Standing in the middle of the Christian book section at Barnes and Noble, I find myself completely overwhelmed at this sudden thought, “What can my writing possibly add to what’s already been written.”
And written good. From real writers. Who’ve wanted to be writers for as long as they can remember. Who know what all the technical terms of the English language mean. Like a participle. Or a hanging participle.
I failed English in high school. I had an English teacher who was short, seemed at least 100 years old, and wore her hair in a beehive … with pencils in it. I didn’t like her. And she didn’t like me. And she failed me. But I totally deserved it.
I still don’t like English much. You know, proper English, and proper sentences. Most of the time I can’t think of the words I need … the really fancy ones that razzle-dazzle. I’m more of what you’d call a four-letter Scrabble queen … the five and six letter words seem to allude me. And I might be a little proud of myself for just using the word “allude.”
That’s the real me.
But I digress.
I have a passion burning inside of me to write my story. To share my story. But it absolutely intimidates the heck out of me to think that my four-letter-word writing could have a place on a bookshelf with the greats.
Not to mention … as I mentioned … it seems everything’s been said, done, told, and shared.
Overcoming, Healing, Grace, Gifts, Encouragement … it’s been said thousands of times and thousands of ways.
How is my story any different? How would my words impact in a way others haven’t already?
And then I remember … it’s my God-given story, and my God-given passion.
Sure, I may feel overwhelmed and discouraged at times, but worrying won’t get me anywhere. So instead …
I’m still and He’ll move.
I’ll pray and He’ll listen.
I’ll wait and He’ll answer.
Amen!! I’m so glad you “got there” at the end! You have a story to tell! HIS story through YOU!
I so get this but isn’t writing our story really about obedience, not about who or how many will buy it or read it? I have thought about this too and I think about the parable of the sower. That He only asks us to plant, water and weed, but we don’t have any control over the outcome. Only God can do that. Nice to connect with you through Write it Girl!
yes, YOUR story! and your voice. never have i known such a story… one where His Light shines bright enough to overcome. know that i’m waiting on it! but don’t use too many four letter words… you know, your book (yes BOOK!) might get a bad rap :)
love you!!!!
Your unique story…and I’m thinking it will be one of many!
Tell your story! God gives us our testimony for His Glory and for our victory!! (Revelation 12:11)
“Allude” makes me smile.
You know this is what I love about blogging and how it is helping us all to “Just Write” and get in the habit of speaking on the page. I think, it gives us a real place to practice our real voice.
And you know what I think about your story. I believe that God Will give you all that you need as you tell it. He has the words, even big ones like “Allude” to pen through you.
As you tell it, lives will be touched. And you will point to Him!
oh friend – God does not call the equipped, He equips the ones he calls. You are beauty – ready to shine – and obedience makes you DAZZLE !!
Tracie,
Amen sister! I love this. God will use your story for his glory. Thank you for sharing this. Happy to come over from Write it Girl. We are writers, and we will write.
God Bless
Ahh, this is sweet to my heart. I agree. I think it will come for those of us, who, like you said, wait on God and what He wants to do with us. I like you already! :) My favorite scrabble words are made up words or three-worders. Keep being you..
I so understand how you feel and have been going through the same thing. I guess that is why I began my blog but God keeps prompting more. You are right, we just have to pray and wait.
You should write however many letters 4 or 6 that you feel because you are making a difference for people like me! You remind me of things everyday that God wants me to hear! No razzle dazzle needed! Thank you for sharing your story!
Sister Girl!!! Thank you for this! I too become discouraged at times when it comes to sharing my God given story…BUT as you said…it is Yours…and it is Unique…so there is no other like it! Isn’t God amazing?!!!! So you write on and don’t look back! Hopefully I’ll catch you at a book signing, so long as I am free from my own book tour!!! (Hey a girl can dream right…all things are possible with our Lord). Stay encouraged!
Bless you!
Erica Sharon =)