ICRS - Staying home
July 8, 2008 | books, community, media interviews, mentoring, writing
It’s been interesting this week. I’m on several writing and speaking loops and the buzz is all about ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). They are talking about flights and shuttles and hotels, and interviews and book signings, and get-togethers.
And for the first time in eight years, I won’t be a part.
But it’s okay. I’m not supposed to be there this year, and I’m at peace with that. Other things are taking precedence and financially it just doesn’t make sense. I expected to nose dive when the buzz started. I love ICRS.
Last year I had two books coming out, one with Kregel and one with Harvest House. I had TV interviews, radio interviews, dinners and brunches and late night hang-out time with some of my favorite authors and speakers. I changed clothes at least twice a day, sometimes more as I jetted from one event to the next in the Hotlanta sun. I got to meet musical artists and hear their new songs and CD’s. I listened to speakers like Rob Bell. I perused the massive ICRS floor where publishers presented their new titles. I spent time sitting with good friends who LOVE the same things I do, like ministry and writing, and talked shop. I was one of the authors at the Personality party, an event where I got to meet some of my favorite writers.
But there was one moment that was better than all of those. A transforming moment.
I was in line holding a plate filled with delicious breakfast. It was a Harvest House Publishers brunch. Stormie O’Martien and her daughter sat nearby. Emilie Barnes and her sweet husband, George, were at the table behind me. Reps and media filled the room, waiting to visit with these A-list authors. Suddenly an arm slipped through mine.
“Sit with me,” the woman said, standing near me.
I turned. Kay Arthur.
“Yes, mam,” I replied.
I moved my things to her table.
“Next to me,” she said, her warm smile big. She patted the chair.
For the next hour people pressed all around her. They asked her to sign books, to talk, looking for a few moments of her time. It was a prime time for an author — distributors making orders, reps deciding which book would have prime shelf space, interviewers looking for their 10-minute media spot.
“Excuse me,” she would say from time to time, graciously talking for just a few seconds to each. At the end, she would hold up my book. “Have you seen Suzie’s book? You need to carry it,” she said.
Meanwhile she asked me personal questions about my writing and speaking. She gave me advice — sage advice borne out of personal and spiritual experience. She was blunt and warm and kind and mother-like.
I’ve served as a spiritual mom to many. I love that, and it’s a joy. But this was the first time I have ever been on the receiving end. She had walked where I was traveling. She had years of experience where I was mid-way and still seeking answers. She was a spiritual giant, not just an author. She lived what she wrote, immediately obvious to me or anyone else in the room. She was funny and genuine with no airs and no walls around her.
I walked out of that room. Over the next two days I saw her from time to time, walking the floors at ICRS, making her way from one appointment to the next, walking with a crowd of publishers and others around her, people stopping to point. “Is that Kay?” I heard some say.
Each time, if she saw me, she stopped and waved. “Hello, Suzie,” she said.
I know that she is an ordinary person and that God is doing extraordinary things through her, and I never put people on a pedestal. It’s simply too risky and it’s unfair to that person.
But for a short period of time I felt what it was like to have a spiritual mom, and it was amazing.
I left ICRS that year with one intention — to always be real and to never forget what it feels like for someone who is more experienced to take time to pour into my life, and to do the same.
Will I miss the events this year? Absolutely. But even though I’m sitting at home this year, I’m at peace. Maybe next year will be my time to go back.
I hope so. : )
I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th. I did, and will be writing about it tomorrow.
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I got that spiritual mom vibe from you at She Speaks, so much so that I have become a regular reader of your blog. Thanks for being so, available…
July 8th, 2008 at 3:24 pmThanks, Beth. You just made my day. Seriously. : )
July 8th, 2008 at 3:31 pmHi Suzie,
July 8th, 2008 at 5:53 pmI don’t know how you found me, but I’m glad you did. I, too, felt overwhelmed (in a good way) with all the amazing women I met at She Speaks. May God continue to bless your writing and your ministry. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Many blessings, Tara
Thanks, Suzie, for the great post. I enjoyed meeting you at She Speaks. I do believe you will be back to ICRS; maybe one day I’ll be there also. You’re a terrific writer with even more terrific heart for Jesus.
peace~elaine
July 8th, 2008 at 10:39 pmI saw your comment on Lysa’s site about Kay and popped on over. I didn’t know you were at She Speaks! I wish I could have met you. I’m on the Harvest House totem pole too. But lower than you.
Maybe we’ll meet at ICRS next summer… Save me a seat! 
July 9th, 2008 at 11:07 pmI found your site through Rocks in My Dryer. So glad I stopped by! I am a writer too (aspriring, children’s genre), and reading this post about your brunch made me smile. Good for you!
July 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am