I hope you enjoyed your Valentine’s Day. I’ve longed for a spare minute to sit down and pass along a few delicious quotes to you … but my schedule has been crazy lately.
When I visited my parents a few weeks ago, I brought a few books I hoped to find time to read. Of course, mom’s library stack trumped what I’d brought. She’d checked out Sue Monk Kidd’s Firstlight, which I picked up, thinking I’d skim a few chapters.
Instead, I engulfed her whole book in one night. This book is a compilation of Sue’s early inspirational stories for Guideposts magazine. They’re exquisite, especially her descriptions of motherhood. Whenever I wrestle with doubts that God has called me to be a writer, I need to read something like this:
I believe in stories. The world has enough dogma. It’s stories we need more of, stories that reverence that still, small voice that sings our life. As Anthony de Mello observed, “The shortest distance between a human being and Truth is a story.”
Jesus, Himself, told stories about the most common things in the world: a lost sheep, a seed that falls on rocky ground, a woman who sweeps her house in search of a coin, a man whose son runs away from home.
All personal theology should begin with the words: “Let me tell you a story.”
(from Sue Monk Kidd’s Firstlight, page 34-35).
I’ve been working so hard lately managing my home and family that I haven’t allowed that still, small voice to emerge. Is it still there? I wonder.
I know that God is using me through my hands, as I wash the dishes, tend the bumped knees and scrapes, pour the cough medicine, turn the pages in the books I read aloud, turn the steering wheel in my mom-taxi, make the beds, mop the floors, fold the clothes, touch those I love.
He’s using me through my voice, as I offer encouraging words to my family.
He’s using me through my ears, as I listen, sometimes over and over again to the same stories.
But my pen? I don’t know.
Heather, yes, your writing makes a difference. I stumbled upon your blog this morning and was deeply moved by the encouraging words. I, too, am a mom/author/speaker . . . and know the frustration of “Am I making a difference?” But, deep down in my soul of souls and my spirit, I know that “the greatest among us is a servant.” KEEP SERVING — in your home and with your pen! Pour perfume on the feet of Jesus today! (Luke 7: 36-50). Blessings, Janell Rardon
Comment by Janell Rardon — February 20, 2008 @ 7:45 am
Yes, Heather, God definitely speaks through your pen. I know just from your blog alone you have encouraged many women and pointed them not just to seek God, but to pursue a closer, more intimate relationship with Him!
Comment by Sara — February 22, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
Heather, hoping “Firstlight” will shed some light on your own continual writing journey. You are still definitely called to be a writer.
Don’t you ever dare doubt that.
Also highly recommend The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Ink, water and God’s words from the well ebb, flow and sometimes just seem all run out. If a page is blank…maybe it isn’t empty…maybe it’s freedom. You’re in a growing time right now. Jesus went to the desert sometimes. We go there too. It’s part of the process of saving up before filling others again. Keep journaling. Reading. Praying. You are being still and knowing He is God. Maybe He is the one now writing upon your heart.
Apologize for my bandaid rambling tendencies. Love you more than love, Lisa in Hoover
Comment by lisa — February 25, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Oh Heather, my heart hurt for you as I read your words. Knowing you as I know you–as a writer and a mom–I KNOW God isn’t through with you and your “pen.” You’re simply in a different season. I certainly couldn’t do then what I’m doing now. And I don’t know too many women who could. My goodness, writing this incredible blog is an act of obedience to your calling, reaching women across the country. Thank you for writing. Thank you for sharing your words with me. Thank you for your faithfulness to do what He’s called you to do. Today it might be more mommy than writer, but the writer is still in there, just waiting for her time to blossom once again.
In love and appreciation,
Vonda
www.VondaSkelton.com
Comment by Vonda Skelton — March 12, 2008 @ 7:14 pm