A celebrity was coming to our town. Terry Kay - the writer who
was named a 2012 Author of the Year by the Georgia Writers Association (GWA),
was scheduled to speak and host a book signing just minutes from my house. The Forsyth County Public Library and LiteracyForsyth teamed up to feature Kay's book, "To Dance with the White Dog,"
as part of this year's Forsyth Reads Together program.
What a fantastic opportunity to meet an award-winning
author! Kay's website further reinforced my decision to attend, "A
celebrated Georgia writer, Kay was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame in
2006. He has also received the Townsend Award, the Lindberg Award, the
Appalachian Heritage Award, and in 2009 was selected for the Governor's Award
in the Humanities. Three of his novels - "To Dance with the White Dog,"
"The Runaway" and "The Valley of Light" - have been
produced as Hallmark Hall of Fame movies."
I turned into the crowded parking lot. After buying a copy
of "To Dance with the White Dog," I found a seat among the couple
hundred people who were in attendance. Terry Kay would speak following a brief
reception. For a man who never intended to write a book, his career as an
author has been prolific.
I was more than willing to stand in the long line to have
Mr. Kay sign the book I had purchased. And I was richly rewarded. A true
Southern gentleman, somehow he knew I was a fellow writer. As I read the
inscription in my book, I couldn't help but smile, "For Maria Morgan - A
maker of words - Terry Kay."
Although the opportunity to meet such a well-known author doesn't
come along often, I was reminded of all
the occasions I have to meet with another Author. The divine Author - the
author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). On a daily basis, He invites me
into His presence.
His words are clear, "Be careful for nothing; but in
every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:6-7;
KJV).
He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and yet He still has
time for me. He bids me to come boldly into His presence (Hebrews 4:16). This
Creator of the universe, loves me unconditionally and has a plan for my life(Romans
5:8; Romans 8:29).
Are you acquainted with this Author? You don't need to schedule an appointment, or wait for Him to visit your town, You can get to know Him today (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; 10:13). What step will you take to
develop a relationship with Him?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to
know You and to share my burdens and requests with You. Help me not to take it
for granted. Draw me closer to You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Beautiful, Maria. That is one of my favorite verses, too. God's the ultimate Author and I love that we can draw close to Him whenever we want to:)
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you Susan! Isn't it neat to think that the Lord is the best Author of all time and we can know Him personally and ask for His direction daily?! Have a fantastic weekend. Hugs & Blessings :)
DeleteSo good!! I'm so glad that Mr.Kay was so kind and intuitive! Sounds like he might know the Author. :)
ReplyDelete"Draw me closer to You today." I love that we can draw closer in the everyday moments of our lives. I want to be cognizant of Him in the small things so I can be in tune with what direction He may want us to go in. Thanks for the thoughtful and fun post!
So good of you to stop by Cheryl! It IS amazing that the God of the universe gives us the opportunity to get to know Him - in fact, He desires a relationship with us! But He leaves it up to us. How wonderful to know that when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us!! Have a very blessed weekend. Hugs~
DeleteMaria:
ReplyDeleteHebrews 4:16 is one of my favorite verses. Isn't it wonderful that God wants to hear our prayers and wants us in His presence? It's humbling and uplifting at the same time.
I'm glad you were so excited to meet Terry Kay. I will look up his bio now to learn how he got into writing, considering your mentioning that he had never intended to write a book.
Beautiful segue from one author to *the* Author.
Blessings to you and yours,
Janette
Great to see you Janette! In total agreement with you: it's wonderful that the Creator of the universe WANTS to spend time with us!
DeleteI think you'll enjoy reading about Mr. Kay's beginnings as an author. Appreciate your sweet, encouraging words. Have a blessed week. Hugs! :)
I've never heard of Mr. Kay, but enjoyed your post about him.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure many people have never met a famous author or THE AUTHOR. That introduction is very special in both cases. I love connecting writers, but my favorite thing is connecting people with THE AUTHOR.
Thanks so much for stopping by Susan! I feel the same about connecting people with THE AUTHOR - it's both an honor and a privilege. Appreciate the fact that your a reflection of our Savior! Have a beautiful week. Hugs & Blessings! :)
DeleteOh yes, the author of the universe has provided us with the best book to read.
ReplyDeleteMr. Kay's book sounds of interest.
Wonderful to see you Terra! The Author of the universe's book IS the best book to read!
DeleteHere are a couple endorsements for Kay's To Dance with the White Dog -
"This short book moves like poetry. . .A loving eulogy to old age. . .A tender celebration of life, made poignant by death being so close at hand." - Los Angeles Times
"A hauntingly beautiful story about love, family, and relationships." - Reverend Desmond M. Tutu