The next topic for my month of March getting-to-know-me posts, is why I write. This is a common question writers get when taking courses or attending workshops on writing, especially if they’re Christian based. I think the expected answer is “Because God called me to be a writer,” or “God told me to write this book.” I know that has happened to people, but not to me. I believe writing was woven into me.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.‬‬

Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT

Writing is part of who I am. It’s been my way of coping with life, beginning with writing in my diary as a preteen, and continuing with journaling while raising my five children and dealing with my depression. I have journaled off and on for over half a century. But journaling is just part of my story. I’ve written poetry, songs and short stories, but never published.

I love the rhythm of poetry. The flow and cadence feels soothing, and the freedom, to allow my imagination and emotions to sing in a new way, is healing.

I love The Passion Translation of this verse.

We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!‬‬

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT

I write because I’ve been encouraged to write, and because I feel encouraged when I write. When I share my writing, I’m hoping I’m encouraging others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.‬‬

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV

Another benefit of journaling is I get my over-thinking out of the way and can hear God’s voice more clearly. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

But what about my writing a novel? When I started writing my first novel, it seemed like the natural progression, but when I hit roadblocks I stumbled and set aside that first manuscript. The new novel has had some of the same roadblocks, but now I am more prepared to push through them.

So, why do I write? Because I don’t know how not to write. It’s like a compulsion. I feel the same way about singing. God wove them into me.

That’s all about me. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it as they say.

Do you recognize the compulsion God has woven into you that fits perfectly into his plan for the good works he’s prepared for you to do? Are you moving in those gifts? Don’t despair if you’re not. Writing has been a slow growing seed for me. One I’ve forgotten to water. But take heart.

Don’t minimize the powerful gift that operates in your life…‬‬

1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭14a‬ ‭TPT

Next week I’ll be sharing more on what I write. Thank you for being part of my journey.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image is really me, taken by my husband with text added in Canva.