SILENCE IS GOLDEN

It’s often tempting to write for the sake of writing. As writers, we may feel “pressured” to write, even when we have nothing inspired to say. This kind of pressure is much like being in a dinner conversation with friends, enjoying simply listening to their perspectives, but feeling like you just have to say SOMETHING despite not having anything to add because — well, because you’re at the table!

The writing gift that comes from God may be prolific, but not necessarily. My life experience required radio silence from the Holy Spirit for more than two years. During that golden silence, my writing “hand” was learning how to trace each letter in the Lord’s perfect handwriting. And I’m still learning — to hear, to allow Spirit to flow, to get out of my head and stay in God’s heart.

I used to think that if I were a real writer, I needed to write constantly, even madly, as sheer proof of my vocation.

I thought wrong.

Posted 5/1/24

Listen Up!

For writers, developing a regular writing routine can be beneficial; however, I’ve found that unless I first hear the Spirit of God beckoning me to  write about (for example) a mystery, a beautiful question, or an amazing fact, my writing doesn’t take on any lasting shape.

A growing observation, a gnawing feeling, an athlete’s performance on a basketball court or a hilarious quip on a sitcom — any of these things can affirm a truth that God is revealing to you. His ways of speaking to our hearts are endless! I love that the prophet Isaiah proclaimed God’s assurance to those who actually pay attention to His voice: “Listen carefully to Me, eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.” (Isaiah 55:1-2)

Years ago, I took a creative writing class in which the instructor’s first lecture encouraged his students to always carry pen and pad (I’m dating myself here, but you get the point). He waxed poetic about how a few words of conversation by a passerby or witnessing the light filtering through a tree could inspire the most profound essay or eloquent poetry. He emphasized that recording these observations in the moment was critical because even sharp memories fade. God speaks whenever and however He wants, so be ready to listen up!

 If you are loyal to a regular writing routine, that’s great! Just be prepared to listen and respond to the Spirit of God, who will undoubtedly speak to you beyond the confines of any routine.

Posted 4/5/24