by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28
A heartbeat is precious. The heartbeat of the unborn heard in sonograms. The “beep, beep” of a heart monitor keeping watch over a loved one at the hospital. The “thump, thump” we hear when someone comforts us with a hug.
- “The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.’” (Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV*)
- “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
- “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
God’s heart is full of love and help towards us. He is faithful to be there for us, strengthen us, and give us His peace. His heart is full of “with”—He wants to be with us and us with Him. He named His Son in honor of His heartbeat—Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)—and gave His Son so that we can be with Him forever (John 3:16).
The heartbeat of good writer is also “with,” motivated by love and empowered by wisdom. When we write about life’s principles or pen stories that reflect the ups and downs of life, we can come alongside the reader as a friend and share what God has laid on our hearts. We care about our readers, we want them to know God and the treasures of life with Him, and we want to help them with the challenges they’re facing. We can draw from our understanding of Scripture and our experiences with God. God’s love and wisdom can flow through us and spill onto the page.
How strong is your heartbeat of “with”? Don’t let anything hinder it. Not the work it takes to write a book (and edit it)—our readers need the messages God gives us. Not the time it takes to build a platform—our readers need to know these messages are available. Nor the challenges of finding just the right publishers and publications—God can direct us to the right places at just the right time.
The heartbeat of a good writer is “for” and not “against.” It beats with compassion and strength, an echo of our great God’s heartbeat for all people. Staying close to God sets the rhythm of our hearts and prepares us to make a difference in His name.
With each page written, it says:
- I care about you.
- Go to God for help.
- Do the good you know to do.
- This is how God has been there for me.
- Be strong and courageous.
- Trust God—He’s trustworthy.
What do you think the heartbeat of a good writer would say? Tell us in the comments below, and let’s write with compassion and strength.
TWEETABLE
In addition to online magazines, Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.COM, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, talk about art and crafts in her group MY ARTSY TRIBE, and tend the garden in the morning sun. She makes her home in a cozy suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Connect with her at her blog, WINNING THE VICTORY, and on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
I am thankful God gives me the desire and passion to write for Him. Whether fiction, non-fiction, humor, or a story for children, He helps me find the words. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmen! I'm grateful too. Thank you, Melissa!
DeleteI love this beautiful and powerful message: Staying close to God sets the rhythm of our hearts and prepares us to make a difference in His name. Thank you, Katy!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you loved the post, Crystal! God bless you as you write for Him and with Him.
DeleteThis is beautiful, Katy! God is "with" us in love and He gives everyone the blessing of sharing that through our words, both written and spoken.
ReplyDeleteAmen! We get to share "with."
DeleteKaty, I appreciate this so much. This IS the good news of the gospel, that God loved us so much he made a way to restore our relationship with him. This is our message and I loved the way you expressed it when you said as writers, we get to walk alongside the reader and share what we know- whether it is fiction or nonfiction. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that comment, Diana! We do share these truths with readers as we tell stories and principles in fiction and nonfiction, as you say. Both share the truth. Just illustrated differently.
DeleteKaty, this was excellent. I am so humbled that God gives me the words to write so that others might experience Him in my writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Edwina! God bless you and your writing ministry.
Delete"Staying close to God sets the rhythms of our hearts and prepares us to make a difference in his name." You make the point so poetically. Beautiful post, Katy!
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you, Barbara! Time for some music and rhythm!
DeleteA beautiful and thought-provoking, post, Katy. Thank you for your insights that help us remember our writing needs to say God loves you to our readers.
ReplyDelete