I have written out of necessity to pass my theological exams and in the course of pastoral work. I have also steadily kept journals since I was in National Service, after I became a Christian. These were mainly my devotional jottings, prayers, feelings, and sermon ideas. However in recent years, I have experienced an unrelenting consuming desire to express myself through blogging. I now recognize it as a call to write, though at that time I merely viewed it as an act of faith and obedience to God’s prompting to enter blogosphere.
I wished I had started writing more seriously when I was younger but God knew better. I needed to live and serve and reflect. I needed to fumble and experience and grow. Furthermore, the writing passion in me could only be released and expressed through Web 2.0, a platform that is just five years old, and that makes publishing online so easily accessible to computer illiterates like me. So it wasn’t too late, but actually in good time, in His time.
Moses was a senior citizen when the Lord told him, “Write down these words…..”(Exodus 34:27). It was not in the most ideal of times when the call to write came to Moses. He was under great stress. He was pastoring about two million grumbling Israelites in the desert. He had no time to spare. He was eighty years old.
My heart leapt when I saw that John of Patmos received the call to write at the tail end of a ripe old age. While he was in enforced silence and solitude in the island of Patmos, the Lord appeared to him and said, “Write on a scroll what you have seen…” (Revelations 1:11).
Its not too late to write. And write I will.
I am looking forward to reading more of your writings. Write on!!!
Thanks for your encouragement. Attending a Christian writers’ workshop: realize that serious writing is hard work. How you managed to squeeze the time to write despite your busy schedule deserves a post! Do write one to encourage other Christian writers (there were about 30 of them attending the workshop).
So glad that you will write =) Are you at IDMC?
No, I am at an Armour Publishing Christian Writers’ Workshop. A few pastors were there.
I like Sean Connery’s advice in Finding Forrester: First draft, with with your heart. Second, with your mind.
That’s good advice to all writers. I used to hate re-writing. I have repented and rewriting is growing on me.
Hi Kenny,
Wonderful to watch you “grow” within just God’s grace – the unfurling of seeming paradoxes and making sense of senseless situation.
Pray you will always keep you zest and youthful enthusiasms while you learn to live “ON” your writing instead of be accomplished at living “OFF” your writing.
Generally the world admires “professionals” instead of passionate “amateurs.” Professionalism is often the downfall of many talents. I think whilst money is important, it should be the by product of instead of being the result of skill.
All the best in your new direction – one suggestion, some of my friends are creating an interesting life from reviewing products via receiving free samples.
Thanks for your kind and wise words. I like what you said, particularly the gem: “I think whilst money is important, it should be the by product of instead of being the result of skill.”