When things seem to go against us, and that thing He has called us to do seems impossible, He will make a way if we are willing to listen, and step outside our comfort zone.
And so begins another great adventure with God, as a columnist for a local paper, taking the message of hope out to the community…
Maybe that ‘Christian radio program’, or that ‘Christian TV program’ dream lies just around the corner… Who knows? And it doesn’t really matter. For now I am going to embrace this phase with all that I am.
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A Splash of Love.... 
As I read your blog today, I was also reading Acts 13, where Paul preached first to the Jews, but when their leaders pushed him out, it lead him to preach to the Gentiles, causing a new beginning in his ministry. I believe where these religious leaders sought to shut down your message, they have allowed God to open another door which will potentially reach even more people. Praise God for your faithfulness in the face of opposition. May He bless you and your ministry mightily.
Fantastic Trudy!!!! That is AWESOME!!!! God bless this endeavor!!!!
God is not willing that any should perish. He only asks for our availability. God’s blessings to you
Reblogged this on Speakingtruthinlove's Blog.
All in God’s good time! How awesome is He! You go girl.
God bless.
I have not commented before, but I read your blog from time to time and am inspired by you passion for Jesus, and for taking the message of hope to those who don’t have hope! God bless your ministry!
Wow, this is amazing!