As a young girl, I remember having this desire within me to write. It was always a part of me – like breathing. I’d write silly little plays or stories that my mother would read, smile, and say, “That’s nice.” I’m not too sure that I ever cared what my family thought about my so-called hobby. I was having fun!
Throughout my lifetime, I’ve experienced many different styles of writing and various roles. To name a few: junior high newspaper, high school editor, the college newspaper, radio and television news, non-profit appeal letters, success stories, newsletters, executive communications, online and print marketing. I even blogged about wood-look vinyl for one job. While these were all good experiences, what feels best is sharing my faith through words – like when I wrote children’s sermons for worship.
I will never forget, while in college, one of my professors said something to me that I didn’t give much weight to at that time. He told me that I had the rare gift of bringing emotions out of black and white. He added that not every writer could do this and encouraged me to explore this path. I didn’t get it. The writing was not hard. I even enjoyed the essay test questions that everyone else dreaded.
As I was searching for a place to start, I spoke to one of my best friends, also a writer. Her advice: just start writing. She added, “Sometimes the process of writing is as therapeutic to you, as it may be a blessing to others. You should start a blog.” I agree – journaling has many times helped me heal…from a loss, a heartache, or some other unfortunate tragedy.
I can no longer ignore God’s gentle hand, strongly nudging me to share the words he places on my heart. I have prayed for direction, and the tug, the push or pull inside me stops only when I sit still and write. In the silence, God gives me the words.
Today, I am thankful. I acknowledge the gift God has placed within. If somehow my words do become a blessing to even one person, the credit will not be mine; rather, it will be His.
So now the journey begins…one word, one thought, one story at a time.
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.