WHAT A GIFT by Joyce C Lock
Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder.
Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you.
Figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you
have to offer.
-- Barbara Kingsolver
I ran across this quote and have often thought it true ~ not
just with authors, but with graphic and stationery designers,
etc.: often, people pleasers; sweet, generous, and precious ~ but
missing the best.
God dwells in our heart. Thus, our calling involves
following the passions God has placed there; not making everyone
else happy, not meeting other's demands, not fulfilling every
request in the universe.
If you are tired, in service, you're carrying a weight God
did not place there. Leave whatever else for the next person, as
they are called. Remember, we, also, are called to trust God to
do the rest.
Recently, I found a really neat site that was, almost
joyously, shouting the need to hurry up and write whatever God
has given you to share. Though, it brought me to question if you
even realize, to what extent, God has given you the power to make
a difference.
Even so, many have been in your own personal, and sometimes
horrendous, tribulation for quite some time. But, I wonder how
much you realize that these hard times happen to you, as they are
happening to many others, so you'll know where others are, what
the need is, and what words need be shared.
God gave writers. That means you are a gift and it was God
that decided such. It had nothing to do with your writing
skills, but the desires of your heart.
There is a hurting world, out there, even more desperate than
our situation may feel. And during the times you have no new
words to share, your 'already written seed' is still available to
help others that have not yet caught up to where you are
spiritually.
Do you realize when words come to you, faster than you can
write them down, that those are as much God's words as the Bible?
I only wish you did. I wish that you would, finally, truly
believe that it is impossible for you to write something inferior
~ when the Spirit is moving. God doesn't do anything inferior.
God has given you words, to share, that meet people where
they are. You have a type of 'gift of healing' amidst a terribly
wounded and cruel world. I just wish you could get a glimpse of
how important you, your ministry, and your seed is ~ then stand
up to Satan and not let him stop you from the passions of your
heart any longer.
Words, inspired by God, do not belong to you ~ but Him.
Share them wherever there is a door of opportunity, as if your
message, alone, can change the entire world ... because it can.
Via the net, your writings will be multiplied so many times
that only God can count the number of lives that have been
touched ... and how many lives they touch ... and how many lives
they touch. In that ripple effect, you have been given a great
opportunity to lead. And know this; it is impossible to out give
God. What a gift!
by Joyce C. Lock
About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.
More articles on CHRISTIANITY
Things Not to Believe
Are We Happy, Really?
What a Gift
The Words of King Lemuel
Are You Tired, Yet?
A Scriptural 'How to' for Writing
Bless the Children
Counting Them Happy
Come Home
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