Southern Christian Writers Conference
One Christmas my husband’s family gathered for a special get-together at my sister-in-law’s house in Mississippi. All the siblings and their families had flown in from all over the country. We had lots of laughs, opened presents and ate more food than we should have. The crescendo of the party would be a small fireworks show. We gathered around a bonfire and as our brother-in-law prepared the fireworks display…
it happened…
Somehow a pack of fireworks that one of the kids had received for Christmas “accidentally” fell into the bonfire.
The small show that was supposed to be cozy, fun and last a long time took a new direction.
The blast caught the whole family by surprise. Instead of people flying for cover in different directions, we huddled as a group. And as a group, we scampered all over the yard dodging fireworks, which in turn set off the other fireworks.
When people are scared they crowd in for security. It is very hard to run in a different direction when you are consumed by bodies on every side.
It was 30° that night. Everyone had on coats, hats, scarves and blankets. I’m sure we resembled a bunch of war-torn refugees running for our lives in a dense colorful firestorm smog.
I honestly feared for my life.
The fireworks display made such a racket and lit up the entire hill that all the neighbors drove up expecting to see the house on fire.
Luckily the house and all of us made it without being singed.
There we stood facing the gawking neighbors in the middle of fireworks, firework refuge, firework smoke, firework smut and firework sparks floating down from the sky like little dancing lightning bugs. I’m sure it was a sight that they will never forget.
So what in the world does this story have to do with the Southern Christian Writers Conference?
Seven points…
Never underestimate compact power.
Never take for granted that someone else’s flame can’t ignite yours or vice versa.
Don’t despise small beginnings, they can pack a wallop.
Don’t always follow the crowd, breakaway and be different.
Power compels you to move…
When God’s power settles on you, everyone will know it.
When you lest expect it, a new direction can turn everything around.
Southern Christian Writers’ Conference was small but potent. The speakers powerful and moving. The crew behind it all, dedicated and unshakable in their task.
A firecracker is portable power and once ignited it usually never fails to explode beyond its small capacity.
SCWC is the same type of portable power. Expect big things from all those who attended. They certainly have been equipped to reach beyond their means.
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