Write to Give, Write to Live

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael 

If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased

Maya Angelou

As writers, we often explain what we write. However, we don’t always consider why we write. Some authors are diligent with purpose, their reasons are clear. Yet there have been times that I wasn’t quite sure why I was writing. The only certainty was the compulsion to write. 

If you don’t know why you hover over a keyboard or explore prose in longhand, that’s okay. What can be an arduous, solitary process can prod us to question why we do this. The return on the time invested to write and rewrite may at times seem meager at best. However, the call to write is not easily denied.

Whatever we write should stir the talents we are gifted with and benefit others. I’ve written to inspire people and lead them to Christ. My writing has also served as a catharsis as I raised a special needs child and processed grief. Sometimes our why isn’t evident until many years later. The words we keep hidden and closest to us can years later provide empathy and solace to those who need them most. The phrases we readily dismissed as rubbish can eventually change the trajectory of a heart or mind.

The humorist serves as high a calling as an educator. The author that provides a glimpse into foreign realms grants rest and renewal to anxious minds. Needs vary throughout life and writers serve them all. Instead of focusing on publication, a renewed emphasis on purpose can fortify us to press forward even when doubt lingers. Imperfect execution that fulfills a need will eventually find an audience.

Like prayer, authentic writing eclipses eloquence. Some of the greatest authors who lived never imagined the millions of people they would encourage, comfort, and transform by their musings. The words of poets, comedians, pastors, and novelists offered critical reflections at just the right time. Charles Spurgeon, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Harper Lee, Charles Schultz, and Toni Morrison are just a few who transformed society, religion, and pop culture. Their legacies transcended their lives. 

Whatever our why, words matter. Words are so powerful that the Lord spoke the world into existence. Words contain life and death. Long after we’re gone, our words can affect generations yet to come. Or lead one soul to Christ. God used four men to write the Gospels. Their words change lives and ours can too.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 NKJV

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A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com

Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.