God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

~1 Peter 4:10 NLT

I once underwent genetic testing, but I never imagined I had the gift of gab.

In addition to finding out I have a few enzymes missing, I found out I am 71% Irish/English. My great-grandfather migrated from Ireland to the United States, but I had no idea I had that much Irish in me. Throughout my adulthood, I have been told by complete strangers how Irish I appear. I have even been asked where I’m from because of my accent. When I said Ohio, they laughed and said, “No, that’s not an Ohio accent I hear.”

I have never been to Ireland, but I sure want to go. So, I started reading more about Ireland and things to do there. One interesting article concerned the Blarney Stone found near the top of an old castle. A person must hang upside down and kiss the stone to receive the gift of gab. This gift is defined as the ability to speak with eloquence and wit. I need to kiss that rock.

The Irish American Mom quotes John O’Connor Power, an Irish politician, “Blarney is something more than flattery. It is flattery sweetened by humor and flavored by wit. Those who mix with Irish folk have many examples of it in their everyday experience.” 

I love to talk, but write? Not so much. I want to speak with eloquence and wit. I’m not sure that is me. But sometimes, I write as I talk. Ugh! When God called me to write, I felt obligated to explain that I was not a writer. He seemed unconvinced.

I once wrote and taught a Bible study on Revelation. It was okay and my class liked it. Soon after, I felt led to write a Bible study on Ephesians. I included spiritual warfare since it is covered in Ephesians 6. I titled it, The Few, the Humble, the Church: A Study in the Book of Ephesians and Spiritual Warfare. Then, I self-published it. Since I was inexperienced in marketing, I did my best to get it into churches and bookstores. I got very discouraged when doing so proved difficult.

I knew God wanted me to keep writing, but I really had no interest. So, I avoided it until 2017. At that time, the Lord led me through Hebrews during my quiet time. When I wanted to move past it, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to write a Bible study on it. Yet, I didn’t want to.

“Who will read it?” I asked. “What’s its purpose?”

He replied, “I can’t do anything with it if you don’t write it.”

“Okay, fine,” I said, relenting.

Writing that study was quite a ride. I learned so much from God and His Word. I began small Bible studies as well as attended writers’ conferences. Then, I became a chapter president for a critique group called Word Weavers International. My sister was an immense help in reading and working through the study as I wrote each chapter.

I titled the study, Jewels of Hebrews. I named each chapter after a beautiful gemstone, like amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire, and many more. The study takes the student through the Torah, or Law, the Prophets, and the New Testament. It mixes reflection, teaching, and filling in. 

Mt. Zion Ridge Press eventually contracted and released my MS. I praise God for calling me and for using the book He inspired me to write. I may not be the most eloquent or witty person, but my desire is to teach others about Jesus (Yeshua) through Bible studies.

What have you accomplished through the Lord’s grace?

Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me accomplish Your calling on my life as I rely on Your leading. Help me to recognize Your calling, and to respond positively so You can accomplish everything You desire to do through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2020: The Gift of Gab: Stephanie Pavlantos: All Rights Reserved