A little story about community, calling, and a Texas tale with brisket on the side.
Some blessings come wrapped in friendship, some in opportunity — and some come in the form of a community that helps shape your calling. Today, I’m giving thanks for one of the greatest influences in my writing journey: A.C.F.W. — American Christian Fiction Writers.
When I first joined ACFW over twenty years ago, I walked into a conference not knowing a soul. I felt like a freshman stepping into the cafeteria alone, clutching my tray and praying someone would wave me over. But within hours, I had found “my people” — writers who loved Jesus, loved story, and believed that words could change hearts.
This organization didn’t just teach me how to write books. It discipled me as a Christian author.
Their workshops sharpened my craft.
Their conferences connected me with lifelong friends.
Their worship services… oh, friend — heaven touches earth when writers lift their voices together. I still tear up thinking about hundreds of authors singing in unity, surrendering their words — and their hearts — to the Author of all things.
Now, years later, I have the privilege of teaching at ACFW conferences, and I still find myself deeply moved by the anointing in those rooms. God uses this organization to remind us that our writing isn’t just a hobby, or a career… it’s a calling. And it’s one we’re not meant to walk out alone.
Thinking about ACFW brings to mind one of my favorite characters I’ve ever written — RaeLyn from my Little Red Truck Mysteries. She’s a small-town Texas writer who works for the local paper, chasing stories, following hunches, and uncovering mysteries along the way. In many ways, she reminds me a bit of myself — curious, persistent, and always asking, “What’s really going on here?”
If you haven’t met her yet, here’s where her adventure begins: Tracking Tilly
And since RaeLyn’s story has Texas stitched into every line, I thought I’d share something deliciously Texan to go with it. My son-in-law, Zach, runs a grilling site called Backyard Texas Grill, and he’s mastered a brisket that would make any pitmaster proud. Low and slow, smoky, tender — the kind of meal that brings family to the table and neighbors wandering over.
If you’d like to give it a try, here’s his step-by-step recipe: Texas-Style Smoked Beef Brisket
Before I close, here’s a little reflection for your week:
Gratitude to Stir Up This Week:
Thank God for a community — big or small — that helped shape your calling. A church, a group, a club, a team, or a circle of friends who believed with you. If you can, reach out to one person from that community and let them know they made a difference.
