Welcome to our first IWSG Day of the year 2025.
IWSG is a writers’ support group created and led by Alex J. Cavanaugh.
At IWSG, we believe in the power of sharing and encouragement. Writers of all levels and genres can express their doubts and concerns without fear of judgment. Our community is a haven for all insecure writers!
This group is an immense help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities and successes or giving others encouragement and support.
So, if you’re a writer seeking a supportive community, IWSG is the place for you. Join us and experience the benefits of sharing your journey with like-minded individuals. The link below will lead you directly to us.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.htm
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG, and the hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Beth Camp, Liza @ Middle Passages, and Natalie @ Literary Rambles!
Reverend John Paul Murphy
John Paul Murphy was a Pastor at Doyle Grove Baptist Church in Blythe, Georgia, and I will always have beautiful, pleasing memories of him. I was three years old when I first met him, and he played a significant role in my life until my eighteenth birthday.
I was an odd child, and people in my old Baptist church weren’t sure how to deal with me. My parents didn’t know how either. Everyone thought I was odd at my age. But, Pastor Murphy saw what other people thought of as oddities in me as talents that had to be developed and had the nerve to tell my parents that, too. He encouraged me and told me stories from the Bible, and when I entered puberty, he asked a deaconess to accompany and guide me through those years.
Pastor Murphy always told me I had a purpose and that I would one day find it out. When he died, I cried as I sat beside his grave. I wondered who would help me find my path now. He was very unusual, and I admit I don’t think of him often enough these days. He saw a purpose in every child he met, and I am blessed to be one of them.
I hope all of you have a great 2025!
Take care.
Shalom shalom
Pat Garcia
That's a beautiful memory of Reverend Murphy. Happy New Year, Pat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful man. He was an angel. Continue to believe what he saw in you.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful story of a wonderful person who saw greatness in oddness. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful man. I can see why you miss him.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to lose the people who have been so supportive when we needed that kind of help. Still, he got you on the right path, Pat. You did find your way in the world quite well.
ReplyDeletehttps://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/short-story-wednesdayagain