What in the world do a peacock and a humor contest have in common? Yours truly, and here’s why:
If you know me or have ready any of my articles or books, then you know the strangest things seem to befall me. As I grew older, I realized these odd things didn’t happen as much to my friends. That may have bothered most people, but it didn’t faze me at all. I used to joke by saying, “I guess God doesn’t want me to get bored.”
Then I had a light bulb moment. I realized I could use all of my odd, strange happenings as stories. God had been giving me material to use for His glory. That being said, I wasn’t exactly sure what to do with my stories, so I prayed about it. This is where God and His perfect timing come into the picture. Soon after my prayer, I was offered the opportunity and the privilege to write for Historic Union County. This was the answer to my prayers. Excitedly, I began to put all of my experiences on paper and publish them with HUC.
Also at this time, one of my coworkers made the comment. “Brooke, we just love your stories.”
I asked, “What stories?”
She replied, “The ones you tell us all the time. They are so funny.”
That’s when I realized I needed to be telling my stories as well. Again, God stepped in with His perfect timing. A friend suggested I connect with Kelly Swanson. She is an award-winning speaker/storyteller. I saw on her website where she hosts a Storytelling Camp each year.
Unfortunately for me, it was out of my reach financially. Now let’s swing this the other way. Fortunately for me, I am an early riser.
After I got up one morning, I saw that it was Kelly’s birthday. I sent her a birthday message. Within it, I made the statement about one day I hoped to be able to attend her Storytelling Camp. After I got in from work that day, I saw where she had left me a reply. She said my birthday message was the first thing she saw on her computer that morning. She had one spot left in her camp and she was going to let me make payments.
Her Storytelling Camp was amazing. I learned so much and it even helped to improve my writing. During camp, she suggested I join a local Toastmasters group. I did and it too has been a wonderful experience.
One of our members announced he was going to participate in the Toastmasters humor contest. I decided to do that as well.
My story for it will be, “Truck Mating Calls.” This was published a few years ago in HUC and in my Saucy Southern Stories Volume 1 book. In this story, a peacock had wandered into my Papaw’s barn. Every time Tim’s truck beeped, the peacock responded. It is a funny as well as a unique story.
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (KJV)
Yes, God’s timing was indeed perfect for me, but I didn’t include all the times I was frustrated. The times I wondered if I was on the right path with my stories. You see, I wanted to know instantly and not have to wait. By doing that, I really caused myself a lot of needless anxiety.
Ironically, God showed up with answers that I wasn’t expecting. If I had just spent more time and prayer and less time worrying, I would have been a lot better off mentally and spiritually.
The Humor Contest is next month in October.
Am I nervous? You bet I am, but I am going to do it anyway.
As my Mamaw Girdle/Myrtle used to say: “No Venture. No Gain.”
So, send some prayers my way and let’s see where God’s timing and His will takes me.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.