by Sally Cressman @scressman

The first session of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference would begin that evening. With sweaty palms, I sat at our kitchen table while my husband prayed. An inner voice taunted me. What’s the point? This was my fourth or fifth time going to the conference, and I still hadn’t snagged an agent or book contract.

In previous years, everyone at the tables at Ridgecrest seemed to have published books. Other writers said funny and intelligible things to the editors or agents. This socially awkward introvert couldn’t think of one witty word. And there are only so many rejections a girl can take, right?

But I packed my bags anyway, leaving on faith—a mustard-seed-sized faith. Jesus said he could work with a tiny seed of belief. Before leaving town, I attended church, where the worship leader introduced a new song. Phrases like no condemnation and all are welcome comforted me, and my spirit lightened as I approached the communion table.

While the song continued to play, all I could think about were the round tables in the Ridgecrest lunchroom and the rectangular tables separating an agent or editor from a wannabe author during the fifteen-minute meetings.

I hummed the tune on and off for the five-hour drive along I-40. At the conference, whenever I was intimidated by a faculty member, the phrases no condemnation and all are welcome floated to the forefront of my thoughts.

Well, that mustard-seed-sized faith turned into securing an agent. A friend-of-a-friend had told me about a new agent who was attending the conference. Though the agent wasn’t part of the faculty, a casual chat on couches led to signing with that agent. A book contract followed soon after from my meeting with a publisher.

Important connections and relationships happen around tables (and sometimes couches). When David became king, he asked, “Is there anyone remaining from the family of Saul I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1 CSB). David invited Jonathan’s disabled son, Mephibosheth, to eat at his table. Mephibosheth asked David why he was interested in “a stray dog like me” (9:8 MSG).

As the conference looms closer, you may, like Mephibosheth, feel disqualified. But not one of God’s children is disqualified to sit at his table. I can assure you that there’s a spot for you—for all of us—bestselling authors, editors, agents, and writers, pre-published and published.

We’re all invited to eat at the King’s table and the tables at Ridgecrest. Maybe you don’t think so. Maybe you’re plagued with fear, anxiety, or doubts.

Come to Ridgecrest just as you are. Bruised, wearied, or paralyzed by fear. All are invited and welcomed to the tables at Ridgecrest, no matter which agent, writer, award-winning author, or editor sits there. There’s a place for you at the table.

Sally Cressman is an award-winning author whose debut picture book publishes in May 2024 with Wren & Bear Books. She writes to celebrate faith, family, and home. Connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, or at sallycressman.com.