Not by the book
by Donna Mumma
(Romans 8:28, NKJ).
We own a collie named Duke. At first glance, he is everything his breed is expected to be. Sweet, loyal, family-oriented, and striking with his full, rich coat and distinctive long snout. But he is not a perfect textbook example of a collie. Compared to Lassie, and other dogs like him, he lacks two traits associated with his breed: calmness: calmness and bravery. We’ve joked he forgot to read the Collie Handbook explaining those attributes.
Duke shakes in fear when our Florida thunderstorms come. He paces around, knocking things over until someone comes to sit with him through the storm. When we try to leave the house, he scampers about, stealing socks out of hampers to try to get us to stay and play with him. If we have visitors, he smothers them with attention, barking at the top of his lungs as he tries to rub against them in welcome.
Duke would never make it in the show ring. His mostly white coat bears only a few sable spots. Not a color pattern preferred by the elite set. But through-and-through, he is still a pure-bred collie, with a long, impressive pedigree.
Duke doesn’t worry that he might not measure up to the collie standards. Instead, he enjoys daily walks, sleeping on our bed, and chasing large birds in our neighborhood. He’s just a house dog, doing house dog things.
As writers, we can often feel like we don’t measure up to “the writer’s book.” We don’t win awards, sell hundreds of books, or bear a recognized name in the business. Most of us are just ordinary folks who spend long hours in front of a computer screen, trying to put together our thoughts.
Just as there are many dog breeds, each created with their own purpose, the same goes for us writers. God called us to share his message, and none of us are the same. We come with our own personalities, style, writing methods, and specific message God has laid on our hearts to share.
The world may have a book of standards by which writers are judged, but we answer to the one who called us. His is the only book we must adhere to. God sees you as a writer, now it’s time you do too.
Lord, help us not to defeat our spirits though comparison to others. Help us embrace our individual strengths and gifts given by you and use them for your glory. Amen.
Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She loves to blend history, mystery, and faith in her novels, which include Fresh Scars, The Women of Wynton’s, and First Comes Marriage . . . Then Comes Murder. A native Floridian, she now lives on the Sunshine State’s west coast, sharing life with her family, and her energetic collie, Duke. Connect with her at www.donnamumma.me., Facebook at Donna Mumma, or Instagram at donnamumma_writer.
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2 Comments
Such wonderful and important thoughts. Thanks for your encouragement and writing ministry.
Thank you for this encouragement. This struck a chord with me, “Just as there are many dog breeds, each created with their own purpose, the same goes for us writers. God called us to share his message, and none of us are the same”. This is so true.