It’s Been a While

(Don’t miss the announcement at the end of this blog.)

Well, as the title says, it’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog. The last post was in the middle of July. Then I dealt with some writer’s block. But the primary reason I haven’t been posting is on July 28, I had an unwanted visitor. Mr. Covid stopped by and more than outstayed his welcome. Let’s just say I lost the month of August.

My beautiful wife ended up in the hospital for five days with fever, congestion, and pneumonia. I couldn’t go see her. At least we could talk by phone for brief periods; sometimes several times a day. But it still stunk, and I was scared I might not see her again. Praise God, she’s home.

We’re still recovering, slowly regaining strength. I’m still dealing with Covid brain—that muddled feeling like your head’s full of seven gallons of phlegm. I know some of you who have known me for years are saying, “Henry, we thought that was normal for you.”

God Comes Through

God’s provision and blessing showed through gloriously during this. A medical team came to the house and assessed Linda. Within five minutes, they were calling 911 and ordering an ambulance to take her to the hospital.

We attend Gateway Church, and their response showed us the genuine value of a church community. They prayed, brought food, and kept in touch by phone, text, email, and talking through our storm door. My church men’s group raised a substantial amount of cash to help us through the illness.

One dear couple (Covid survivors) visited with food, snacks, and drinks. They did our laundry, prepared meals, and contacted doctors for us.

Our neighbors showed what it’s like to be a Christian servant. They checked on us daily, cooked delicious meals, brought me lunch while my wife was in the hospital, picked up prescriptions and groceries. They went above and beyond in taking care of us. He watered our flowers, kept an eye on our swimming pool, and even repaired a busted sprinkler head for us.

All this to say, Covid is not fun. But y’all know that. Even more important are the lessons we learned. All of us can help a neighbor, friend, church member, family member when they’re attacked by Covid or other satanic calamity. We can pray, run errands, buy groceries, keep an eye on their property, or run them to the doctor or hospital. Our wonderful neighbors brought Linda home when she was discharged. There’s no limit to how we can help. If we’re timid or unsure about close physical contact, there are so many other ways to serve. If you hear of someone in need, pray for direction and guidance about how you can help, and then follow through.

And now I’m back. Not 100% but on the way.

First Page Critiques Available

I have an announcement to make. While I was dealing with Covid, the Lord put on my heart to offer to do first page critiques for anyone who is looking for feedback on their writing. I’ve been writing for nearly twenty years and as the guy in the TV commercial says, “I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.” And learned a thing or two—often the hard way.

Editing, mentoring, and coaching are passions the Lord has put in my heart. Many people helped me and continue to teach and encourage to me become a better writer. He instructed me to do the same for others: to pay forward the blessings he’s given me.

Everyone who submits a first page will receive a critique. Once or twice a month, I will post one submission anonymously with my feedback to share with others.

The criteria are: First page of a story or novel. 400-word max in Word. Times New Roman 12 pt. Double spaced. Send as an email attachment to henry@henrymclaughlin.org.

Happy writing!