I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us?Why take a second look our way? Psalm 8:4 (The Message)
We writers are an insecure lot. I’ve had the privilege to spend this week with some of the most talented writers I know, and we hadn’t been together for an hour before this truth was apparent. It was almost like the combined weight of our fears collapsed a dam and all our recent failures and set-backs came rushing out.
That first evening was partially spent catching up. But the majority of the time seemed to revolve around reassuring each other that, no matter what the world said, we hadn’t mistaken God’s call on our lives to write. We shared the heartaches of recent contests with poor scores, vicious critiques and missed opportunities, all with self deprecating laughs and tear-filled eyes.
We bound up each other’s wounds, hurts and injuries. Many had been inflicted without ill intent, but left their marks none-the-less. It’s all part of the process, the journey of becoming. But what joy and relief it was to come together with others who understood. And that was the crux, feeling heard and validated.
As I considered this the following morning, it hit me that there is One who always understands, who feels our pain, empathizing without pity. We can turn to Him, in any instance, at any time, and find ourselves safe. I want to share my prayer for each of us.
Dearest Lord, I pray for my fellow writers today, that each of us, even as we’re reminded of our own inadequacies, would view our blessings in light of your sovereignty, goodness and mrcy; resting in the unfathomable fact that you have ordained this. It’s not that we’re good or worthy—or even here by mistake—but that you have a purpose for each of us. Please remove our focus on ourselves and replace it with a whole-hearted devotion and renewal to serve you...however uncomfortable the calling.
Oh Edie, this spoke right to my heart. As you know, I wrestle with comparing myself to others and wonder "why is their work better than mine?" You're right, it does feel good to be heard and vallidated, but I'm so glad we serve the one who vallidates us no matter what anyone else has to say. Thank you much for this reminder. I love you my precious friend!
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! It's easy to hear of others' contracts, followers, and publishing credits and wonder why we bother.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, I'm reminded that God didn't call all of us to popularity and income. Instead, He called us to fulfill the plan He has for us as individuals...and to fulfill it with the best we have to offer.
The Lord gave me a wonderful verse years ago that has helped me time and again: "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God." (2 Cor. 3:5) What a comfort knowing He is the One who equips because I'm definitely inadequate on my own!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing ~
Edie, thank you for the wonderful prayer on our behalf. It's so easy to lose our focus on what's important and your post today is a powerful reminder of who we serve and the assurance He will equip us with the abilities we need to carry out His plan for our life. Love your transparency. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWell written Edie! It is always sooo good to be reminded of writers/believers who struggle in some of the same areas I do.
ReplyDeleteBottom line I keep telling myself...I want to serve my Lord and remember its most important what He says, not others.
Yet, on the other hand, the Lord knows when we do need to have words of encouragement to help heal wounds...Such were your words today, Edie!
God bless you!
Beautifully said, Edie. Reaching the core truth comes from digging through a wall of emotion, but thankfully God sees our heart and knows our fears.
ReplyDeleteYour post made me wish I had been right there with you, but I may have taken up all the time. Tell me one more time I'm okay, I made the right choice, I can write a sentence ... I'm sort of laughing and a bit teary at the same time. Thanks, Edie, for sharing the good stuff always.
ReplyDeleteI needed to hear this too...thanks Edie!
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be a recurring theme for me the past couple of weeks. Guess it's because I'm going through one of those "Why did I think I could do this" periods. Health concerns have bombarded me and my age is always a concern. But... I know this is what I'm supposed to do. I also know it may not be the end result that I should be aiming for but every step along the way. Sometimes I think we dismiss the effect our tiny steps have on others. Thanks for the encouragement, Edie.
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