Why Do I Write?

by Glynis M. Belec


So I dished out the homework at our last Writers Unite meeting and no one grumbled.

"Write a 200 - 300 word essay titled: 'Why Do I Write?'" I said in my nicest voice.

I handed out the usual directives to write from the heart and let the words flow.

"Dig deep and try to fathom the real reason you use words - whether it is through song, poetry, prose..." I did prattle on.

My lovely fellow scribes are a contented and wonderfully supportive group when we gather each month at our obliging little down-town studio. (And I still am in awe at the way they seem to trust me lots when it comes to the written word.)

Some days, when I get zero accomplished in the writing department, I feel such a phony. At the meetings I encourage everyone to try to find at least some time in a day to write. I tell them the importance of keeping at it and I tell them to never give up hope and to pursue with passion what God has laid before them. I need to practise what I preach!

As I was enjoying the beauty of  today, and contemplating dropping a Facebook reminder to everyone to not forget their homework, I realized that I, too, need to do my homework. I need to do my homework not because I fear the backlash of my fellow writers, or anticipate the naughty chair. After all, should the leader be required to do homework, too?

Ah yes, I need to do my homework and ask myself Why do I Write? so that I can inhale deeply and be refreshed and reminded about how much God has blessed me with something I never thought I deserved.

So...why do I write?

I write because the words that I need to come out of my mouth don't.
I write because I have little voices inside my head compelling me to do so.
I write because God gave me a voice.
When I look around I see the hurried, the harried, the beleaguered, the forlorn.
I see the beauty, the purpose, the confusion, the significant.
And I want to write about it.

I write because I am fascinated with how 26 little letters can be combined to create thousands of words.
I write because I love to hear someone say, "I can really relate to that" or "thanks for giving me a smile" or "I understand what you are going through."

I write because God gave me a purpose.
When my mind drifts, it drifts to places that excite and spur me into action. I want to write down what happened because I am sure someone would like to know about it. Or not.

I write because I love to communicate; to connect; to impart learned ideas or thoughts.
I write because a teacher once told me I was good at it.
I write because sometimes it feels like I am worshipping God.
Pouring out my heart on a page is balm for my soul. Behaviour modification is accomplished when I focus and adapt. Then I still myself - ready to think and speak through words. I love that feeling.

I write because of the satisfaction I acquire from seeing how words can stir a soul.
I write because of the sense of accomplishment.
I write because there is so much to share about God's Amazing Grace.
When I write there is something surreal about the journey - the beginning, the middle, the end.
When I write with God on my mind...and with gratitude in my heart for the love of words; when I listen for His direction and respect His timing, I feel like I understand a little tiny piece of God's heart.

...That is why I write...

Oh, that my words could be recorded. 

Oh, that they could be inscribed on a monument, 

carved with an iron chisel and filled with lead, 

engraved forever in the rock. 

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, 

and he will stand upon the earth at last. 

And after my body has decayed, 

yet in my body I will see God! 

I will see him for myself. 

Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. 

I am overwhelmed at the thought! 

Job 19:23-27 (NLT) 

FATHER KNOWS BEST - Scott

One of the misconceptions that I encounter most often is the belief that God gives us rules solely for our inconvenience.

“Why can't I be like the folks on that renovations show who unfailingly use theological language in a non-theological sense when they see their new home?”

“Why are you always telling me I should find a Bible-believing church?”

“Why can't I just live with the guy? We love one another and are committed.”

The response, ''It's for your own good,” rarely receives a warm reception.

Taking the Lord's name in vain is wrong because He is God and, as such, any use of His name other than for praise or intercession is blasphemy.

Personally, I'd get a little upset if every time someone was surprised, upset, or amazed, they called out “Oh my Bob!” After a while, I think I'd quit answering. People would then be using my name in vain.

When we call on God, he intends to answer.

We are admonished not to give up meeting together as the faithful fellowship of believers because without that kind of support, we will not long survive the challenges of the life we live.
If Sunday worship is a chore, don't quit. Find a congregation where you are fed. Ask for God's guidance. I praise God for the place to which he has led us.

I'm in church three times a week, now. And I'm not even the pastor.

We live in a different world now than the one I lived in as a teenager. Declining respect for God; a move away from regular attendance at a believing church; these and more have led many losing sight of the plan God has for his world.

Some of the younger folk I counsel, and some older ones too, have lost sight of the fact that God gives direction for the welfare of his people.

And so, I have to advise young men who are not prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood brought on by disrespect for God's plan for sex and marriage.

I am asked what to do about the live-in boyfriend who wants to go out to watch TV at some other young woman's apartment--every week.

God says, in effect, ''You will avoid a lot of trouble in your earthly life if you follow these rules”
Even the Ten Commandments become affirmations if we see God's way as a prescription rather than a restriction.

Try it. (I’m using Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” for some of the text that follows.) God can give the assurance that, from this day forward, you can be assured of the following:

No other gods, only me. (Exodus 20:3)
You’ll know exactly what he is like. No more gods in your own image.

No using the name of GOD, your God, in curses or silly banter; GOD won't put up with the irreverent use of his name. (Ex. 20:7)
Reverence for God brings his approval.

You will joyously, Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Ex. 20:8)
Nothing can tear you away from Spirit-led worship and good teaching.

Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to GOD, your God. (Ex. 20: 9, 10)
Not everyone sees it this way, but God promises to take care of that seventh day. Your business will survive and you will be energized for the work to come.

No murder. No adultery. No stealing. No lies about your neighbor. No lusting after your neighbor's house--or wife… (Ex. 20:13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
No! I’m not suggesting you are guilty of these things. They all come back to a selfish attitude. God says we can set our minds on good things, if He is the one who is in control. Jesus said that wrong thinking was just as bad as the act. (Matt. 5:21, 28)

God’s instruction is not given to take away your joy. The loving Father is giving, to all of us, the tools to live a life filled with joy.

If God is your co-pilot, switch seats. Give him full control.

Robert Scott is a pastor and the author of ADVERTISING MURDER, LOST YOUTH and MURDER EXPRESS, titles in the Jack Elton Mystery series, Published by AVALON Books, New York

Commitment and Providence - Laycock

Commitment and Providence – M. Laycock

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elemental truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which no man or woman would have dreamed could have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.Boldness has genius, power, and magic to it.Begin it now." Goethe

Let’s play what if. What if Abram didn’t pull up the tent pegs and set off from Ur. What if Noah didn’t pick up the hammer? What if Moses didn’t pick up the staff? What if Gideon didn’t climb out of the winepress and break down the altar to Baal? What if Joshua didn’t march around Jericho? What if Ruth didn’t go with Naomi? What if David didn’t take the provisions to his brothers on the front lines? What if Solomon didn’t build the temple? What if Shaphan the secretary didn’t read the book of the Law to Josiah? What if Josiah didn’t tear his robes? What if Esther stayed home? What if Daniel didn’t pay attention to his dreams? What if Matthew didn’t walk away from the tax collectors booth? What if Peter didn’t put down his nets?

What if you don’t take up your pen?