Blogger: Mary Keeley
From time to time I blog about a famous author’s writing journey for the inspiration and tips we can glean. It’s been a while, but today feels like a good time to look at my friend and client, Marion Stroud. She went home to heaven on August 8, following her second battle with cancer.
I’ve showcased other authors for their examples of perseverance, path to publication, ongoing career, and so on. I could talk about any of these in relation to Marion too, but the one thing that stands out in these first days since she passed away is that she was deliberate in her choices, decisions, and interactions because she was building a legacy.
I miss her. I met her in person only once because she lived in England, but we had many lively conversations via Skype and email. Marion has more than 20 published books to her credit, many of them still in print. Titles such as I love God and My Husband and Loving God but Still Loving You and Knowing Me, Knowing You, as well as Fostering No Illusions, a book for foster parents like herself, give you a taste of her common-sense wit. She had a sparkle in her eye to match it.
I stepped in as her agent for her last two beautifully expressed books of prayers: Dear God, It’s Me and It’s Urgent and It’s Just You and Me, Lord. A tribute to her, posted by her US publisher on the Our Daily Bread Facebook page, received more than 4,000 comments (yes, three zeros). You can view it here.
She touched lives and left a rich legacy of conduct that all of us, writers and professionals in the industry, would do well to model for our own professional and personal legacies. Here are a few of the qualities she exemplified.
Generosity
Marion loved to share her writing skills at conferences. She was mindful of others’ needs, especially spiritual, and the impression her words and deeds would have on them. She would go the extra mile with her publishers and support and pray for other authors whenever possible.
Ability to blend business savvy with grace
Marion was a sharp businesswoman, yet always a lady. I studied how she managed both at the same time. The key is that she never waivered in her awareness that she was an ambassador of Christ. This overruled everything else, even when tested one time, resulting in her material disadvantage.
Kindness…always
There was nothing namby-pamby about Marion. She was prayerfully decisive and intuitive. She had a way of making her point in the most respectful and gracious way. I marveled at a letter she wrote to the publisher of a tiny house in the UK that had been in breach of one of her contracts for some time. Of course, not everyone lives by that high standard, and eventually, I had to step in with more direct language in order to set in motion the necessary remedy. But that’s part of an agent’s job when the situation calls for it. In fact, I wanted to step in earlier, so grievous was the breach, but she wanted to try the kind approach one last time to give the publisher an opportunity to respond in like manner. That’s grace, and I will remember her example.
Focus on the readers
Ministering to her readers was uppermost on Marion’s mind as she wrote her books. It was all about meeting their needs, caring for them. Like all writers, Marion hoped her books would attain high sales, and she watched her numbers closely, but the eternal value for readers was always the motivating force.
How often do you think about the legacy you want to leave for your readers? Your colleagues? Your family? What impresses you about Marion’s example that you want to emulate?
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Shirlee Abbott
What an interesting topic, Mary. I did a Bible study on inheritance (what I received) and legacy (what I leave behind), but it was entirely focused on family and friends. I didn’t think of it in terms of readers . . . hmmm, I have some serious thinking / praying to do.
Re my inheritance: both my grandmothers raised their families in hard times. One blamed the troubles on God and Grandpa. The other never even spoke about the past as troublesome–she highlighted the happiness, the faithfulness, the goodness in others. Interestingly, my father (son of the complainer) offered only high praise for his mother-in-law. He was attracted to her grace, and had only to decide which of her five daughters he would marry. I want to leave my family a similar legacy of grace.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Shirlee, I fail to see the distinction you make, for how can anyone read the words which are the lens through which your heart of faith shines…and not call you friend?
Shirlee Abbott
That thought from you, Andrew, means a lot. You are stacking up an amazing legacy that inspires us all.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Shirlee, meeting you here has been a privilege – for what legacy I may leave, your words and inspiration have become a part of that.
Mary Keeley
Shirlee, what a vivid contrast . . . convicting, motivating, and a challenge. I’m with you in the desire to leave my family, clients, colleagues, and all with whom I do business, the kind of legacy your father’s mother-in-law left.
Jeanne Takenaka
Wow, Shirlee, what a legacy you’ve been left. And what a beautiful aspiration you have to be like your gracious grandmother.
Carol McAdams Moore
Mary, This is such a lovely tribute to Marion, as well as an inspiration and challenge to Christian authors.
Mary Keeley
Carol, yes, she was admired and loved by many in the industry. Her prayer books give insight to her heart.
Melinda Ickes
Leaving a legacy is important to me and has been for a few years now. What I wish to emulate of this sweet woman you shared with us is her focus on readers. We are, after all, called to take care of each other.
Thank you for sharing about Marion, Mary. You can see that sparkle in her eye in the photo. 🙂
Mary Keeley
Yes Melinda, her consistency showed that her care for readers was genuine. It was just a natural part of who she was. It shows especially well in her little prayer books.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Mary, your gratitude for having been Marion’s friend and your sorrow at her passing from this life truly interweave in heartbreaking glory. It is the hour before the dawn as I write and in this stillness, you are in my prayers.
* Legacy’s an interesting subject; I used to think of it like Linus did, from an old Peanuts comic. When asked why he only shined the toes of his shoes, he replied, “I only care what people think of me when I enter a room, not when I leave.”
* That’s one way to look at it, but it’s a bit limited – and limiting. It’s like climbing a tree and then immediately felling it, never to let it recall the view discovered from its topmost boughs.
* Having given this a bit of recent thought, I’d say that the legacy I would like to leave is one that doesn’t bring to mind something missing…but is an addition. If I’ve in some way inspired someone to kindness when they were tempted to cruelty, to adopt a stray dog, or to look into the bleakest of voids and see an occasion for faith, hope, and charity…why, then I will have succeeded, my wildest dreams fulfilled.
* Because legacy is, in the end, the reflection of how we have carried the Sacred Heart of Jesus through our days; how we have carried Love itself.
Mary Keeley
“Because legacy is, in the end, the reflection of how we have carried the Sacred Heart of Jesus through our days; how we have carried Love itself.” Beautifully said, Andrew. That’s it in a nutshell.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Mary, in truth…much of that comes from the spirit of love and community I have seen here, at the Books and Such blog. This is a place of support, encouragement, hope, and healing. I’ve changed, from being a part of this – you, all of you, have made me something closer to the best version of myself. This is where Le Sacre Coeur beats vibrantly; here is the Heartbeat of the Lord.
Richard Mabry
Mary, Kay and I were sad to hear of Marion’s passing. You’ve done a nice job memorializing her through showing the legacy she left behind. When I was a professor at a prestigious medical school, one of the more interesting days was spent interviewing applicants for our specialty training program. These young men and women are loaded for almost any question they can be asked, but I always stumped them with this: “What would you like carved on your tombstone?” Legacy is something we too often don’t consider. Marion left a great one. Thanks for sharing.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Tombstones…mine will probably say, “Made In China”.
Morgan Tarpley
haha! That’s amazing, Andrew! 🙂
Shirlee Abbott
Andrew, this reminds me of my military cousin’s birth announcement for their first child: “Made in Thailand, Distributed in California.”
Mary Keeley
Great question for them, Richard. It’s easy to forget that we are creating a legacy in the daily act of living. Marion’s example is the type to emulate.
Shelli Littleton
Just beautiful, Mary. Tears instantly came to my eyes and goose bumps down my arms for the tender way you wrote this. I can see all your descriptions in her face. Marion left a beautiful legacy. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I think about that legacy often. What am I leaving to my children? What will they remember of me? What will be the stories they tell of me to their children? It matters to me.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Shelli, if what your kids and their kids know of you is what we know…we, who have not met you…I don’t think you have much to worry about.
* Some people talk faith and love. You live it.
Shelli Littleton
Thank you, Andrew. That means so much.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
You sure inspire me; when my faith feels tired and stale,, there you are with a shining post on your love for, and faith in, the Almighty. And I can get going again, strength renewed.
Wendy L Macdonald
Shelli, I agree with Andrew’s comment. I thought of you as I read Mary’s words. Blessings as you continue to bless.
Shelli Littleton
Wendy, thank you so much. xo
Mary Keeley
Shelli, you show the same kind spirit here in our blog community. Your daughters surely see it too.
Shelli Littleton
Thank you, Mary. 🙂
Jeanne Takenaka
She sounds like an amazing woman I am trying to be purposeful in the legacy I leave with my boys. My hope is that they see an example of grace in every season of our family’s life.
For current blog readers and hopefully future book readers, my hope is that my words leave a legacy of hope and encouragement.
I loved reading about Marion’s choice to show kindness . . . always. I’m not there yet. But this is definitely a quality I’m working to live out in every aspect of my life.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Not only your words, Jeanne; the way you interweave your photographs in the narrative in your blog adds a depth that one rarely sees; and it’s seamless. Your gentle and Godly encouragement and, yes, guidance, make your blog something very special.
Jeanne Takenaka
Thank you, Andrew. The comments you leave always challenge me to go deeper in my understanding of who God is and in my perspective about life. Thank you for that.
Mary Keeley
Jeanne, I’m not there in always showing kindness either, even in small ways. When I put aside my preoccupied thoughts and take the time to smile and be congenial with the checker at the grocery store, I’m reminded how much it matters by the look of pleasant surprise and appreciation it brings.
Wendy L Macdonald
Mary, what impresses me the most about Marion’s example is “but the eternal value for readers was always the motivating force”. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Mary Keeley
So right, Wendy.
Blessings.
Morgan Tarpley
What a wonderful legacy indeed! Beautiful tribute, Mary.
I’m not always choosing kindness either, like Jeanne said, but it is something I definitely do my best to strive for and pray about daily.
I want to help others and care more about others than myself. That’s the legacy I would like to leave – one that says I’m not concerned in particular about my legacy but that I cared about others and their needs above my own. 🙂 It’s the legacy of Jesus and it seems Marion as well, reaching out to others always.
Mary Keeley
J – Jesus first
O – Others next
Y – You after
Morgan, the desire you expressed reminded me of this little quip: It’s a prescription for joy, and Marion’s overflowed.
Morgan Tarpley
Thanks, Mary! I haven’t heard that in ages! 🙂 Definitely an acronym to keep in mind for leaving a legacy and loving others like Marion–and Jesus did.
Carol Ashby
I think about it often. I want to use whatever talents God has given me as a storyteller, as a scientist, as a friend to help people come to a saving faith in Jesus. I want my legacy to be like the Ray Boltz’s song, “Thank You for Giving to the Lord,” which tells of a person being greeted in heaven by many people who came to belief in part because of something she said or did, even when she had no idea of the impact while she was alive. I want to live the final verse:
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed
:
As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord
He said “My child look around you,
Great is your reward.”
Mary Keeley
Carol, that song is powerful. Thanks for mentioning it because it nails the point about legacy. I need to play it again…and often.
Jenni Brummett
Carol, I’d forgotten about this song. Thank you for the reminder!
Davalynn Spencer
What a fabulous example. Thanks for sharing such tender details about Marion.
Mary Keeley
You’re welcome, Davalynn. It was a privilege to share.
Diane Stortz
What a lovely and heartfelt tribute, Mary! I didn’t know Marion well, but your post reminds me of the saying that people might not remember what you say but they will remember how you made them feel.
Mary Keeley
Yes, Diane. That’s a good thought to post where it’s easy to see during the day.
Michelle Ule
According to her daughter on FB, she was buried today.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest.
Marian was a blessing to all.
Mary Keeley
Yes, and I’m sure the church was overflowing. Her publisher at Lion Hudson felt privileged to be there. That’s the mark she left.
Wendy Lawton
Beautiful tribute to Marion, Mary. But even more, you let her life inspire and encourage us. How we miss her. Thank you.
Mary Keeley
Wendy, missing her–isn’t that the mark of a life well-lived. She set the bar high for us.
Jennifer Major
When my grandmother died, there was a bit of a war on, yet her reputation was such that those on the more powerful side of the seige let the ambulance carrying her body pass through the gates to go to the hospital. She was well known as a kind and Godly woman, so much so that men on both sides lowered their guns in respect. That is the kind of legacy I aim to leave, that people who cannot see clear enough to find peace with each other, will know that they had a friend in me.
Mary Keeley
Jennifer, your grandmother left a beautiful legacy, and its effect on your life is all that needs to be said. Somehow, I think you’ll leave a similar legacy.
Robin Gunn
I’m so glad you posted this, Mary. Such a lovely tribute to an extraordinary woman. I had many delightful times with her over the years in various parts of the world. She definitely invested heartily in me and I am so much more determined to pass on all that I learned from her. I’ve been having a hard time saying good bye to Marion today. I also posted some thoughts about her on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobinJonesGunn
Mary Keeley
I’m finding it hard to say good-bye too, Robin. I guess that underscores how special Marion was. Thanks for providing the link to your post. You knew her so well, and we gain deeper insights into her rich legacy from what you shared.
Norma Brumbaugh
What a beautiful tribute to a gracious lady. Her legacy will live on. Your words capture the essence of what it is to make a difference through humble, noble, and genuine strength of character.
Mary Keeley
“…what it is to make a difference through humble, noble, and genuine strength of character.” Amen, Norma. That was Marion.
Janet Ann Collins
Marion’s words changed lives for the better. If only I could have something like that inscribed on my own tombstone!
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
You’ve enriched the lives of many children, Jan. And mine.
Janet Ann Collins
Blush. Thanks Andrew. You’ve enriched all of our lives.
Jenni Brummett
I would love to emulate her generosity in prayer. What an amazing example she set of seeking the Lord on behalf of those she came in contact with. Thanks for sharing this, Mary. Praying for you as you miss her.
This important topic of legacy reminded me of some song lyrics by Nichole Nordeman.
“I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough
To make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name
Unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy.”
Morgan Tarpley
Love this song, Jenni! It was my anthem in high school. 🙂 And it’s just as fitting today. Thanks for this great reminder!
Mary Keeley
Beautiful lyrics, Jenni. And important questions to keep at the forefront of our minds until it becomes natural like it was for Marion.
Jeanette Hanscome
Thank you sharing this, Mary! I loved Marion! I met her at the Mount Hermon Conference and found her so gracious. What a beautiful reflection of the kind of writer I want to be.
Mary Keeley
Jeanette, that is the blessing. The impression Marion made on people will live on, and we’re all the better for it.
Lara Hosselton
What a lovely tribute. I’m definitely inspired to read one of Marion’s books.
Gail Helgeson
I “found” Marion while reading the endorsements for Robin Jones Gunn book, Victim of Grace. “…the extravagant kindness and love of God isn’t limited to the saints of the Bible or so-called superstars of today…” Then, I was reading Sisterchicks go Brit, and there was Marion, smiling in the back pages of the book having tea at the Ritz with RJG and friends! Oh, to have a seat at that table! I remember jumping for joy the day I received an email from her. An author from England (my happy place!) took the time to send me some of her wisdom for this aspiring writer. The subject line read, “How lovely to hear from you!” I have many emails from Marion. I am so grateful I had the wisdom to print them all. I am planning a trip to England in 2016, and was hoping to have tea with Marion while I was there on holiday. Although I am saddened that will not happen here on earth, I rejoice she is now in the presence of Almighty God. I know for certain she heard the words, “Well done good and faithful servant.” What an example she was to me. She trusted God completely. This blog will remain in my favorites tab to refer back to often. Thank you for these words.