Be Found
by Jan Powell
(1 John 1:4, NIV).
What keeps us writing?
Writers who love Jesus long to serve him well with words that bring him glory. So, we study the craft, compose, and edit even though discouraging signposts can lead us astray at times. Off track. Bogged down. Dry. Uninspired.
John Newton’s lyrics hail to us, “I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.” Because we get lost, we need to be “found” multiple times during our writing life.
Willie Nelson later sang about longing to be on the road again and make music with his friends. We have a similar desire to cruise our beloved route of manuscript making again. To get back on track we often need to be inspired and upheld by our friends.
When silence slays our words and motivation withers, our craft tastes more like sawdust than a succulent feast. Inspiration evaporates and we crave the escape of a nap, a video game, or a good movie or book. We may succumb to the siren call of shopping or the unending task of housework or yardwork. Detours beckon us. We lose our way.
But if we recognize our calling and seek roadside assistance from fellow believers, we can learn to return to following Jesus in all we do.
Writing has individual and community components. For example, we don’t pray “My father,” but “Our Father” emphasizing that we pray with others. When Jesus calls us by name, we become part of his flock, not lone rangers. In the same way that we corporately worship, we can gain from gatherings with other writers.
How do we build our strength with words? Through tested methods that affect our whole life. We read the Bible and sing praise songs. We take long walks. We engage in meaningful conversations. We pray for ourselves and others, trusting God to inspire and help us.
Finally, we just do it. With support in place, and eyes on Jesus, we strike computer keys or write on paper. We edit and edit again, continuing to learn. Our acknowledgment pages credit the “caravan” that supported success. Found writers stay with the caravan and do the work.
Father, keep me going and using my gifts for you. Amen.
Jan Powell, a graduate of the University of South Florida, helps writers through Writing with You, offering editing, rewriting, and coaching for fiction and non-fiction. Published in The Wordsmith Journal and Splickety, she has written for Inkspirations since the beginning. Her in-depth editing includes poetry, devotionals, memoirs, fantasy, murder mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense, and flash fiction. She has hosted Tampa Word Weavers for almost two decades and has served in its leadership.
Discover more from Inkspirations Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
