Why You and Your Writing Matter

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

One hundred years from now we will all be forgotten. No one will remember that we existed. All our thoughts and deeds will be a thing of the distant past, remembered no more. 

So were the words of my son James during a particularly introspective moment. His comment caught me off guard and I responded by muttering something that did little to address his concerns.

His contemplation on our human existence gave me pause. Most of us lead simple lives, taking care of our families and, as writers, doing our best to produce words that have life and bring encouragement and entertainment to our readers. Few of us will go down in history and be remembered generations from now. In the grand scheme of things, we may wonder if all our efforts make a difference.

My son’s lament was also shared by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 1:2. “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” Vanity means vapor or breath, emptiness, transitory. He’s saying we are but breath, vapor, and all is transitory. Here today, gone tomorrow. 

Solomon goes on to ask, “What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes,” Then he adds: “but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to his place where it rises.” 

If this world in its present state were all there is to life, then we could indeed question our existence. The wealth, the pleasure would not be enough to supply the needs of the soul. Solomon, however, is not speaking of existence on earth with scorn but, instead, hope. From his initial lamentations about the condition of mankind, he goes for refuge in the fact that the whole world is made and governed by God, who is just, good, and has all-power. 

My son’s words exposed my own deep longings for meaning in a world that often seems to be spiraling out of control. We may often feel like a speck in the journey of life and of no consequence, but that is not true..

We Are Eternal and Known By God

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43;1

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5

Each of us is important to the Lord. We are His beloved children. He knows everything about us, even our names. He has given us gifts to be used to glorify His name and bless others. Our lives are mighty in the Lord. As writers, our words may only be for a few but when appropriated as the Lord intended, they pierce the darkness of the soul who embraces them.

Our time on earth is but a vapor, but God made us to live eternally. At His appointed time, we who are His will leave our bodies and dwell forever with Jesus where there are no tears, no doubt, only joy in His presence and the presence of loved ones who have gone before us.

Be Obedient to Your Calling

Everything we do has eternal ramifications. We are given life and talents. God asks us to be obedient and then rest and leave the consequences to Him. And, when we fail, He promises if we turn to Him, He will forgive and redeem.

We are a part of something so much larger than ourselves—something sacred and holy. Our words and deeds live on in those whose lives we touch. Our stories become interwoven with other’s stories. The words we speak and write become a creative force, touching hearts and creating change.

Yes, James, our lives have meaning because they are sacred to the Lord. When yielded to Him, our words and deeds live on in others and are passed down into eternity. Others may forget our names but our message will be remembered and forever grafted into the hearts of those who received it.

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Why You and Your Writing Matter, insight & encouragement from @GannonEmme on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Emme Gannon is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves to write stories that stir the heart. Her award-winning writing has appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, several anthologies, and numerous newsletters. She just completed her first novel.

Featured Image: Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Unsplash