Saturday, August 8, 2020

How Writing Rescues Us



by Beth Vogt @BethVogt



It’s 4:0:5 a.m. here in Colorado as I type this sentence.



I haven’t been to sleep yet.


I tried to go to sleep for all of five minutes.  But when I curled up in my recliner, the pain I’d been keeping at bay surged forward and overwhelmed me.

I stayed awake by noshing on Nutella – yes, nibbles of Nutella out of the Costco-size jar – chased by cups of Constant Comment tea, all while cleaning out my email inboxes (plural) and writing blog posts.

And now I’m writing this post because being awake and productive is much better than not sleeping.

A precious friend of mine died earlier this week – someone I love and admire. Someone who treated me with compassion on many occasions. 

Even more tragic, my friend died by suicide.

Grief upon grief.

Sometimes as writers, words on the page help us take our first stumbling steps through pain. 

I find myself sifting through the harsh reality of this loss with tear-stained words. Recounting memories. Asking questions that have no answers. Uttering prayers that trail off into silence … 

I’m so thankful that Jesus intercedes for us when we can’t pray.

Jesus intercedes for us always.

I am, once again, reminded how powerful our words are. 

Words allow us to remember those we love as we recall interactions … words spoken … reasons to be grateful when sorrow steals our breath.

Words create stories … and stories intertwine our lives. My story with my friend’s story, no matter how utterly tragic the ending.  Even now, I recall the good moments, the reasons I am thankful, thankful, thankful for our friendship. 

Writing can be a lifeline from grief – a rescue, if you will, so that we aren’t overcome by sorrow.

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

TWEETABLE

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, The Best We’ve Been, the final book in Beth’s Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers, releasers May 2020. Other books in the women’s fiction series include Things I Never Told You, which won the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, and Moments We Forget. Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015RITA®finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com

20 comments:

  1. Oh, Beth, so sorry to read about your loss. Writing is a panacea for me also. May the Lord grant you peace and healing for your emotions.

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  2. So sorry for the loss of your friend. I agree with your statement, "Writing can be a lifeline from grief- a rescue, if you will, so that we aren't overcome by sorrow." I am praying for everyone affected by suicide and yes, that is everyone in the world.

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  3. Melissa: You are so right -- unfortunately so. Everyone is affected by suicide and it is such a heartbreak that ripples out through the years. But God's grace is there ...

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  4. Oh Beth, I am so sorry. Death stinks, and when suicide dangles it goods, it seems the pain sharpens. May our faithful God comfort you in the way that truly only He can.

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    1. Kristi: The lie of suicide is truly of the enemy. I know this. And yes, I'm leaning into the Truth. Into the God of all comforts.

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  5. I’m so sorry, Beth. Your grief is audible in this post. Prayers and hugs to you and to all who feel this tragic loss.

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    1. Thank you, Karen. One day at a time. One prayer at a time.

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  6. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and in such a tragic way. I agree wholeheartedly that writing helps very much in getting a person through grieving. Thank you for your blog. God is always there to give comfort. We just have to ask Him.

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    1. Diane: I am so thankful we have a God who listens. Who hears our prayers and answers our prayers.

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  7. Sweet AWSA sister. I hold you in my prayers as you drink the bittersweet tea of evil's work and friendship's blossoms.

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  8. Beth,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, especially by suicide. I'm thankful that God has promised to "never leave us, nor forsake us".

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    1. I'm thankful for God's faithfulness in all things, too, Peggy.

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  9. Beth,
    My heart goes out to you and all of the dear ones who loved this precious friend of yours. May your writing-and your Lord-comfort you all.

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  10. Beth, I'm so sorry to hear of your friends tragic death. Praying for all family and friends. And praying for you and the physical pain you are experiencing on top of this great sorrow.

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    1. Thank you for praying for me and for my friend's family, Marsha.

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  11. Beth, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss! I pray for God's blessing and peace as you go forward.

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