Don't Bury Your Gift
By Andrea Merrell
Writing can be a
tough business, especially when working with deadlines, keeping up with blog
posts, and coming up with fresh ideas. Even attending workshops and conferences
can be a challenge—financially, emotionally, and physically. As writers, we
sometimes work under strict time restraints, family obligations, and physical
limitations.
So … why do we do
it?
For most
of us, it’s a God-given calling. We write because He has placed the gift within
us. I like to say, “I write because I can’t not
write.” Not a great way to say it, but it expresses the reality of this unique
calling. I would be completely miserable and unfulfilled if unable to express
my thoughts, ideas, stories, and characters on paper.
Because I spend so
many hours at the computer, I deal with neck, back, and shoulder issues.
These problems have been severe at times, resulting in doctor appointments, chiropractic
care, massage therapy, testing, medication, and time away from the computer.
But lately, I’ve talked with many other writers who have to push through
because of severe physical limitations. Their stories have been very inspiring, making me realize I don’t have much to complain about.
On the other hand,
I’ve known a few writers with an amazing gift who gave it up because they had
so many obstacles to overcome.
Why would someone
with such a special gift decide to bury it? I think there are several reasons,
and they all have to do with fear.
Fear of Rejection
Everyone deals
with this to a degree, but to some it can be crippling. It might be the very
thing that keeps you from submitting your manuscript to an agent, editor, or
publisher. One lady told me she was terrified
to let her words “out of the nest.”
Fear of Not Being Good Enough
Perhaps you’re
intimidated by other writing professionals, and this keeps you from attending
workshops and conferences where you can network and polish your skills. One of
the worst things we can do as writers—or anything else for that matter—is compare
ourselves to others. God has called and uniquely gifted you to do what no one
else can do.
Fear of the Unknown
This one could
encompass a multitude of reasons we bury our gift. For me, my vision has always
been an issue. Seven years ago, I had a corneal transplant and cataract surgery
in my right eye, putting me out of commission as both a writer and editor for
several weeks and making my work difficult for months. Now, I’m facing the
same surgery in my left eye later this year. Even though the outcome is
unknown, my faith, hope, and trust is in the One who enables me to do all things through Christ who strengthens me
(Philippians 4:13 NKJV). The Message puts it this way: Whatever I have, wherever I
am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Pastor and author
Bob Gass says:
Paul
told the Philippians, “Keep on growing in knowledge and understanding (Philippians1:9
NLT). And he told Timothy, “Be sure to use the abilities God has given you …
put them to work … kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you (1 Timothy
4:14-15 TLB). When you don’t exercise your muscles, they weaken and atrophy,
and when you don’t utilize the skills God gave you, the same thing happens. Don’t
be afraid. Put your gifts and abilities to work, and they’ll become enlarged
and developed through practice. With study, feedback, and practice, a good teacher can become a better teacher, and in time grow to be a
great teacher.
In light of that,
we could say with persistence, practice, and a positive
attitude, a good writer can become a better writer and, in time, grow to be a
great writer.
Whatever God has called and equipped you to do, don’t ever let fear derail you my making you hide or walk away from your gift. Don’t be like the unwise servant who buried his talent in the ground.
Are there certain fears that hold you back? We would love to hear from you.
(Photos courtesy
of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/adamr/Stuart Miles.)
TWEETABLES
Thanks Andrea! I sure needed to read this wisdom. My struggle to write has become greater since my Mom died. I'm trying to push through, but it's tough. Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteYou're certainly welcome, Deborah. You have a gift that needs to be used. God can reach people through your words ... people no one else can reach. Ask God to help you push through the pain and fuel your passion to pen the words He gives you. Many blessings, my friend. :)
DeleteThanks Andrea! I needed this today. Perfect timing. God's timing. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Sheryl. God's timing is definitely perfect. I had another post scheduled for this week, but changed it at the last minute. Blessings to you too. :)
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