Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers “Therefore, since we have such a hope,
we are very bold.” (2 Corinthians 3:12 NIV)
Have you ever experienced this scenario (or something similar) at a party, where you’re employed, or while getting your hair cut? If you’ve just met the person, they may ask, “What do you do?” If it’s a co-worker, they may comment, “I hear you’re a writer.” Then the conversation continues from there.
Person: What do you write?
Me: (I hesitate a second.) I write contemporary romance.
Person: That’s cool. What do you have published? Have you read …?” (The title of the book infers bodice-ripping action.)
Me: My articles and devotions have been published, but I'm still working on getting my novels into print. And actually, I write Christian romance.
Person: Christian romance?
Me: Sure! Christian fiction covers all the genres—romance, suspense, mystery, fantasy, historicals. You name it.
Person looking stunned: Really?
Me: The books are just as entertaining as secular. They just don’t include swearing, or gratuitous sex and violence. And a Christian theme or message is written into the story.
Person still looking stunned: Hmmm …
Do you ever hesitate to tell a stranger, or someone you don’t know very well, that you’re not only a writer, but that you write Christian material?
I’ll admit that there have been a few occasions where I’ve wondered, “Do I really want to get into this and explain?”
I’m not ashamed of what I write. I love and feel honored being a part of what’s happening in Christian writing today. I hesitate—before plowing forward—because I don’t know if the person will “get it.” I wonder if I’m just going to be wasting my time. I wonder if they’ll tune me out as soon as I mention the word Christian in connection to the writing.
Reality—it’s not my problem whether they understand, are interested, tune me out, label me a zealot, or think I’m just plain weird!
My job is to be BOLD with spreading God’s message and leave the rest up to him. If I can get one person asking questions or interested in picking up a Christian novel, then that person will be one step closer to learning a little bit about God, his love, and the hope offered.
And isn’t that the reason we write in the first place?
