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Festival of Faith and Writing

Grand Rapids, MI

Date: April 08 - April 10

marydemuth

Once as I was jogging, an owner with a dog walked

Once as I was jogging, an owner with a dog walked by me. The dog lunged toward me, then nipped at me, but didn’t break the skin.

What came out of my mouth defied logic.

“I’m sorry,” I said to the owner.

Wait, what?

Of course I ran the other way while the nibbling dog walked the opposite direction. I didn’t hear from the owner if they were sorry their dog jumped toward me, and soon the moment passed.

But I felt God wanted to tell me something.

I apologized for what someone else allowed to happen. I did nothing wrong. I simply was jogging on a public path.

All my life I’ve apologized to those who hurt me. (OK counselors who follow me, analyze away).

My hunch is that I so much value harmony that I’ll apologize even when it’s my fault.

What I’ve come to realize, though, is that when I over-apologize for someone else’s predatory behavior, I end up enabling them to abuse me or others further.

Read that again.

I recall a time a few years ago when I was verbally attacked by someone.

Instead of pushing back I APOLOGIZED. For what, I don’t even remember. But that person felt emboldened to really, really bite into me. My apology welcomed further predation.

The moral of the story? Stop apologizing when you don’t need to. Stop enabling other people’s awful behavior.

This is easier said than done. We need the Spirit within to help us be bold and not take abuse anymore.

Do you relate to this?

Any insights as to why we do this?

And have you stood up to a bully, and a different outcome happened? I’d love to hear from you.

Anyone who has ever put words to paper knows the r

Anyone who has ever put words to paper knows the risk. They feel the painful beauty of authenticity. The terror too.

It is sacrifice, writing.

And often? Lonely. Haunting. Insecure.

I would not be 50 books into a career without the cheerleading of other writers, particularly @leslieporterwilson and @dmateerauthor

You may not have a heroes parade of bubbles and cheer with your name on a sign. But if you are a writer, find a group of ride or die cheerleaders. They will carry you through the valleys of publishing. They’ll sing to you in the fog. They’ll actually rejoice in your wins.

Writer: don’t write alone.

Good people, good days. I’m reminded how COVID

Good people, good days.

I’m reminded how COVID (the era of it; I actually haven’t had it) has shrunk my extroversion significantly.

On this retreat, I sensed God calling me away from shrinking back toward stepping out toward radical hospitality in every area of my life.

There is only one @bobgoff. There is only one @megantibbits. There is only one @kimberly.stuart.writes there is only one @magicstoryteller.

They are all fabulous human beings. Doing spontaneous and beautiful work.

But guess what? There’s only one you. What are you going to do with your unique, powerful life? What am I going to do with mine?

I’m tired of shrinking. Tired of playing small. I no longer wanting to apologize for taking up earth space.

How about you?

What makes you play small?

My 2024 calendar is alive, and the theme this year

My 2024 calendar is alive, and the theme this year is healing. I do pray you’ll be encouraged each month.

Each month’s print is suitable for framing, and I give you two bonus prints as well, so you get 14 paintings for $25. Use code NEWBIELOVE to get 10% off, and if you order two, the shipping is free.

Explore it and my other scripture art products at marydemuth.com/art

If you have one of my little art projects, what did you buy? And how have you used it?

Do you feel like no one in the world is praying fo

Do you feel like no one in the world is praying for you?

I hear you.

I see you.

And I love to pray for you.

Did you know you can listen to #PrayEveryDay on wherever podcasts are heard?

Or you can download the free Pray Every Day app on @itunes or @googleplay?

The format is simple. I read from a Scripture (I’m currently going through the Joshua), and then I pray for you according to that passage.

It’s totally free, friends, as prayer should be.

It’s interesting how the Spirit uses this podcast over and over in the lives of believers all over the world.

Those who felt alone in suicidal ideation found hope.

Those with broken families found solace.

Those struggling with substance abuse have uncovered a pathway through.

God is so good when we pray, and I count it a supreme privilege to pray for you by voice every single day.

Learn more or listen at prayeveryday.show. 🙂

Raise your hand if you listen to this daily (365 days a year) podcast! I pray it’s encouraged you.

A lovely day with @magicstoryteller @bobgoff and @

A lovely day with @magicstoryteller @bobgoff and @kimberly.stuart.writes at @theoakscenter

It’s a joy to hang out with other writers. I don’t feel so weird! 🙂 We are an odd breed!

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