This past week has been full of highs and an odd low. Firstly, one week ago to-day I visited Torch Trust a Christian organisation that produces Christian literature in formats that blind and partially sighted people can read. I am thrilled that my book is being transcribed into a talking book and last week I was given the opportunity to read the introduction for this recording.
Also I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Marilyn Baker for Premier Radio programme Insight. This interview should be broadcast on 16 & 23rd Nov. I really enjoyed meeting Marilyn again (we met when I was a child, through my parents links with Torch Trust) and was thrilled with the opportunity to talk with her. Over lunch we had an dynamic discussion on the accessibility of the church for people with visual impairments e.g. the challenges of spontaneous worship when led by the Spirit! I came home inspired to strive to make sure my church is accessible for people with visual impairments, through the Four Step Programme, as our conversation also reminded me of my own experience of feeling barred from church life (chapter 7 Beyond the Edge). However I was also challenged that Churches should strive for more than access, rather ensure that people with visual impairments, like all members of the church, should be fully included to use and develop their gifts within the life of the church.
A few days later I attended the Mind and Soul Conference. The long and the short of it I was given the opportunity to plug my book to the 500 delegates. (I did wonder if my heart would stay in position prior to getting on stage, it felt as if it was about it make its own debut!) Afterwards I had the most wonderful response from people, mostly fellow sojourners, who warmly received my 2 minute account of my depression. I tell you the truth, it makes all the days when I was writing my manuscript in the library, including the weeping and rotting of the antique table, all worth while!
To-day I hit a slight low. Kindly my publisher entered me for a literary competition and to-day I heard I was not short-listed. I did not write for literary acclaim but I would be lying if I did not own up to some disappointment, but hey that is ok! I have had such an amazing week that I have no regrets. Thank-you to all who came and spoke to me at the conference and please dooooooo email (or comment using the box below) any thoughts or feelings on my book if you would like to: I sold 26 in one hour! Thank-you so much for your support and I hope that in some way you have found it helpful. x
