Aaaaaaaaaaand we’re back.
It’s been a while, writers!
I hope you enjoy the new look of the website! It was so fun to create! As you probably can tell, Fall is undoubtedly one of my favorite seasons. It always gives me those writer vibes. I encourage all of y’all to grab a cup of steaming tea, a notebook, and a jacket and let the outdoors spur on all the creative thoughts.
I’m taking a break from the editing series to give you a few standalone posts God has put on my heart.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about all the books that there are in the world. *I know, I have interesting thoughts* Writers from all over the world, are putting down their thoughts, words, stories, and messages.
My question is: why?
Writing is hard.
It’s a plain and simple fact. Why would we ever sit in front of a computer for hours agonizing over people that don’t even exist?! I mean, when you say it like that it’s insanity!
Well, it’s insanity if there is no purpose.
I’m a very purpose-driven person. If there’s no reason then I’m out. And trust me, through all my writing projects I have had moments that seemed to lack purpose. It’s devastating when a story idea doesn’t work out, when a chapter is accidentally deleted, or when it seems like you’re going nowhere. Where is the purpose of those moments? What if no one ever sees it? Is there a purpose to that?
When questions like these arise, you can only go to one place.
I want this to be an article for the good times but also the hard times. When you’re stuff in the murky middle of your story. When you can’t seem to get past the first page. When editing feels like a nightmare.
I want to give you a reason.
Ultimately, our goal should be to give God glory and share Him with the world. However, that can feel so broad it’s hard to look at our silly words and then that grand statement with confidence.
Dear Writer, I plead with you. Good, beautiful writing can accomplish both. I’m not talking about beautiful writing as in majestic phrases, perfect prose, and stunning articulation.
I’m talking about your message.
Yeah, guys, it does always go back to theme.
When we reflect his attributes in our words, we are being like our Creator, the First Writer when we put words on a page.
Let me show you how.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
In the most basic sense, the Lord uses words to reveal himself. In fact, He is the Word. (John 1:1) The Bible is a story. It showcases people going through trials. It showcases the ultimate good versus evil. Honestly, it is the most theme-heavy book out there! In almost every story, you will see glimpses of the Bible. It’s in our DNA! And best of all, it’s true.
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
David knew the power of writing. Paul knew the power of words. Jesus knew the power of stories. The Gospels are filled to the brim with parables that share hidden messages and themes.
Additionally, Jesus Christ is still writing stories. He’s writing yours and he’s writing mine. If you are a Christian, your character arc has one goal:
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” 2 Corinthians 3:18
That’s something you can count on.
So writer, keep pressing on, keep on bringing stories into the world that showcase the beauty of Christ and the talent he has given you.
Remind you of the stories that represent Him and then put your pen to paper, pray for God to speak through you, and… write.
“History is a story written by the finger of God.”
C.S. Lewis
