Wednesday, August 19, 2020

15 Reasons to Keep Writing during the Pandemic


by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

Are you writing more or less during this pandemic? A Facebook friend asked a similar question, and the replies streamed in. 

“I can’t focus.”

“I’m too anxious.”

A few writers commented that they were making progress. 

“I’m busier now more than ever.”

How about you? If the pandemic has triggered fears and anxieties and brought your writing to a grinding halt, you’re not the only one. Whether it’s a pandemic, spiritual struggles, physical issues, or the familiar brick wall of writer’s block, reasons not to write will haunt us.  

But the world needs our writing. We do too. We need the process of working with God to craft encouragement and stories, application of Scripture and answers for life’s problems. As we learn from God how to encourage others, our hearts will be strengthened, and we pray that our readers’ hearts will be, too. 

Here’s why we shouldn’t stop writing. 
  1. People don’t stop hurting.
  2. The gospel is still the power of God that gives salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus (Romans 1:16). 
  3. People are looking for an anchor for their souls.
  4. Writing keeps us grounded, tethered to understanding the truth and sharing it.
  5. God is still able to work anything for good (Romans 8:28), and He hasn’t abandoned us (Hebrews 13:5).
  6. Jesus works alongside His followers (Mark 16:20).
  7. We still have a calling to keep and spiritual gifts to use (Romans 11:29, Romans 12:6-8, 2 Timothy 1:6). 
  8. God may have opportunities for us that we didn’t know were even possible. 
  9. The light needs faithful soldiers who will fight the darkness (Romans 13:12, 1 Timothy 6:12, Ephesians 6:12). 
  10. If we skip a season of planting seeds, we will miss a harvest later.
  11. God smiles when we write for Him and with Him. 
  12. God has given each of us a message to share with our particular audience. 
  13. No one can write exactly like you do—God uses our particular personalities, experiences, and insights to minister to others. 
  14. Writing is like therapy—a chance to work through our own understanding and emotions to become better people with God’s help.
  15. This is the perfect time to have strong voices for God, strong hearts filled with His love, and strong messages to restore hope and bring peace. 

When the nagging feeling of “I just can’t” or the age-old question of “Will it do any good?” comes to mind, remember who called you to write, and trust Him that He can get us through this. 

Which of the fifteen reasons above is the most meaningful to you? Tell us in the comments below. And from one writer to another—fight, finish, and keep!

“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.”
(2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV)

May we be faithful soldiers and runners—and writers—for God, His kingdom, and His eternal good purposes.

TWEETABLE

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations, such as Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, Collection 1 which is a 2020 Selah Awards finalist. Lighthouse’s newest compilation, The Power to Make a Difference, released January 2020. 

In addition to online magazines, Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, the Arise Daily blog, and two blogs on writing. She loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best donuts. Connect with her at her blog, The Scrapbooked Bible Study, and on Facebook and Twitter.

12 comments:

  1. Number 14 has always resonated with me Ms. Katy. I've always been able to write down my thoughts and feelings much better than I can speak about them. Writing gives me an avenue to work through my thoughts and internalize the lessons God is teaching me. Wonderful post ma'am; thank you for all your encouragement and inspiration to keep writing ma'am.

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    1. Thank you, J.D.! I am grateful that God gives inspiration to write about things I need to learn and process. May He bless your writing as always!

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  2. Fifteen powerful reasons to keep writing.
    Truthfully, I'd been writing less. Your post serves as motivation to write more.

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  3. Excellent message Katy. I need to have this printed and placed in front of me every day. :-)

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    1. I'm so glad you found it helpful. Thank you, Melissa!

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  4. #1 never changes. People always need hope. Thanks for the reminder, Katy!

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  5. Printed an on my bulletin board. Thanks Katy!

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    1. That makes me smile. Thanks for telling us, Marie!

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  6. Thank you, Katy, for all these important reasons to keep writing!

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    1. God bless you as you keep at it! I'm grateful we can write for Him and learn invaluable truths along the way.

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