“Did you mean to extend this invitation to me?” I know—not exactly a professional response to an invitation to be a guest on someone’s show, but an honest question nonetheless. I responded to another invitation likewise the same week. (More on the other soon.) I mean, who am I? Certainly not an industry professional, nor have I published a book yet, though I’m working on a couple. But often it’s the lessons learned on the journey that prepare us for our destination, and my goal is to glorify God and encourage others along the way. Fear tries to imprison, but God invites us beyond ourselves to dependence on His craftsmanship. Sometimes it’s messy. The way is steep and sometimes we stumble, but God’s strength is made perfect in weakness, scripture says. Good thing.
Honored to share about faith, obedience, and my writing journey with Dr. Katherine-Hutchinson Hayes on her podcast. I pray it provokes all who struggle or strive to excel in God’s call, to step out of their comfort zone and walk it out in their skin.
Click below to listen to my guest interview on Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes’ podcast, Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Laced with Morality. Special announcements follow.
Dr. Katherine Hutchinson- Hayes is an award-winning author, podcaster, speaker, teacher and more. Check out her award-winning blog, her books, and podcast. Learn more about this accomplished multi-talented lady with a servant’s heart here.
A Special Announcement & Great Follow-up to the Podcast!)
Yes, this is the article that I put my head on the table and wept over to God for half an hour. — The one I almost called Mr. Smith and told him I quit on after I had the meltdown on the phone with friend and author Cherrilynn Bisbano. What a joy to receive the news and share it with Dr. James Spicer on his 92nd birthday! Dr. Spicer and my father-in-law were best friends, co-ministers of Chapel on the Hill in Oak Ridge, TN, and fellow Civil Rights activists. He is the source and main character for this article. (You can read Dr. Spicer’s commentary on my article in the Oak Ridger HERE.)
Honored to be a 2022 Selah Award finalist in the Articles in Print category for my piece The Integration of Oak Ridge featured in the Oak Ridger newspaper under city historian Mr. Ray Smith’s Historically Speaking column.
Grateful to Mr. Ray Smith for the opportunity to write for his Historically Speaking column in the Oak Ridger newspaper. Thank you to the Blue Ridge Conference Christian Writers Conference and the Selah Awards team for hosting this contest.
Grateful for God’s grace, patience and equipping in all He calls us to, and for all those who pray, invest in, and encourage me on this journey.
Click HERE to read the online version of the selah finalist, The Integration of Oak Ridge (Part one in my ongoing series.) Click here for Part 2 and Part 3
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV) Not that we are sufficiently qualified in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency and qualifications come from God. I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. (Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible)
Established nearly forty years ago, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in NC. The BRMCWC Selah Awards (for published works) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The God-centered atmosphere, with an emphasis on hearing from God and ministering to the spiritual needs of the writer, makes BRMCWC feel more like church than school. Top writing industry experts provide an array of engaging classes to educate, encourage, and equip writers to fulfill their call. Additional benefits to attendees include opportunities to connect with publishers and agents, receive guidance from leaders in the writing world, forge and renew friendships, and rest and rejuvenate.
The 2022 Selah Awards and Foundations Contest winners are announced at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, which runs this year from Sunday May 29th – Thursday June 2nd, 2022.
There is still time to register for The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. This year’s BRMCWC Foundations Contest (for unpublished works) is open for entries until April 1st, 2022. Click here for Foundations Contest categories, rules, and guidelines.
UPCOMING: Interview with Civil Rights Icon Ambassador Andrew Young: I’m holding off until next week to share my interview with Civil Rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young. I hope to include a link to related content which I may have access to after his 90th birthday celebration. You may watch the live stream of Ambassador Young’s 90th Birthday Gala on Saturday, March 12th at 7 p.m. Eastern time here: AndrewYoung.org
CONGRATS TO ALL THE SELAH AWARDS FINALISTS! Listed below are my fellow finalists in the Articles in Print category with links to their work. Whitney Ward — Directly Affected, Focus on the Family’s Brio magazine Website: More Children's Picture Book: MORE Than Your Mountains Book: MORE Than My Mountains YouTube Channel: Mountain Climbers Julie Lavender — Homeschooling Multiple Ages in Stages, Homeschool Magazine, Indiana Press 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories Children's Bible Stories for Bedtime: To Grow in Faith & Love Maureen Miller — My Homeless Teacher, Refresh magazine, Lighthouse Bible Studies Website: Penning Pansies
Thank you to my author friends Patricia Tiffany Morris, who called to ask if I planned to enter my article in the Selah Awards contest. (Three of my poems are featured in this book which is part of Patricia's Journaling Scribbles series: Creative Writing Journal: Faith Inspired Writing Prompts & Hope-Filled Poetry) And thank you to author Johnnie Alexander of Serious Writer's Writer's Chat (always so much to learn) who offered counsel and encouraged me to enter.
Still accepting participants for my Law Enforcement Series featuring interviews with officers from every state in the USA! Interested parties please contact me HERE.
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Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 24 hour Prayer Line: (888) 388-2683
Click HERE to read my testimony: A Mail Carrier’s Mistake Saved Her from Suicide on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website.
PRIOR POSTS
Don’t miss 14 year-old Angelina’s powerful 12 minute message below!
- The Hair and the Chicken
If you don’t lose all respect for me after watching this video, no worries, you’ll have another chance. Sometimes good things do come out of bad hair days. - Road to Rabbi: A Messianic Jew’s Journey to Jesus
What an adventure, an education, and blessing to converse with the lively and jovial Rabbi Henry Morse of the Sha’ar Hashamayim Messianic Congregation in Stoughton, Massachusetts. I first encountered the Rabbi as he led his merry band of people down the hill after the If My People prayer event at the National … Continue reading “Road to Rabbi: A Messianic Jew’s Journey to Jesus” - Let’s Talk About Race Relations with Lori Roeleveld & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
When we attempt to muzzle people’s pain we widen their wounds. Without honest communication there is no intimacy. Without intimacy it’s difficult to touch a heart, the seedbed of where true, lasting, and positive change can take place. So, thank you to authors Lori Stanley Roeleveld and Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith for participating … Continue reading “Let’s Talk About Race Relations with Lori Roeleveld & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith” - Failure is Not a Four-letter Word
Defeated! Dejected! Those words seemed to sum up my life. I started out strong in my late teens by committing my life to Jesus. Oh, but then how my life became marked by failure. I felt so much older than my numerical age. - Delay & Divine Direction
When the road stretches longer than expected and delays and detours abound, we dare not deter from the right path. The high road, though often rough hewn, long, lonely, and costly, is worthy of staying the course. In the long run, the cost of abandoning our call is higher than the pursuit … Continue reading “Delay & Divine Direction” - Celebrating and Upholding American Freedom
What fun to introduce you to my young friend and writer, 12-year-old Isaac Barros. Isaac is the son of our beloved family friend, Larry Barros, who went home to be with Jesus in 2014. Larry was a children’s church leader, curriculum writer, and an amazing preacher. I plan to introduce you to … Continue reading “Celebrating and Upholding American Freedom”
© 2022 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On your Heart
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Tattoo It On Your Heart 
This podcast felt like I was listening in on two friends talking over coffee and chocolate. You always share from the heart and we get to learn so much more about you and who you are writing for!
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Ms. Katherine is, like you, a wonderful gem of God. Thank you for sharing Ms. Rachael.
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