I can see clearly now the rain is gone...

Just like the song goes, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way." Finally, we have clear, blue sunny skies again here in Memphis. For the past two weeks, we have had nothing but rain and overcast gray skies. This reminds me of what it's like to come out of a long and difficult period of conflict. Once clear skies appear, the difficult times don't seem so hard anymore. Your path is made clear and you suddenly know exactly what you need to do in order to resolve the problem at hand. Peace of mind is restored as well. Hope rises within and faith becomes the substance that carries you through the storms of life. We are once again reminded that all is well. God is in control. There is nothing to difficult for Him to conquer. Clarity is born within the storm. Your faith is defined and assurance of destiny becomes a reality. Perseverance is a must in order to succeed with anything in life. At my writer's meeting yesterday, this was the word I heard over and over again. With so many of us aspiring author's plugging along, submitting and revising and submitting again - only to receive yet another rejection letter, this one word rings true. Anyone who reaches a level success in publishing did not come by it easily. It takes years of hard work to hone your craft and skills and it takes divine destiny ordering our steps to bring about the encounters and chance meetings with editors and publishers to make it happen. If you give up though, you will only meet with failure. Perseverance tells us failure is not an option. This just simply isn't a word that should be allowed in our vocabulary. I am clinging to my destiny with perseverance and failure isn't an option. With the encouragement of friends, the love of my family and the divine destiny that my God promises me everyday, I am trusting that my steps are ordered of the Lord. His word does not return void. The inspiration He gives encourages me to keep writing and submitting. Although this may sound a little too religious and corny to some, I still believe God has a clear agenda and purpose for my writing and He will bring published works to pass in His time.