FOR WRITERS ONLY

DEAR CECIL MURPHEY:  YOU ROCK IT!  I’m a struggling writer intent on shaping my writing to conform to industry standards. I have learned a lot in the process. That part’s all good. This endeavor to write it right, though, has created an ever-growing angst in me.  Along the way in my effort to be well-written I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in rewriting, editing, and altering my manuscripts.  It’s cost me my enthusiasm. I’ve lost some of my inner sparkle, freedom to express, heart speak, lively outlook, and below-the-surface passion of my writer within. I noticed the creep and wondered what was wrong with me and why freshness had left my writing. Dullness set in. Inner conflict developed. I doubted self. Unleash The Writer Within brings clarity to the underlying issues. Now I have insights. I can see what’s gone wrong, what’s been lost, and what I need to do to get my writer within out of this rut. Your insightful instruction along with giving me permission to be me allows me to sing my own tune. Fear is part my problem. I’ve been afraid on many fronts. My inner critic thrives, alive and well. More often than not it tells me to get out of the heat and to stop trying so hard. For too long I have remained stuck without any way out.  This voice of mine is sensitive to the fear of being misunderstood by my target audience. I’ve been too intimidated to speak with boldness on areas dearest to me. I’ve not been sure if I could take the heat or defend my statements properly. I so identify with your book’s subject matter. You help me see the big picture. Thank you for this generous and enlightening gift.  By allowing yourself to be stretched, vulnerable, and honest with your story, you empower other writers to unleash their own authentic voices. I appreciate how you drill down until key elements expose the essence of credibility for the author community. Thank you for writing Unleash The Writer Within. You offer a great service to writers, and you offer hope to me in my own writing journey. Grateful,  Norma L. Brumbaugh

Gertrude “Biddy” Hobbs Chambers is not your ordinary Christian woman nor is she married to your average Christian minister. Theirs is a different sort of Christianity than you hear much of in religious circles. They depend on God to supply the way, to prepare for the need, and to change an unrepentant heart. Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Chambers give selflessly and work tirelessly to fulfill their burning desire to give their utmost for His highest. After years of reading My Utmost for His Highest as my favorite devotional–a book of uncommon depth of insight, I looked forward to reading this biography of Biddy Chambers that tells the story behind the book. It is an intense read. Mrs. Oswald Chambers devotes her life to mining the treasure she wrote in shorthand in notebooks and journals. They contain sermons Oswald Chambers preached and classes he taught. Biddy turns these into assorted leaflets, calendars, and over thirty books, some of which live on to this day. After her husband passes at age 43, Biddy continues to live dependent on God for provision and direction.

In the life story of Biddy Chambers, Michelle Ule displays her talent for getting it right. This biography is researched thoroughly, written skillfully, and compiled concretely with careful attention to detail, making for a rich read. We soon learn Biddy Chambers is one for ‘doing the next thing’ that comes her way, all the while remaining devoted to transcribing journals and notebooks of Oswald’s words into spiritual themed books. Oswald Chambers is the author. Biddy, though, transcribes, organizes, prepares, edits, and does the hard work for publication. Book profits support the printing of more books. Biddy is savvy, smart, and much more. Hospitality, leading Bible studies, cooking for a crowd and various forms of ministry are a constant part of her life besides the typing of manuscripts and correspondence tasks. Key friends participate in the Chambers’ ongoing BTC ministry. Such is the life of Biddy Chambers. We can learn from her. Oswald and Biddy challenge us to live in ways that still speak today: how to live close to God. In their lives we witness an amazing trust in God. Both knew the true, blessed secret to a happy, fulfilling life.