Last week we were going through our closets, trying to declutter. I was sitting in the middle of the kitchen, piles of junk on one side and forgotten treasures on the other. My husband called from another room,
“I found your Grandma’s letters!”
Those were definitely treasures. She would write at least once a month ever since I went off to college. I’m so glad I saved them. As I began to read, a smile spread across my face. I forgot how funny my Grandma was.
At the end of one of her letters she wrote,
“I should’ve called instead of writing a book!”
No Grandma, I’m glad you wrote. I thought to myself.
Of course, she called, but if she never took the time to write, I wouldn’t have these letters to reflect on.
Writing matters- It preserves history.
The Bible stands as a testament to the importance of writing – without it, the encounters and stories of God might have been lost in time. I’m so thankful that these experiences were preserved. I can’t imagine a world without the encouraging verses that are in the Bible.
Writing can also be a positive tool to express emotion and worship. I found myself writing a lot after going through some hard seasons. It helped to write down what I was feeling and specific prayers. One day, it hit me that maybe God could use my writing to help someone else going through the same things. Instead of dwelling on my pain, I could listen to God’s prompting and turn it around for good.
I fought this calling on my life for months, thinking of 100 reasons why this would be a terrible idea.
I mean, writing is so personal, who would want to be this vulnerable?
But as the months passed, God kept knocking. I threw out the “what if’s” and took the first step. I realized if my words could save 1 person, it was worth it – It’s not about me; it’s about him and what he can do!
Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit. 1 Peter 4:11 (MSG)
God’s purpose for you is much bigger than what you see right now.
What calling has God given you that you need to step into? And if you haven’t moved forward, why not?
Sometimes it’s hard to step into something, especially if you feel unqualified.
I remember when I started writing and realized I would have to use social media to reach more people. I hated the idea, because honestly, I’m not a fan. I’m the girl that deletes the apps every week! I also knew I wasn’t the best writer and would probably make a grammatical error or say something that didn’t resonate.
Are you sure you want me to do this, Lord? I can always keep journaling…
God doesn’t need our perfection- he just wants our heart.
So, this is why I write:
I write to show; I’ve gone through that storm too- you will make it through.
I write to the mom; You are doing a good job!
I write to the betrayed spouse; You can trust again!
I write to the grieving to reassure; Jesus weeps with you.
I write to the enslaved; There is freedom in Christ.
I write to the anxiety stricken; Mediate on God’s word.
I write to the doubter; Testimonies are everywhere.
I write to the insecure; God says you are beautiful.
I write to myself; I need these words too!
I write because I know there is someone out there who has never heard the gospel, but one day might stumble on my words and see there is a God who loves them.
Ultimately, I write because God called me to be authentic and share the gospel.
And when I forget my “why,” and wonder if anyone is even reading this- I look at my Grandma’s letters and remember,
I’m glad you wrote.
I love how The Message version states Ephesians chapter 4:
I want you to get out there and walk – better yet, run! – on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. Ephesians 4:1-2 (MSG).
Now it’s your turn. Take the next step!
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