A Tribute to My Friend & Writer, Lucinda Secrest McDowell

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Today is the third Tuesday of the month and the regular day for our columnist, Lucinda Secrest McDowell. Instead, I’m offering this tribute in her memory. 
As many of you know, our precious friend, Lucinda Secrest McDowell has moved to her eternal home in Heaven. Her earthly battle with cancer has ended and now, instead of her constant encouragement, we find ourselves mining our memories for her wisdom. 
Cindy was my friend, my prayer warrior, and so often—my inspiration on how to live out this calling to write. Words will never be enough to honor her, but we’re word people and words are where we turn—in good times and in difficult one.
I met Cindy at the Florida Christian Writers Conference (thank you, Eva Marie Everson). She was my assigned roommate and a true gift from God. During that conference, a crisis in my life appeared and Cindy was heaven-sent to pray for me and with me. Our friendship was cemented during that difficult time. 
That is the heart of Lucinda Secrest McDowell. If I had to describe her, it would be with equal parts prayer warrior and encourager. Her strength and ability for both flowed naturally from the deep relationship she had with Jesus. Her love of God was instantly visible no matter what she did.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned from her—presented through links to her previous posts. Her posts will stay here on The Write Conversation and my hope is that she will continue to encourage writers for many years to come. 
Blog Posts from Lucinda Secrest McDowell
It’s Okay for Writers to Lament
Staying S.T.R.O.N.G. as a Writer
Watch Your Words
Writing About Painful Times
When You Wonder if Your Writing Even Matters…
How to Write a Blessing
Can One Writing Assignment Change the World?
Use These 5 Ways to Encourage Other Writers
Remembering a Writer’s Harvest
Cindy was a wordsmith dedicated to honoring God through her craft. Let’s honor her by taking up the mantle of writer with renewed purpose and determination. 
Blessings,Edie
TWEEETABLEA Tribute to My Friend & Writer, Lucinda Secrest McDowell on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through her camera lens. She’s a writer who feels lost without that device & an unexpected speaker who loves to encourage an audience. She also embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. She knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences & workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series & reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. Her blog, The Write Conversation is recognized as one of the top 101 industry resources. 
She and husband Kirk have been married 40+ years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found hiking—with Edie clinging to the edge of a precipice for the perfect camera angle and Kirk patiently carrying her camera bag and tripod. Connect with her on her website, www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.