Brick walls, part 2

I watched an unexpectedly terrific movie last weekend with my husband called Nonnas. I figured it would be a comedy with lots of laughs and not much else. Boy, was I wrong. If you haven’t seen Nonnas, I highly recommend it. You’ll be delighted and inspired.

Turns out, I needed the inspiration. I had hit yet another brick wall on my journey to promote my new book, Happy and Solo at Church – Light Your Fire and Worship with Joy. I received an email earlier that day saying my approval to speak in Catholic churches would probably not come until the fall.

Sigh.

My plan last spring was to speak to groups at multiple churches for the book. I wanted to reach solo church attendees and those who want to support them. Since I’m Catholic, I’d figured I’d start in my own backyard, so to speak. Little did I know there’s a whole process to go through to speak in a Catholic church and sell my book. And it’s not quick.

Believe it or not, I get it. This time, when I hit a brick wall again, I actually laughed. I figured God must be up to something, and His timing is always better than mine.

Turns out, a lot of writers have gone through and continue to go through similar struggles. I recently read Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul and was astonished to read the trials and tribulations many famous writers have encountered.

Take Garry Marshall, for instance. Many readers know Mr. Marshall from television shows like Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley, along with multiple movies. Turns out he battled numerous allergies in his youth, to the point where he could hardly go anywhere. This brick wall led him to turn to pen and paper, and an incredible career was born.

In the movie Nonnas, the main character Joe, played by Vince Vaughn, is overcome with grief. He decides to open an authentic Italian restaurant on Staten Island, New York. Instead of hiring chefs, Joe enlisted local Italian grandmothers – nonnas.

As you can imagine, opening a restaurant without any business training, a plan, or trained chefs can be challenging. The struggles Joe encountered made my jaw drop. And the movie is based on a true story.

I won’t share much more, as I hope you watch the movie, but Joe and his friends eventually overcome the obstacles. I wiped away tears at the end.

I believe most everyone faces numerous struggles on the path to achieve their dreams. And the result is often not what we expect. Many times, it’s even better. Oprah once said, “God can dream a bigger dream for you than you can dream for yourself.”

My new plan is to trust in God’s plan, and as usual, never give up. I’m attending the Taylor University Writers Conference tomorrow and Saturday, and I know I’ll find more inspiration on campus.

Readers, once again, if you’re working towards a goal or dream and facing brick walls, never give up. Watch an inspiring movie like Nonnas. Pray. Talk to people and be open to new ideas. I look forward to a future column talking about how I eventually conquered the bricks walls!

Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.