Rhythms of Grace

Writing Rituals Series

Greetings!

Just a note to let you know that I'll be part of a blog series on writing rituals this week over at Angela Benson's blog. Vanessa Davis Griggs, myself and Kristin Billerbeck will be discussing some of what we do in the early phases of writing a novel.

As both a writer and a reader, I always love these kinds of discussions because it's always interesting to see how everyone's mind works. (God made everyone so amazing and different). Anyhoo, my day is Wednesday, but go on over now and read Angela's first post and make yourself comfortable. It should be a fun week.

Angela will also be with me on the Soul Expressions tour in a few weeks. I'm very excited about finally meeting her in person. Among the first writers of color published in the Christian Booksellers Association, her work has always been inspirational to me. And on top of that she's smart, funny, cool, a woman of faith and integrity...and a great writer. Vanessa and Kristin are big fun and wonderful writers too. Stop by and leave a comment!

PS. DO YOU HEAR THE RHYTHM? 10 DAYS UNTIL RHYTHMS OF GRACE DROPS!!! IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, PLEASE ORDER A COPY TODAY. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY> I'LL BE DOING AN AUDIO EXCERPT IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS (AS SOON AS THE KIDS QUIET DOWN!). MY FAMILY AND MY PUBLISHER THANKS YOU FOR THE SUPPORT.

:::grace:::
marilynn

Book of the Month:Strongholds by Vannessa Davis Griggs

Rhythms of Grace releases August 1!

 

RHYTHMS OF GRACE
Revell Books
August 2008
0800732782
$12.99 US

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grace Okoye was a promising young dancer when her career was cut short by a brutal assault that left her scarred for life. Twenty years later, when her past gets in the way of her happiness, she heeds the invitation of her dance instructor and returns home to help hurting children and rediscover the rhythms of grace. What she doesn't expect is to meet a man who already seems to know her beat. But for all they share in common, the biggest thing in Grace's life is noticeably absent in his--faith. She's finally found the love of her life, but can she choose between him and God?

Real, raw emotion and the promise of redemption run through this soulful new book from Marilynn Griffith. Though being published in 2008, this is the first novel Marilynn ever completed and early readers think it's her best work to date.

                                    CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

ALSO, JOIN MARILYNN ON THE SOUL EXPRESSIONS BUS TOUR AUGUST 7-10, 2008

 

 

Looking For You

For all those things My hand has made,    And all those things exist,”  Says the LORD.  “ But on this one will I look:  On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,  And who trembles at My word. (Isaiah 66:2, NKJV)

I missed y'all. Trust that I did. But in all things there is one rule for me--protect the work. And so I did. I am. Sometimes that means being here. Today it does and I hope for next not too few tomorrows.

There are some great things on the horizon: new releases, new covers, a summer tour. Busy and good things. Explosive things. Things are about to blow up for you too. I hear the ticking in the Spirit. God is looking...for you.

Today's Grace:

Father,

I thank You for seeing me, for seeing us, when we think no one can. Thank you for being there for all the valleys and the mountain tops too. Stir up in us all the potential You gave us before the foundation of the earth. Help us to see ourselves as we appear under the blood of Christ and to act and live accordingly. May our eyes be fixed on the cross today. Our hands too.

In Christ's name, Amen.

Today's Rhythm: Looking for You, Kirk Franklin

Healing for My Soul

  " 'Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, "Live!"   I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels. Your breasts were formed and your hair grew, you who were naked and bare.

" 'Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.

" 'I bathe you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you.
(Ezekiel 16:6-9, NIV)

Well, I don't know who this is for, but I can't stop feeling today like somebody needs a healing in her (or his) soul. A covering of your nakedness. An exchange of the spirit of heaviness for the garment of praise.

Maybe, just maybe, that person is me.

There is a joy that the world can't give and the world can't take a way. A cleansing deep down and good all the way through. A healing for your soul. For some of us, it might even be  the first time. We might be still out there kicking in our own blood, trying in our own strength, while the Lord of all watches on.

Waiting.

Let's not make Him wait today. Cry out wherever you are. Go to your car if you have to, but God is here today with healing in His wings.

And He even brought clothes.

THOUGH PEOPLE MAY LOOK AT US AND SEE FAILURE. JESUS SEES FUTURE. HE IS ALWAYS WAITING TO HEAR...AND TO HEAL!

Today's Grace:
Father God,
We thank You for being the healer of our souls, the God of all comfort. Even when we don't understand, even when we can't tell anybody how bad we're hurting, You don't wait for us to come to You. You meet us where we are with cleansing and healing. With power. May we access Your power today and walk in victory over all our broken places.

In the powerful and mighty name of Jesus, Amen

Today's Rhythm: Kelly Price, Healing for My Soul

God is Able

 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.   But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18, NIV)

Sorry for the silence last week. I was pondering the resurrection and celebrating the birthday of my youngest, who just turned five. It struck me that I spent the weeks leading to his birth rewriting Rhythms of Grace and I spent some of last week doing the same thing. It struck me because that book had been declared dead.

Well, God specializes in raising the dead. Dead relationships, dead dreams, even dead folks. He doesn't always show up when we expect or in the ways that we want, but He is able to walk with us amidst the fire, to lay aside our grave clothes and roll away even the biggest stones.

Not just on holidays, but on every day of every year, Jesus is in the resurrection business. So whatever it is in your life that has been declared dead, put it in your hands and wrap it up tight, scented it with the perfume of your best prayers and offer it up to the risen One who is able to quicken both the living and the dead.

DON'T GIVE UP. LOOK UP. HE WHOM THEY CRUCIFIED IS YET ALIVE!

Today's Grace: Father God, I thank you that man doesn't have the last word. I praise you that even when the doctor says no, when folks shake their heads and turn away, when our best things begin to rot and stink, you come and breathe life into our lives. May every person reading this be blessed with a miracle of resurrection in some area of their lives. We don't know what You will do, O God, but we declare today that you ARE able! And we thank you and praise you for it.

In Christ's name, Amen.

Today's Rhythm: God is Able, Smokie Norful

Ta Ta You Jesus

'Write as often as possible, not with the idea at once of getting into print, but as if you were learning an instrument.' --J B Priestley

We've talked a lot the past few weeks about the metaphor of writing as music: short exercises as the notes, short stories as the scales and songs, a novel as a collection of the former. It's tempting, I think to dive in with "your novel" and set a time line for all being published. Though it's possible, it doesn't allow time for the development of voice, that intangible thing that makes one writer sound different from another.

Like the best singers love to sing, a writer must fall in love with words. Not words in print or even written down, but the childish rhythm of words that keeps time in our dreams. Just as we must come to faith as little children, we must set aside time to approach our writing in this way too. Sometimes the big idea is nothing more than a daydream in fancy clothes. Take some time today and allow yourself to play with words, painting with your fingers all the phrases that might not make sense to someone else. If you've got a novel other other piece in progress, take a scene and rewrite it from the same character's point of view--only as a child. You may stumble on a great insight into the main question of all fiction: Why?

I remember doing this with Adrian from Made of Honor. He had a chip in his tooth, but I didn't know why. I did a journal in his voice (not for the book, just background work) and realized that Dana had chipped it when they were younger by jumping over him at the skating rink. He'd gone down to keep her from falling. From there, I saw clearer who he was and who the two of them were together. Though I didn't plan it, several scenes that ended up in the book were written right then. So, slow down and play around. It won't hurt anything.

Today's Grace:

Father God, Thank you for the reminder to come to You as little children. Help us to remember how to truly open our hands and hearts so that You can fill us with Your best gifts. Thank you for the children in our lives who remind us not to take ourselves too seriously, but rather to be serious about You.

In Jesus' name, Amen

Today's Rhythm: Ta Ta You Jesus, Kirk Whalum

Writing exercise: Set your timer for 8 minutes. Describe the room you're in from the point of view of one of the objects in the room. Go!

Related Posts:

Eight Minute Exercises #1

Eight Minute Exercises #2

Eight Minute Exercises #3

The Question Is

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)

Today's Grace:
Father God,
Thank you for going ahead to prepare the places we're going to. Help us to be strong and courageous and keep on the path, Your path. May our love, perfected, cast out all fear. Bring encouraging, positive people into our lives.

In Jesus' name, Amen

Today's Rhythm: The Question Is, The Winans

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Walk With Me

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. (Psalm 138:7, NIV)

Sorry for the silence. Sinus infection had me in lu-lu land for a couple days. I'll try and catch up next week. In the mean time, there's been some good stuff going on (progress on the new book and edits on Rhythms of Grace). Some hard things too.  Some hurtful things. One thing about being open, blogging and trying to help others is that some people use your generosity against you. Nothing hurts worse than seeing your words where they don't belong. That's been happening more and more to me over the past two years. I guess sometimes it doesn't pay for me to be Mary with people. It's safest to stay Marilynn.

And yet, as one of my characters says, He never promised me safety. The promise is that He will walk with me, over the waters, through the fire...

Through it all.

And we'll make it, won't we? As long as He walks with us.

Today's Grace:

Father God,
Thank you for your protection. Put a hedge around us. Guide us with your mighty hand. Give us wisdom about what to give and what to hold back, when to speak and when to keep still. Set your ministering angels, flames of fire, over all that concerns us. Help us to keep walking, even when we get tired.

In Christ's name, Amen.

Today's Rhythm: Walk with Me, Lizz Wright

You raise me Up

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)

In many cities, less than 35% of at-risk boys are graduating from high school. Alex Ellis, a New Jersey clothier and author of Redefining the Male Image has set out to change that. His program, Tied to Greatness, goes to urban centers around the country and brings in notable men in entertainment, arts, business and industry to teach at-risk boys how to tie a necktie. This rite of passage might have been taught by a father or grandfather in the past in preparation for church or some special event. For many families, those days and those figures in the home are long gone. Each participant receives a copy of Mr. Ellis's book, participates in a ceremony and pledges to stay in school. There is also an essay contest. The winner will be a awarded one of Mr. Ellis' custom suits with all the accessories.

Tied to Greatness has targeted 4,000 boys across the country to be part of the remaining 2008 tour. The upcoming cities are: Dallas, TX - (March 14), Cleveland, OH - (March 28), Los Angeles, CA - (April 4), Detroit, MI - (April 11), Chicago, IL - (April 18), and Newark, NJ - (May 2). If you are in any of these cities (or anywhere really), please pray about donating or participating. Retail or corporate donations of ties would probably be especially appreciated. Check out the Tied to Greatness website for more information.

What I love about this program is that one man took something that was part of his life and mission and found a way to bless others with it. I can just see Flex from the Shades of Style series scrambling so that he and Jay could have been a part of this! (I actually thought this). Still, think about what's in your hands right now, what's on your heart. How could you use it to bless someone? To tie your purpose with your passion? I'll be here musing on it too, but in the meantime, check out Tied to Greatness.

Today's Rhythm:

Father God,

Bless Tied to Greatness and all they are doing with young men. May every young man who participates come away a sense of hope and knowing that someone cares about him. Supply every need for all the ties, men, publicity and supplies needed for this project. May each boy know that these things come from You and that You will guide them into their destiny. Bless everyone reading with a vision, both for ministry and mastery, purpose and passion.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today's Rhythm: You Raise Me Up, Selah

Always and Forever

          "Write what should not be forgotten…" Isabel Allende

Some of my favorite writings will never be published for the public (though you've seen some of it on this blog). They are remembrances, cracks in time that hold pieces of me. My poems especially hold these captured moments and help me to imagine snapshots of my characters' lives.

The other day, I was nine years old, standing in the hallway at my aunt's house. The air is thick with afro sheen and Old Spice. My cousin is in front of me, in the bathroom doorway. He's picking his afro to amazing heights. Always and Forever is playing somewhere in the house. He starts to sing, my cousin, who all the girls in my class think is cuter than Michael Jackson. I think he's just my cousin, but I like all his girlfriends and how nice he is to my friends. His singing is off key, but his sincerity, especially how he closes his eyes on the high notes, makes up for it. He turns to me, smiles and pats his hair. I nod, agreeing that it's perfect. As he walks by, I inhale deeply, catching the Jergen's lotion and Vaseline I missed before. I wonder, maybe for the first time if love might be real after all.

When I write my books, I am often still that girl in the hall, catching a moment I didn't expect, even though it traveled to me through my own fingers. My cousin is married with grown children now. Johnnie Wilder Jr., the lead singer of Heatwave, died recently (after spending most of his life in a wheelchair from an accident not long after today's video). And yet, sometimes I catch myself humming the song at a red light and thinking of shiny shirts with skyscrapers and cake cutter hair picks the my grandmother believed would put all our eyes out, boys becoming men in summertime...

Writers die, but our words live on. The trick sometimes is learning what to keep, what needs not be forgotten. Today, we'll take a step further on that journey.

Peace,
Marilynn

Today's Grace:
Father God,
Thank you for our memories. Good or bad, they are ours. Show us how to capture our memories and the new experiences You have planned for us. Help us to love the people around us, keeping in mind that any moment has the potential to become a memory.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today's Rhythm: Always and Forever, Heatwave

Today's writing exercise: Set your timer for eight minutes. Remember a moment in your childhood associated with a song. Start writing and don't stop until the timer goes off!