I WRITE. I don't question why I am awake; I just write. I've always been a bit of an insomniac. Many nights I'm able to sleep just fine--others find me tip-tapping away at all hours. Since I became a Christian, I consider writing a ministry--sometimes it ministers to others, sometimes to me. Sometimes I write articles, sometimes emails. Sometimes I write prayers to God. I never know quite what my muse will do with me.
Years ago, I took a writing course with James Cox back in Kentucky; he was the Managing Editor of the Western Recorder newspaper then. Cox emphasized something about writing that has stayed with me ever since. He said that writing is not simply about being published. Some of the most meaningful writing we ever do is personal letters of encouragement. People need encouragement. They need to connect with another. If it were not so, there would not be such compelling popularity for social networking: Face-Book, Twitter, My-Space, Chat-rooms and personal blogs.
Therefore I write to fill a void. Occasionally the Lord has someone email me who has been deeply moved by the words I trust the Father in Heaven gives me to share on any given day. Sometimes folks say it is exactly what they needed to hear. Sometimes they request prayer. Sometimes we meet on top of a mountain and share the glory of God's grace and power and exchange a much needed hug. Whatever brings folks my way, I count myself blessed and each reader the blessing.
I know that others hurt, others need encouragement and comfort and inspiration. I think most people are just like me. They face challenges, difficulties, grief, loss, criticism, and failure. I know how those things feel and how God has pulled me from their binding strangulation. Though I do not pretend to say my way is the best way, or only way, to deal with trials; I do say that I know a way. And hopefully as we share our hearts, bear our burdens, confess our failures, admit our weaknesses, the Lord will use our humility to guide and strengthen others.
Yesterday, a blogging friend from the blue ,did just that for me. It's an amazing thing. Something for which I praise my Father in Heaven. But also, I am grateful she took the time to let me know I was on her mind and lifted me up to our Father. A tiny thing. Writing. Amazing what it does for others at times, don't you think? selahV
