by @WritesJody

I sat in my car, waiting for the results. Earlier that morning, I had woken up with a fever, body aches and an all-around miserable feeling. I’d much rather been in bed. Instead, I was in a crowded parking lot waiting for results from my Covid and flu test. I never wanted to have the flu until now.

Within minutes a nurse dressed head to toe in what looked like a trash bag appeared at my window. The paperwork confirmed what my body already knew. I tested positive for Covid. Drats! Now I couldn’t go to BRMCWC.

This was going to be my first year. I had ordered a new backpack, carefully put together my notebook and printed business cards. I had polished my book proposal and scrounged up a fancy dress for awards night. I was ready for the next step on my writing journey until Covid stopped me in my tracks.

I reluctantly accepted the paperwork from the nurse and headed home for ten days of quarantine in my bedroom and a disappointing call to Ridgecrest. I canceled my in-person registration and immediately signed up for the virtual conference.

To be honest, the introverted and insecure part of me was relieved. Now I didn’t have to navigate new people, figure out what classes to take and squeeze into that dress. But the 2020 desperate-to-see-people part of me was deeply disappointed. I didn’t stay disappointed.

I want to give you three reasons why you won’t be disappointed either if you sign up to attend BRMCWC virtually in May. 

Worship

Who knew the Holy Spirit could ooze through a 13-inch MacBook? Indeed, He can. For each worship session, I closed my bedroom door, cranked up the volume and worshiped like I was at Ridgecrest. I felt the freedom to sing loud without the ear of another hearing my off-key notes. And when the tears flowed, I didn’t have to worry about mascara since I didn’t bother with makeup. Russell and Kristi’s voices ushered me into the presence of the Lord right in the middle of my bedroom. Virtual worship experience summed up in one word: powerful.

Teaching

I could have turned off my computer after worship, crawled back in bed and been satisfied with my time in His presence, but there was much more to come. The teaching offered to virtual attendees was exceptional. Even though we weren’t able to attend different classes, the virtual classes covered a variety of topics. We heard from the same publishers, authors and editors as in-person attendees. I’m not sure what I expected, but the teaching surpassed what I expected. I learned so much! Virtual teaching experience summed up in one word: professional.

Zoom

After most virtual teaching sessions, we had the opportunity to connect with other virtual attendees (a.k.a. Zoomies) on Zoom. This alone is worth the money. I found out I’m not the only person figuring out how to get words on a page and connecting with people interested in reading those words. 

I know. You are over Zoom. Me too. I considered skipping the Zoom sessions. You know, being an introvert and all. But if I had skipped the Zoom sessions, I would have missed out on what really matters. People. Zoom sessions gave me people to process and experience BRMCWC with and new writing friends for my journey. Technically the Zoom sessions were networking. That seems like a scary word, so I prefer to call it friend-making. Zoom sessions summed up in one word: personal.

There you have it. Three reasons why attending BRMCWC virtually might be at the top of your wish list. There are plenty of other reasons to attend virtually. You can still sign up for faculty appointments, wear your fancy dress and get notes from the sessions. So, if Covid or some other reason is keeping you from attending BRMCWC in person, I hope you’ll consider the virtual option. I’m POSITIVE you’ll love it.

Jody Allen is a newbie to the writing world. She recently completed the rough draft of her first book, a lifeline to help women navigate life when pornography wrecks their relationship. On the lighter side, she thinks most occasions call for a good rhyming poem. Jody serves on staff at her church as the Director of Women’s Ministry, where she tries her hand at speaking and finds friendship and fulfillment in leading women’s small groups. 

Jody is grateful for the makers of peanut butter, dark chocolate and electric blankets. She lives in North Carolina with her teenage twin drivers and a mostly obedient black lab. You can connect with Jody at jodyallenwrites.com.