AlexSandra Lett "Lett's Set a Spell"

Lett’s Set a Spell: The Light Shines Brightly

After returning from a five-day trip to Williamsburg in late July, where I spoke twice at a Delta Kappa Gamma conference and participated in many activities, I was exhausted. Since I was way behind on doing my recipe/remedy book, I started slaving over the computer. I dreaded making sure all the ingredients were typed in perfectly and struggled to figure out what recipes needed to go in each chapter. I felt out of sync with the book, yet I had promised it to readers. I called my friend and editor, Jackie Parker, for encouragement, and she said I was trying too hard and that the inspiration would come.

I awoke the next day with the book on my mind and lacked energy to dive into the project. I heard a vehicle in my yard and looked outside to see the Central Electric truck. Two guys were working on the security light, so I walked over to greet them. A guy named Joseph recognized me as a writer whose columns he had read and told me that he knew my Mama (Ruby) and Daddy (Bud) and was sorry they had died. He said when he read their electric meter Mama would often bring him a biscuit to eat and Daddy would usually share a humorous story.

He was touched by their generosity and friendliness.

Suddenly Joseph started telling me that I was anointed with a gift for writing and that I should trust God to speak through my fingers. He suggested I write stories about people whose lives had been transformed through faith. The light was repaired, so Joseph and his coworker Thomas started to leave. I told them, “I don’t have any biscuits or even vegetables to share but I’d like to give you a present.” I gave both copies of my newest book, Timeless Moons, Seasons of the Fields and Matters of the Heart.

As Joseph and Thomas drove off, I realized that they had not only fixed my light in the yard but brought light into my life. Joseph’s insights had enlightened me and reminded me that my writing talent is from God. After I walked into the house and sat down at my computer, I realized I wasn’t in charge of writing this book—God is. I had just told the audiences in Williamsburg that ego stands for Edging God Out, and here I was allowing my ego to get in the way. Jackie called, and when I told her about Joseph’s comments, she laughed and suggested I relax and trust God’s perfect timing for the book. We knew God had sent a stranger with a message: to let go and let God.

With a bright light in my head and a tender feeling in my heart I proceeded to write the recipe/remedy book, to be dedicated to my Mama, who shared her biscuits and her heart with everyone, even the meter reader. Joseph had the opportunity to return the favor: to offer morsels of wisdom to a writer who needed to honor and thank the Higher Power who bestowed my gift.