Some people write to express their political views, while some write to express their emotions. Some write just because they have to, others because they enjoy it. Some people have a revolutionary idea to express; others have a lot of words without saying anything in particular. Some write to anger people, some to humor, some to sober. Amongst an innumerable amount of vastly different books, papers, articles, and magazines, why do I write?
I write because I enjoy it, but my purpose is far larger. God has given each of us gifts, and I believe one of mine is writing. God desires that we use our gifts for him, and to the fullest extent possible. Why waste what God has given us? I write for my King, and I write for others’ edification. Although I was reminded this Sunday by my pastor’s sermon not to rely on others’ words of encouragement but rather on Christ, many times the encouragement of others has helped me greatly. During a period of time when I was extremely discouraged about music some friends of ours wrote a note to us explaining how much my piano playing had encouraged them. I was reminded once more that my skills don’t have to be perfect to help others.I remember the first time I began to write on my own. When I was about eleven or twelve I decided to write a book about pioneers. A young lady from the church encouraged me to write and even sat down with me and listened to the story. When I read it now I realize there were a lot of mistakes she could have corrected me on, but instead she realized that her job was to encourage me- the grammar would come later. When I was finished, my Aunt helped me edit it (believe me, it needed a lot!) and typeset it and we took it to the office store and had them spiral bind it. The best part of the book were the illustrations done by my brother. The story was about an eighteen-year-old girl named Becka Forsythe (what did I know about eighteen-year-olds?) and her family who traveled west in a covered wagon (of course!). On the way out to Kansas they meet a buffalo stampede and just barely escape by jumping onto a mesa type rock. Because their wagon was ruined, they settled there, near Lecompton, Kansas. Most of the family is captured by the Ute Indians in the Walker War and are freed by Becka and her brother Peter. Just when they arrive home, their older son who was away studying law shows up and they live happily ever after. Anyway, I remember being disappointed that it was only sixty-one pages long and you could read it in less than an hour!
I’m not sure in what ways God will enable me to use writing to advance his kingdom. Right now it may only be writing for Joyfully Jewel and The Prairie Times, a local magazine I have recently been involved in. Whatever it is, being in God’s will is the best place for me to be.
So many girls I talk to enjoy writing, but are afraid to show their work to anyone. That’s sad. Sometimes failing a few times in front of others teaches you a lot more than hiding your skills. Remember, our goal is not to make a good reputation for ourselves, but to showcase God’s glory. Writing is a great way to share the gospel and encourage others, most of all pointing them to Christ. So I write on, for Christ and His kingdom!
