Sound Words
by Nicole Lisa Schrader
Three years ago at my first writers’ conference I realized how little I knew about writing. Most of the people I met at the conference encouraged me both spiritually and professionally. But one woman’s criticism still haunts me. “What makes you think you can write a novel?” She asked.
Words carry power. They can comfort, inspire or create doubt and insecurity. No matter how many positive critiques I receive, that woman’s question still lurks in the back of my mind – what makes you think you can do this?
In the writing life we receive both live giving and life destroying words. To conquer the doubt which threatens to stop me from writing forever, I go to God’s word. I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
As Christian authors, we have been entrusted to use our words to show the faith and love of Jesus. But, as Paul supported Timothy, we need people in our lives who build us up when the harsh critiques come. I am thankful God led me to Christian writing groups, like Word Weavers International. I’ve gained a supportive community of writers who understand the awesome power of our words and the necessity of supporting each other in this writing mission to further God’s kingdom.
Thank you, Lord, for entrusting us with your word and providing us with the fellowship of believers who encourage us. We pray we will be faithful witnesses of your love and grace in all we write. For you glory. Amen.
Nicole Schrader is an author and blogger. As a homeschool mom, she discovered a passion for writing as she taught her children to write. Schrader loves writing for children and looks forward to reading with her grandchildren. She writes a website for parents, https://Bookblurbs.org, and a devotional blog, at https://nlmschrader.blog. Visit her sites for inspiration and encouragement!