Barnabas

 

Who is, or has been, an encourager or an inspiration in your life?

I have had many, especially along this writing journey that can feel like slogging through a swamp infested with alligators and snakes and pits of quicksand—in the dark and alone no less. Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but I’ve always had an overactive imagination.

I began writing twenty years or so ago and a writing instructor,Trish, became my Barnabas. She taught a class for seniors in the community at one of our local hospitals. I called to sign up and was told I didn’t qualify. I wasn’t old enough. Imagine that. But I kept calling until the lady on the other end relented and said, “I guess we can let you come.”

I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone that I was fifty-two years old. Trish taught two classes, one creative writing, the other autobiographical. I first began writing the family stories—and I had plenty of material. Daddy thought everything I wrote was wonderful while Mother was horrified. She often said, “We don’t have any secrets any more.” I think I get my exaggerating traits from her.

Trish told me to keep writing. She helped me get my first tiny article published about my daddy’s Appalachian humor. She believed in me.

I give thanks to the good Lord for her.

Everyone needs a Barnabas. Are you one? Am I? We can be.


Note: You can read about Joses in the New Testament who the apostles named Barnabas--which is translated "Son of Encouragement."  

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