Two years ago I took an online collective called 40 Days of Blogging. It was led by the brilliant Jamie Bagley, who just happens to be my daughter. Since we were asked to think about why we write, I pondered that question for a while. What I wrote then is still true today.
Why DO I Write?
It seems like writing has been a part of my life ever since my mom taught me to draw the letters of the alphabet with a pencil. Later I wrote stories and even enjoyed taking notes in school. Essay questions on tests were my favorite, because I could always think of something to say.
I loved to write.
As time went on, a busy life of raising children made me forget about my love of writing for a time. When my oldest child began eighth grade we started homeschooling, and I began keeping a journal. At first I just recorded what we studied. But later these journal entries became more person. When my pen hit the paper each night I began to write as if I were composing a letter to someone.
And, maybe I really was.
When I took out my journal each night I wrote as if I were writing a letter to someone.
In the back of my mind, I thought about my children finding these after I am gone. They would hold a record of happenings in our lives from my perspective. It didn’t cross my mind that I might actually write something that people outside my family would read.
It didn’t cross my mind that I might actually write something that people outside my family would read.
Finding My Voice
I have found my voice in part through online writing communities. They showed me that each one of us has a story to tell. It may look different from yours, but my story – our stories – are all very important. Someone, somewhere needs to hear our words. As we share them we have more opportunities to bless and be blessed.
Our stories are different, but they are all important.
With the challenge of the 40 Days of Poetry that began in December, 2013, I remembered how much I loved writing poetry. It was encouraging to me when other people read and liked my poems. I began to find inspiration almost everywhere around me. Nowadays hardly a week goes by that I don’t write at least one and sometimes several verses of poetry.
Why Do I Write and Why Do I Keep Writing?
Besides the fact that it brings me a lot of enjoyment as I have expanded and developed my creative writing skills, I also write to encourage others.
My heart is full of gratitude for all that God has given me and I believe He has put the desire in me to write.
While I enjoy writing, I still have doubts about whether my words make a difference. But God has a way of giving encouragement at just the right time to remind me that they do matter.
Someone I had not heard from in years messaged me that one of my blog posts really spoke to him. He said God had used it to bring peace and mercy back into his life. It took me aback but also gave confirmation. I am doing what God is calling me to do.
Getting this confirmation and realizing that God does use my words to help others makes it all worthwhile. It thrills and humbles me to think that I can be used in this way.
I not only need to be faithful in my calling as a woman, but also as a writer.
Writing is a way I can glorify God and hopefully point others to Him in the process.
What about you? Have you ever thought about why you do what you do?
I’d love to hear your stories. Please share in the comment section.
I’m linking up with: #RaRaLinkup, #TestimonyTuesday, #TellMeATrueStory, #TellHisStory
Oh, I like this. Especially the line: I am faithful to my calling as a woman and also a writer. Beautiful.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you like it. Blessings to you!
Gayl, many of your words here could have been my own. I have loved writing since childhood and loved essay test questions as well. Even though I did some writing along the way, there were negative questioning voices within and sometimes without that made it seem like such a presumptuous thing to say “I’m a writer”! The great gift of retirement has been gaining the courage to say so, do it, and have the time and freedom to release so much of what the Lord has put in my heart, mind, and spirit.
“The great gift of retirement has been gaining the courage to say so, do it, and have the time and freedom to release so much of what the Lord has put in my heart, mind, and spirit.” I can say Amen to that, Pam. 🙂 It’s only in the last 3 years that my writing has picked up. I’m glad to be traveling this road with you. 🙂 Blessings!
Gayl – It is so important to keep writing no matter what our minds say, or what lies the enemy whispers. Your words matter and God will use them to minister to people. Even if it’s just 1 person, that’s all that matters. Pointing others to Jesus is where it is all about – Keep it up and love your poem by the way. Your neighbor at #RaRa Linkup today
Thanks for your encouragement, Debbie! We have to fight those lies from the enemy and trust God to use us as he sees fit. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem, too. Blessings to you!
Thank you! This grabbed my attention. I sure loved the photo re: the moon and sky. That’s what I count on consistently day-by-day and night-by-night. Worshiping the Lord is all I can do… my body and brain issue is a significant challenge, so praying and worshiping and singing to Him is what I can do and I know that’s how I’m heading to Heaven fairly soon. I’m not afraid of that, but I’m filled with HALLELUJAH!!! Bless you for sharing your info.
Joanne, your comments are always so encouraging. You inspire me with your desire to worship, pray and sing to God. I’m sorry about your health issues, but I’m so thankful that you are “filled with HALLELUJAH!!!” Thank you for stopping by and sharing your heart. Blessings to you every day, dear one. {{HUGS}}
Whether anyone ever reads it or not, I guess we’re writers of thoughts about God, about our lives with kids and husbands and houses that are never clean enough. So thankful to be writing in community with brave women like you, Gayl.
Thank you, Michele! I count it an honor to be writing along with you, too. You are a blessing to me and I am thankful for you! Blessings to you, dear sister! xo
Hi Gayl!
How was your 4th of July? Mine was good. : )
I have also started writing at a young age. My inspiration started first with Harriet the Spy movie. Even though she wrote some mean things about other people and it got out there and hurt her friends but it was the dedication she had to write everyday. I started to do the same and have kept every single journal. I also wish that one day when I am gone that my little one(s) will read them too. I even want to write a book on my life just as you said everyone has a story. I do have to say that I in the process of finding my purpose behind my writing because I think I still want to be the one in control and not remain open to what God has for me. What a beautiful post gayl. As I said before, I always enjoy stopping by
Our 4th was good. We didn’t do much but it was a relaxing day after a busy weekend. 🙂 It’s interesting what things can spark our interest to write, isn’t it. I love it that you also keep journals. I’ve also thought about writing a book of memoir and have actually written a little bit in blog posts here and there on my former blog.
It’s always a struggle to want to be in control, isn’t it? I’m sure as you continue the process you will find your purpose for writing. I pray that God will bless and lead you each day.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Blessings to you and yours!
Gayl I love your story. I started writing because of encouragement from an on-line Bible study leader and it turned into a way to minister to my family and friends. They read my words that they might not listen to in person. It’s become bigger than that now. I want to touch lives all over the world as a digital evangelist.
Debbie, thank you so much for your encouragement! I love hearing the stories of how people started writing. How cool that it was an online Bible study that sparked your interest!
You’re right that people will often read words that they wouldn’t listen to in person. I pray that God will use your words all over the world and that many will be drawn to Him through them.
Blessings to you!
Yes, yes, YES! Our stories are for His glory! Blessings upon your words!
Thank you so much for your agreement, Liz! May God also bless your words as you share them, too. Many blessings to you and yours!
I think you speak for all writers, Gayl. Beautifully. xo
Thank you, Susan. You are such an encouragement! Blessings to you, dear sister! xo
Gayl,
Thank you for this encouraging post. I often wonder if my writing has any sort of impact, and it is encouraging to think that it is worth it if God uses it for one person.
Thank you for visiting, Courtney! I’m glad that you were encouraged. Knowing that also encourages me. Blessings to you!