Article

This is an article I wrote for a college class I'm taking. Thought some of you guys might like it...



My first writing conference left me scarred for life. I’m a homeschooler, used to a small world in which things happen in a very controlled, predictable manner. I had to be prepared for anything.

I remember walking along with the crowd, I have idea where we were going and I doubt they knew, brooding a little over the day’s outcome.

(Me talking to an editor)


I’d come to the conference with a proposal for my first book and samples of my second I planned to write. None of the editors I’d been interviewed by seemed interested beyond the usual, “Send your manuscript to me and I’ll have a look.”

Suddenly one of the teachers of a workshop I’d attended, Lissa Halls Johnson, stood in front of me and said “Jamin, I want to have a look at your manuscript.”

My hands trembled as I fumbled to open my notebook and I pulled out the neat envelope I’d brought samples of my book in. We sat down on a couch; I opened the envelope, thrust my hand in, and gripped empty space.

Mrs. Johnson laughed as I searched the dark corners of the envelope. “Well, you’re a concise writer!”

I ran to my rental car and managed to have her look at my writing for a few minutes, but I lost time in that meeting by not being prepared. I didn’t take full advantage of that occasion.

Mrs. Johnson was a good sport, and she gave excellent feedback, but I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t been prepared in a different setting.

Suppose a gang member walked up to me and asked why I believe in Jesus. Would I be ready with an answer?

I Peter 3:15a says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Even though I’ve never been cornered with that question by a gang member, the Bible commands me to be ready. I’ll prepare for someone asking me a question like that by staying in contact with God by praying, reading the Bible, and hanging out with friends who draw me closer to Christ.

I can’t say I’ll have all the answers or I’ll be able to spark a revival with an eloquent speech, but I will be prepared to tell the person why I believe in Jesus. At the very least I won’t reach into an envelope and touch empty space.