Use Your Writing Skills to Share Hope When You Feel Hopeless

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

Powerless uncertainty.

Sometimes those two words seem to sum up what it feels like to be a writer. There's something truly scary about being powerless. Combine that with the uncertainty about what was about to happen and it becomes a situation that can stop anyone in their tracks. Those are emotions every writing must learn to face and overcome. I believe one of the best ways to move forward is to take an honest look at powerlessness and uncertainty. 

When we do examine these two things, we see can the lies we believe when we accept these lies as truth. And we see how we can replace them with action.

As believers, even though the events around us are uncertain, we have the ability to hold tight to the God of certainty. 

Even more than that—as writers—we have the unique ability RIGHT NOW to share that certainty with the world. 

Words do have power—

• Power for Change
• Power for Hope
• Power for Certainty

So how do we spread our words where they'll do the most good—and help us feel less powerless in the process? 

Ways to Share Words of Hope

ONLINE

• Write a blog post. Just like I'm doing now, if you have a website and/or blog, use it to share the certainty we have in Jesus. 
• Write something positive on Facebook. Facebook is a good place to share a devotion or encouraging thought. And there's no better time than right now to do it. 
• Make a meme. (Rhymes with seem.) A meme is a picture with words embedded on it. You can use AdobeSpark, Picmonkey, Canva, or even an app on your phone like WordSwag to create one. 
• Tweet a meme or link to something positive on Twitter. Be sure to hashtag it (#) I recommend two or three of the most relevant hashtags to the tweet you send. Possibly #Faith #GodsLove #Positive #Encouragement etc.
• Begin a new board on Pinterest with something that will help those stuck at home. Maybe a crafts with kids board, or recipes, or positive quotes. 
• Share a meme or beautiful picture on Instagram. You could write an accompanying devotion as a caption. I do that a lot on Instagram. You can follow my account (@STOP2PRAY) to see examples. 
• Share something funny. It could be a video or a cartoon, or just something funny that happened to you. We can all use a good laugh right now. 
• Ask questions. You could ask for suggestions for TV shows or movies to watch. You could also come up with a list of questions for others to answer. They could include questions like, "What's your favorite pie?" "Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?" etc. There are many floating around on social media, but don't limit yourself to those, make up one of your own. 
• Begin an online gathering. I know several writers who have taken to FB Live and are sharing their skills in free mini-workshops. Others are starting online Bible studies. With today's technology, we can still gather together for encouragement. 
• Don't forget the power of the STORY feature in Instagram and Facebook. When you post something in your story—as opposed to just a regular post—everyone will see it. I'm adding encouraging memes to my story in IG and FB every day. 

OFFLINE

Do you remember the good ole days? We actually got letters and cards in the mail! I think it's time to resurrect that practice. There are a lot of people out there who are lonely. Brighten their day with a letter. You could also call a local assisted living center and ask for addresses and send letters and cards there. 

Truthfully, the more I worked on this post, the more ideas I had. But every post has to end somewhere! LOL! So now it's your time to chime in. What are some ideas you have to share words of hope during this season of challenge? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessing, 

Edie

TWEETABLE

Use Your Writing Skills to Share Hope When You Feel Hopeless - insight from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.