There are times in all of our lives when we are faced with difficult situations. Facing hurts, betrayal, confusion and unjust accusations. As Christians we are admonished to turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, take the higher road. As writers, we are encouraged to write from these painful places and craft our words to help others along the way.
How do you take the higher road in your writing?
Is it hard for you to write about personal pain?
I read an article this week online that ministered to my heart. Read it once – cried. Read it again – cried some more. Sent an email to the author thanking her for her words and received a gracious response and an offer of prayer. Beautiful. Her words, written from her own experience, touched my life. My words in response encouraged her.
I’d love to hear your comments – has someone ministered to you through their writing? Have you touched someone’s life with your written words? If you’d like, include a link to a story or article you have written from a rough place in your life. Or share a favorite author who always speaks to your heart through their writing.
It’s not easy… but if you take the higher road, you’ll draw closer to Jesus.
Writing about myself has always been an exercise in trusting GOD to be sure I’m saying what HE wants me to say.
I’ve been struggling with writing about my personal Journey to Joy due to having both an inferiority complex and fear of saying TOO much.
I was taught by a very strict mother and father that speaking/writing about oneself was paramount to conceit.
I’ve also feared telling ‘my story’ would come across as whining – even with any encouragement it might mean for others or the praise and glory GOD so deserves from the telling.
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Comment by Joy Avery Melville — January 14, 2012
Joy,
I agree it can be difficult to find the balance in this type of writing. Then I think of how deeply I have been ministered to by the words of others – sharing their testimony of all God has brought them through. Joy, only you can tell your story. And your words can touch someone else and make all the difference for them. I pray God directs you to share, helps you to overcome the fears and inferiority (that we all struggle with!) and that HE will be glorified through your words.. God bless and thanks for sharing.
-Cynthia
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Comment by admin — January 14, 2012
I’m using my pseudonym to respond – because what I struggle with is so much more personal and involves another person. I’m a Christ loving woman who is also a mother, ministry leader and teacher in my church. The leadership I serve under knows my private pain as do some of my friends. Here it is: I am married to a man who professes faith but is at times verbally, emotionally and financially abusive. I struggle to stay married and provide stability for my children. I wrote a book about this and need to move further on trying to get it published… I use another name online – and would too if I published or did speaking engagements. What I find in ministry however is that I am not the only one suffering. This is a silent pain amongst many women in the church who struggle in abusive marriages… God has always been faithful to me. ALWAYS. Still – emotionally it is very painful reality. Maybe someday I will be published and be able to encourage other women as they seek to honor God through their painful marriages.
I will say this: Writing the book wasn’t hard – reliving and being honest about the pain – deeply difficult.
Blessings to you.
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Comment by Lilly Grace Brown — January 14, 2012
Lilly Grace,
Thank you for sharing from such a deep hurtful place. I’m sure there are others out there that would benefit from your story. I pray God ministers to you and directs your steps…
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Comment by admin — January 15, 2012
Writing about personal pain is most difficult and can only be done with the Grace of our Lord to give Him Honour and Glory and for no other reason. Without the Blessing of Jesus we will be left broken and vulnerable to the critics. Paul said in Timothy “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.” I think the key word here is MY. Each of us is given a different course or life to live. My Grandmother said, “If we all hung our dirty wash on the line, we would take our own back in” I think she was right. In my course I have known deep sorrow and loss and I have seen the most horrendous things man can do to man. Yet I know that only by the Grace of Christ Jesus and with much Prayer and His Blessing am I able to share my words and bring life to others by them.
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Comment by Donna Lagone — January 17, 2012
Donna,
I know you have so many things yet to write. I pray God gives you the strength to craft the words and help others along the way. So proud of you that you have continued to pursue the writing path.
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Comment by admin — January 18, 2012