First, I am so proud of each of you. Proud? How can I be proud of someone I don't know? Somehow, God allows me to love you like a sister without knowing you. And as your sister, I'm proud you had the guts to put your writing on the line like you did. Writing and submitting isn't for the faint of heart. For some, it was the boldest thing you've ever done. I recognize and honor that.
Second, every submission we received had potential. Every. One. Do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise. We saw your passion, your creativeness, your humor, your sensitivity, your depth of spiritual insight and your love for Jesus. Writing is a craft that can be learned. And every writer is somewhere on the continuum of learning. Keep working hard and developing your writing skills. We'll help. We believe in you.
And third, even if you didn't win, there are a few more chances to win a scholarship. I'll tell you how at the end of this post. So, without any further delay, I'm happy to announce the first-place winner:
Ellen Stevens "Raising Prophets"
Ellen's article will be featured in the July issue of the P31 Woman magazine, just in time for She Speaks - which she will be attending thanks to Cecil Murphey's generosity. Get your hankies ready when you read it.
We selected second and third place winners in case Ellen is unable to attend the conference this year. They will be published this summer in the P31 Woman magazine. They are:
2 - Lisha Hunnicutt "Carving with the Master"
3 - Lori Hatcher "I Love You You're Looking Good"
There were also a number of articles that were selected as honorable mentions, and will be published either in the magazine or online at Everyday Life. They are listed in alpha order.
Deborah Beauchamp "Sunday After Sunday"
Kelli Combs "Lessons from a Momma Raccoon"
Cheryl Fellores "untitled"
Debbie Graham "untitled" (about son)
Nyla Gutekunst "Reversing Roles"
Verbie Ann Helyger "Relating to Singleness"
Jessica Kirkland "Expect God's Radical Provision"
Karen Lembo "What's Cooking in your Thought Life"
Jennifer Tubbiolo "Cleaning my House for an Aunt Who Never Visits"
Kori Yates "Blue-Haired Legacy"
There was one other article selected, but due to privacy issues it will be published anonymously, and so isn't listed. If your name is on this post, you should hear from the reviewer who first selected your article, then you'll hear from me in the next week to schedule your article.
Thank you again to everyone who entered. I'm praying the Lord blesses you in many ways. And please try again.
MORE CHANCES TO WIN
The Next Step Speaker Services is hosting another contest. Enter by April 3rd at midnight.
She Reads is announcing one today. This one looks awesome - to both enter and read the comments. Enter by April 3rd at midnight.
She Seeks is also announcing one. But you must be in your 20s to enter theirs.
Ann Voscamp (one of our keynote speakers) is hosting one but you must enter by tomorrow. Prepare to be wowed by her writing.
And there will be a few more. Subscribe to the She Speaks blog to receive the updates.
I love you, my friends. Keep pressing on. We're in this together.
Glynnis




