WELCOME AUTHOR AND POET JEROLYN LOCKHART

WELCOME AUTHOR AND POET JEROLYN LOCKHART
Wednesday, December 20, 2017 by Patti Shene

IT IS MY PLEAURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR AND POET JEROLYN LOCKART TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. JEROLYN SHARES ADVICE BORN OF FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE FOR WRITERS RECOVERING FROM A MAJOR HEALTH SETBACK.

#COMEBACKWRITING

Jerolyn Lockhart

Three years ago at this time, I was lying in a hospital bed, unable to take care of myself in the most basic ways. I had had a stroke in the left side of my brain, the part that controls speech, language, writing, logic, and organization…the parts important to a writer, as well as the right side of the body. It’s only by a miracle of God that I am able to write this. My husband and I had just pulled up in front of the doctor’s office for an appointment when it occurred, and was sent to the hospital in time to be given a clot-busting drug that saved my life. That was the first of several miracles that I experienced through this, but one of them was related to what I loved to do…write.

Somewhere in my slow and cluttered mind, as I lay in my hospital bed, came a poem! A poem had formed and took root in a mind that had trouble thinking/communicating. I tried to hold on to it as it wafted in and out, wanted desperately to get it on paper before it was gone. I don’t know how I got the paper and pen, but I scrawled what seemed God’s promise to me.

GOD’S PROVISION

Jerolyn Lockhart

God’s provision in the “why”

Foreknew

But allowed time to build trust

to test faith

God’s provision in the “wait”

Perfect

Timing in His Hands

Time to provide/grow faith

Time to see His goodness

Time to experience His salvation

Once again

This little poem was so precious to me, not just the poem itself, but the promise and hope it gave me, including the hope that He could still use me to write for Him.

Through the long struggle to come back to a normal life, and a writer’s life, I found things that helped me and continue to be useful.

Read every day. Let the words relax you and inspire you.
Get back into a routine. It’s good to have a specific time to read, write, or chat about writing.
Have a goal. At first, I was happy to jot a few lines on a shopping list, then short journal entries…and now I have come back to writing poems, small pieces (like this blog post), and working on a book.
Meet with a writing partner. Whether face to face or online, it does wonders for your spirit and your mind. I am blessed with faithful friends who have encouraged me throughout, to chat about writing, and God’s faithfulness, each week.

Nothing here is profound, yet every step was needed. I am much slower than pre-stroke, but thank God, I’m moving forward! Coming back from any major health issue or big life change can be difficult, or seem impossible, so take time to savor each milestone. In your writing or everyday life, be grateful for each day.

Jerolyn Lockhart is a poet, writer, and stroke survivor. She authored a poetry volume entitled Egrets Rise, and her work has appeared in such publications as Chinook, Brazos, Gumbo, and Devotions for Writers. She has blogged for Six Rural Writers and will resume when it is renewed this coming year. She has written and performed seasonal works for radio.

When not writing at the local Dairy Queen (the only fast food restaurant in town!), Jerolyn enjoys time with family, studying God’s word, and can always be counted on as a faithful prayer warrior.

Look for Jerolyn on:

Twitter

Find past blogs by Jerolyn here

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Comments

Pat Jeanne Davis From Philadelphia At 12/27/2017 3:21:16 PM

Thank you for your beautiful words of God's faithfulness to you in your hour of need. Your post is an inspiration. God bless you in the year ahead.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Pat. I'm so glad you stopped by and had the opportunity to be inspired by Jerolyn's words. Blessings throughout 2018.

Jerolyn Lockhatt From Las Animas, CO At 12/24/2017 10:46:36 PM

Thank you for hosting me, Patti, and for your prayers and encouragement as I have come back to writing. And thanks to your readers for their kind comments. A most blessed and merry Christmas to you all!

Deirdre Lockhart From At 12/24/2017 5:49:27 AM

Jerolyn, thank you for reminding us to savor each victory. Your story is indeed inspiring, and I must agree with Gail. I'm awed by God blessing you through the words you loved playing with and the talent He gave you. What a miraculous story. Merry Christmas Eve, all! ????????

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Deidre. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about Jerolyn's post. She has a capacity to inspire and I'm so glad she has accepted the challenge to put her work out there again. Merry Christmas Eve!

DeAnna Dodson From Texas At 12/23/2017 11:39:02 PM

I'm so glad to see you back doing what you love. God is so good! :)

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi DeAnna. Thank you for stopping by to leave a comment for Jerolyn. It is such a blessing that we are able to encourage each other.

Gail Kittleson From Iowa At 12/23/2017 9:33:58 PM

Wow. My husband had a stroke 2 1/2 years ago, and I agree with your advice about recovering. But I disagree on one point - I'd say EVERYTHING here is profound. (: Downright amazing that that poem came to you & So glad you're pursuing your passion. The very best to you as you continue.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Gail. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Jerolyn and my readers. I have watched Jerolyn make great strides and I am so proud of her!

Peg Phifer From NW Wisconsin At 12/23/2017 9:28:17 PM

What a beautiful testimony to God's everlasting faithfulness and His enduring mercies forever. My heart sings with you in joyfulness. Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Thank you, Patti, for introducing Jerolyn to us.