The Grisham Approach: Bold Writing While Living Wisely
When I published “From Lukewarm to Hot: A Call to Share from the Housetops,” I was experiencing an internal struggle I hadn’t revealed. In the 24 hours between drafting and publishing, I was searching for stable employment beyond my temporary position — something that would truly provide for my family rather than just maintain our savings.
As I wrote about being “hot” instead of “lukewarm” in faith, I was struck by the irony of my situation. Here I was, boldly writing about commitment while feeling the weight of financial uncertainty. Yet this tension brought unexpected clarity.
True surrender to the Lord sometimes means embracing practical realities. My family has endured much through my journey, and while I remain committed to making my writing bolder, our current circumstances demand balance.
This led me to what I call the “John Grisham approach” — writing consistently each day while maintaining professional work that provides stability. Grisham continued his law practice even after his first bestseller. Similarly, I’ll dedicate one to two daily hours to writing while pursuing work that can sustain us now.
This isn’t retreating from being “hot” in my faith. Rather, it recognizes that sometimes genuine boldness involves making difficult practical decisions while keeping the flame alive. Being lukewarm means half-hearted commitment; being “hot” means full surrender — even when that surrender involves seasons of balance and patience.
I share this because transparency matters. Faith journeys aren’t always straight lines of triumphant breakthroughs. They can be messy, seemingly contradictory, and require humble reassessment. And that’s precisely where grace meets us.
What areas of your life are calling for both bold commitment and practical wisdom?
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