Motivation to write stems
from various needs. One may begin to type or scribble words as a way to relieve
inward tension, escape reality, tell stories to entertain and teach, explore
realms of thought. Whatever one’s reason to begin, writing soon becomes an
extension of body and soul, a proclaiming voice to eager minds.
The tenacious surge
required to become an author is a result of a different need, a desire to flaunt
the love and devotion poured into our stories, showcase carefully crafted
characters and spread our message, once an exclusive exchange, to the world.
What gives us the need to
express? Why do each of us carry a desire within us to speak and be heard,
explore and discover, grow close to our own creations?
Since I was a
platinum-haired child with a single ponytail on the top of my scalp, I’ve
adored stories. They’ve been my teachers and friends, the captains of voyages
to places not found on any map. They’ve been mirrors and open doors. Overall,
stories have rooted themselves within me. I read and write them to grow, bud,
flourish.
Again, I ask the
questions: What gives us the need to express? Why do each of us carry a desire
within us to speak and be heard, explore and discover, grow close to our own
creations?
Children reflect their
parents, thus creation reflects its Creator.
We radiate with the
artistic splendor of our Alpha and Omega Author.
God has our beginning and
end, indented the first paragraph and reserved a final period to conclude the
epic novel of our lives. He’s brainstormed, outlined. He has crafted us with
precision because we, the authored, are His protagonists.
To float in the peace of
His orchestration, all we have to do is surrender ourselves to the scandalous,
all-consuming plotline mapped out before the dawn of time, constructed from His
sovereign desire to have an intimate connection with us. We are His expression.
No one can love us more
than the Author of our story.
The classic verse,
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord,
‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.’”
What beautiful,
miraculous hope we have in Christ Jesus! If the end of our stories have already
been written, what do we have to fear? If the Love of our lives is composing
our every moment, why should we be overcome with anxiety, crushed by the weight
of MAYBE?
“Thus says the Lord, the
God of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.’” Jeremiah
30:2
For the longest time, I
didn’t understand why God placed me in a waiting room, kept from the blessings
I could see in the distance. I couldn’t figure out why my Father allowed me to
experience deep hurt, sink into trials before pulling me up to stand on top of
them. Through writing, He revealed His intentions in a bursting epiphany.
A wonderful story isn’t
captivating unless the main character is confronted with obstacles.
I have spent many
afternoons crying over my computer (while sitting in coffeehouses) as I placed
my characters in painful situations. I wept when they wept. I rejoiced when
they rejoiced.
God does the same with
us. Through muck and mire, darkness and anguish, happiness, progress, He walks
with us; He grows closer to us while proclaiming His presence to the world.
But the great thing about
obstacles is this: They can be conquered. They have already been overcome by
salvation’s grace. They will subside, and our stories will be better because of
them.
Waiting seems to be the
overarching theme of the publishing industry. I wait to hear news regarding my
books. I wait for progress, opportunities to present themselves. I wait for
personal desires such as relationships, direction, etc.
Life is a state of
constant expectance, yet we must be sure to not passively wait but place our
hope and faith in the Author’s hands. 2 Peter 3:9a says, “The Lord is not slow
in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.” His timing is without
fault. He knows our stories backward-and-forward, has crafted extravagant
plotlines for us.
Blessings given too soon
become burdens so by allowing us to wait in His care, He is aging us like fine
wine kept in a cellar, preparing us to experience the fullness of His plan.
“You need to persevere so
that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has
promised.” Hebrews 10:36
Over the past few years,
I have learned God wants nothing more than to have a close relationship with
us. He values the righteous desires of our hearts because He placed them there.
That said, He often makes Himself known in situations to verify we are in His
will, yet refrains from fully manifesting an opportunity. We can become
restless and believe a certain schedule is best for our lives. However, His
plot for our stories exceeds our expectations. He holds us in a rising action
until the perfect moment, when the climactic roar of fulfillment rushes onto
our metaphorical pages and an average story transforms into an epic novel
written for His glory.
You are a beloved
character.
I am a beloved character.
We have been given a
spirit of power.
And with endurance and
faithful expectancy, we can successfully climb our plot graphs as protagonists
in a God-authored saga.
I’m humbled and honored
to be an anointed ambassador, a radiating creation of my Creator. He gives
teaching through typed words on a screen. He shows me the worth I do not see
and gives me dreams I have no right to dream.
