"Why have you committed to writing all these articles for free?"
"Why are you wasting your time when you're not even paid?"
"Why don't you just give it up?"
Why? Why? Why?
Well kids, here's my answer to you. I write:
1. To reflect.
Every post I create develops into the exact "lightbulb moment" I need. The words formed with my fingers on this keyboard are sermons by me but for me. I try my best to write from the heart, and I usually end up speechless by the end- not because my words rival Shakespeare or some great poet but because what I write helps me see the big picture. As I write, I am able to reflect on why I'm currently stranded in this whirlpool of madness. I start to see clearly, God's plan for me, and regain my focus. My posts allow me to reflect on some of my greatest downfalls- they remind me of what I've overcome and where my focus should be. Most importantly, they direct me to where my future is headed. I'm so thankful for that.
2. To be remembered.
Will anyone remember me once I'm grown with a family of my own- once I'm "settled"? Will anyone remember me once I've made it to "the other side"?
As weird as those questions are to ask, and as awkward as it is to think about- I write for that reason. By putting my thoughts onto paper, I insure that my ideas will always be here. Sure, nobody may ever read them again, but hey- at least they'll be accessible. For years to come, I'll have a record of these posts, and that gives me great comfort. Writing gives me a voice that surpasses the test of time and allows me to remember the things I fought during my darkest valleys.
3. To reach.
As Christians, we are called to reach others. We're called to befriend the lonely, encourage the dishearted, and help the helpless. Yes, that call is great... and how is a shy girl like me ever going to accomplish something like that? I can hardly talk to the cashier at Chickfila- how in the world am I ever going to share Jesus with someone? Hmm. That's what writing does for me.
Writing gives me a voice and an avenue to reach others. The way I see it, God gave me this gift. Sure, it's not flashy and bold like preaching, but it's mine. And hey- if I have this "talent", I better use it before I lose it. God will strip His gifts from us if we don't use them.
So, I write to reflect, I write to be remembered, and I write to reach. Most of all, I write because I usually don't know what's in my head until I see it on paper. My thoughts are scary, my dreams are big, and my worries are huge, but when I see a clearer picture when I write.
God has a plan for us all, and He has given us specific gifts to aid us in accomplishing that plan. His gifts are priceless, and we should work to find some way to use them. Writing is part of my gift (I think), but if not- at least I've got some good stories written out that I won't ever forget.
