Writing

Recently Jackie Hill Perry said:

“Writing is hard.

Scratch that.

Writing well is hard.”

The advent of social media has created a new phenomena I call “keyboard courage”. Now anyone with internet access can put their thoughts out there for all to see. There’s nothing wrong mind you with writing. It’s a healthy exercise to process one’s thoughts. The problem arises with the lack of accountability for the use of ones words. I think most would agree many things that are written are better left in the Recycle Bin of our computers.

For me, my journals have filled to overflowing in the last few years as I’ve entered a new season in life. Some things are better left unsaid except between myself and my Maker. Some however, need to be said but fear of rejection, reprisal, or reproof has left those items locked away in the safer place. That’s where I name names, where I correct error (usually my own but sometimes yours), and where I get real. Some of those things would cause others to question to salvation. Trust me, I’ve done that.

This past weekend the family celebrated my 49th birthday. It was a good day. Each of my kiddos laid on me a gift not purchased in stores but crafted in the soft places of their hearts. My oldest, Gracie, included in her gift a note suggesting we be accountability partners for writing. Be both love to write but struggle to prioritize it. We question the ability to communicate well. We both go through “fits and starts”. But we’ve committed to encouraging each other to push forward.

Neither of us really knows the place or impact our writing has or may have in the future. But we’re writing. And for her courage to encourage me to push forward even with only a simple blog post, I am deeply grateful.

So here’s to more “starts” and less “fits”. Dear Lord, help me to remember being “wordy” doesn’t make me more worthy.

PS: Words are powerful. They have the capacity to heal and kill. As I wield them, let’s all be mindful of not just how we use them but why.