Relationship Trumps All

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples,

if you love one another.”  (John 13:35 NIV)

Back in the day—the ’70s to be a little more specific—I was a part of the Jesus movement. We plastered our cars with “One Way” bumper stickers, pinned numerous buttons with faith-related slogans on our jean jackets, and wore humongous cross necklaces.  It was a time when going door to door with our message or handing out “Do You Know if You’re Going to Heaven?” tracts on street corners was the “in” thing to do for Christians. 

I’m not so sure we accomplished what we set out to do….

The thing is, since my teen years, I’ve learned that telling people how they should live their lives isn’t very productive. Or even the right thing to do. Do you like to be told what to do and how to do it? I sure don’t.

A friend recently told me her niece no longer wanted to spend time with her grandmother because the woman wanted to “evangelize” her. I guess that meant the granddaughter felt the gospel was being shoved down her throat, and she didn’t like it.

 I’m a big believer in relationship. You’ve heard it said that we should watch what we do and say because we may be the only Bible some people read.

As writers, how can we write about relationship—with God or people—if we aren’t experiencing it? Where is the integrity in our work if we write about loving people, but don’t exhibit love ourselves? 

I’ve heard many times over that writers attending conferences should be more concerned about developing relationships with other writers there than trying to pitch their book.  After attending a fair amount of conferences, I agree with that. The friendships I’ve made at the events have been invaluable and will last a lifetime.

Authors who have experience with book signings often advise that it’s better to focus on building relationship with readers who specifically show up to have a book signed, the store staff, and the store’s customers than to worry about sales made that day. Authors have enjoyed getting to know their readers, and there have been many instances where authors were able to minister to those who were struggling with various issues in their lives. 

John 13:35 says that we’ll be known as Christ’s disciples because of how we love each other—our spouses, our family, our friends … and strangers.

In my book, relationship trumps all….

God Sees Your Heart

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord

looks at the heart."  (1 Samuel 16: 7 NIV)

The world often focuses on outward appearances. Society puts pressure on us to look a certain way, and the media both ramps up those expectations and perpetuates them.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look nice. I certainly get a little freaked out some days after stepping on the scale! God wants us to take care of our bodies and stay healthy, but he also doesn’t want us to obsess about our looks.

But today, let’s take this in another direction. Outward appearances can also relate to whether people see you as a successful person, or a failure. Someone who works hard, or who hardly works. A giver, or a taker. Judgments are often made on perceptions. We’ve all heard stories of people who outwardly represented themselves to be honest, but in reality were criminals. Domestic and sexual abuse often takes place in homes, behind closed doors, while the outside world views the family as being perfect.

What does this have to do with us as writers?

Our books may be selling like crazy, and we may have five-star reviews posted on Amazon. Opportunities for speaking engagements may come and then be followed by praise for our abilities to stir our listeners. Fellow writers may see us as mentors, and readers may hope to one day meet us.

We may appear to have everything put together when it comes to careers.…

But, God doesn’t care as much about that as he cares about what’s in our hearts. It grieves him to see people playing games, pretending they’re something or someone they’re not. He knows if our intention is to put the attention on us—or him.

Jeremiah 17:10 says, “"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

The good news. There’s freedom in knowing that God doesn’t look at our worldly success. Our motives are more important than our successes. He rejoices over our desire to serve him. We can still fail by the world’s standards, and still please our heavenly Father—God Almighty.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart …” (Psalm 139:23 NIV).

More good news … We’re human. At some point, we’re all going to fail at having pure motives. It’s a given. But, we serve a loving and forgiving God. And all we need to do is ask for his help in getting back on track.  Each morning when we face a new day, we’re given a do-over.  The psalmist prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 NKJV).

Man looks at outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart. What will he see in yours today?

Soar!

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not

grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

Writing is a marathon. It’s not a sprint where one day you decide to write a novel and two months later your book is displayed on a shelf at Barnes and Noble. It takes fortitude to be a writer and go the distance.

Where do we get that kind of endurance? Strong coffee, Dr. Pepper, or heavy doses of chocolate? Well … actually … quite often caffeine is helpful, but it only provides a boost for a limited time.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the kind of energy that Isaiah mentions?

To soar like eagles—feeling light and free without any cares.

To run—and never get tired.

To walk for miles—even up steep mountains—and never become faint.

Wow! That would take some energy drink!!!

Sometimes, daily struggles weigh us down. They wear us out. The bills keep showing up in the mailbox. We may worry about how the kids are doing in school or the type of friends they’re making. It may be something smaller that adds weight to our pack—like remembering at the last minute that we’re supposed to bring dessert to a church meeting.

As writers, there are deadlines to meet—even those that pertain to getting blog posts written! There are challenges with writing around family and other work-related responsibilities. Hearing how important blogging, networking, building websites, and marketing are in a writer’s career, we can feel bogged down with the amount of time and effort that goes into it all.

Sometimes we forget that God is standing with us, desiring to give us all that we need to not only live our lives, but live them with passion and zeal. We’re not alone in our family life, our day job, or our writing careers.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Do you realize what a blessing it is to have hope? Christians have been given an amazing gift! Hope sustains when there’s temptation to give up.

I’d love to fly and feel the air beneath my wings.

Ready to soar?

Have Confidence

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be 

richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when 

you have done the will of God, you will receive what 

he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV)

Would someone describe you as being a confident person?

Today’s Bible verse says that if we’re confident, we’ll be richly rewarded. Hmmm …

How often do we lack confidence and doubt our abilities?

 “I can’t do this.”

“No one will want to read this!”

“I’ll never be good enough.”

We may lose our confidence when we receive a “thanks, but no thanks” in reply to a submission.

According to the dictionary, if we have confidence, we believe in our own ability to succeed. Sounds almost boastful, doesn’t it? But, confidence shouldn’t be confused with arrogance or pride.

Maybe the confidence mentioned in Hebrews 10 is the confidence we can have knowing that our Lord is working through us. We’re only the vessel. We need to keep trying, even when we feel a bit discouraged. When we’re nervous about submitting a manuscript or pitching at a conference, we’re to remain confident that God is at work. We can be bold when we’re pursuing our calling—even when the road becomes bumpy and we’re tempted to take an easier, smoother path.

Friends, in order to receive the rewards God has for us, we must persevere.

Don’t lose heart! Don’t lose your confidence!

And go submit that manuscript….

Needing to be Loved

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

"For God so loved the world that he gave

his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him

shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

People hunger to be loved and accepted.

I believe that’s the primary reason Lady Gaga was recently named the most powerful celebrity on Forbes' list of 100 top celebrities—bumping Oprah to number two.

My personal opinion is that Lady Gaga is an intelligent, sensitive, and talented young woman—who also dresses outlandishly and often pushes the boundaries of appropriateness too far.

She has a HUGE fan base. Why? Part of it is her vocal strength and ability to put on a “show.” But, the bigger reason is the message she believes and shares with her audience. Acceptance. Love people for who they are and learn to love yourself.

Lady Gaga is extremely influential in the world today because people need to hear and feel what she offers.

Friends, do we not have something even greater to offer?

Why is it that the love of Christ seems diminished in the eyes of the world when it comes to comparing how people feel about entertainers, sports heroes, or other fallible humans?

As writers, we have the opportunity to share God’s love through our stories with those seeking validation just for existing. No one on earth can be more forgiving, loving, and accepting than our Lord Jesus.

To God be the glory….



What's Your Motive?

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but

motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to

the Lord whatever you do, and your plans

will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:2-3 NIV)

What’s my motive?

Do you ever ask yourself that question? My motive for doing laundry every week is that I like clean underwear. I don’t enjoy grocery shopping, but a gal’s gotta eat! Don’t you think your family would mutiny if the refrigerator didn’t get stocked at some point during the week? That’s motive to battle aisles filled with rude shoppers and their carts.

But, what about times when volunteers are needed at church or at your children’s school? Do you offer assistance because you get excited about what you can contribute? Or do you raise your hand because you want to be liked and accepted? Maybe you’re afraid it will make you look bad if you don’t join in with the rest. Perhaps the “thanks” and accolades that are sure to follow are too hard to resist.

Like most people, I struggle with pride. As a vocalist on a contemporary worship team, I need to constantly check myself. If my motive for singing in front of the congregation is for my glory and not God’s, people will see right through me, and I’ll become a distraction and hindrance to their worship experience.

Proverbs 16:2 says that the Lord weighs out our motives. He knows what’s in our hearts. I believe the Lord holds back blessings if our motives are wrong, and we do things out of selfishness and pride. Our primary concern should be that we’re doing it—whatever “it” is—for the right reasons, not personal fame.

This certainly applies to our writing careers. Are we writing to prove something to our family and friends? Are we hoping to gain notoriety? Some great financial gain?

There’s nothing wrong with feeling good about what we do or having our family and friends acknowledge that we have talent or skills. Nor is it wrong to be paid for our labor. But in our heart of hearts, are we writing to serve God and follow our calling, or are we writing to serve and elevate ourselves?

If our motive is truly to honor God with our gifts, then we won’t become so easily discouraged or envious when others experience earlier—or more—success.

Let’s commit whatever we do—including our writing—to the Lord. With true and honorable motives, we can’t be anything but successful.

The Lord’s Plan

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give

you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

When I first married, I never planned or expected to personally experience divorce, but after 20 years of marriage, I became single again. The words from Jeremiah 29:11 became my lifeline. 

On July 19, 2002, I married my husband Sonny, and our combined four daughters took part in the ceremony. My stepdaughter read Jeremiah 29:11 that day. Two months later, at the age of 19, she was killed in a devastating car accident. Our hope for a happy future could have been destroyed at that moment. Most marriages don’t survive experiencing the death of a child, and we’d barely had a chance to start our new life together.

Over the years, hope has helped me deal with grief, a nineteen month job loss for my husband, and other crisis situations. God has given us a wonderful “present” and the hope for even more blessing in the “future.” We often look at our three grown daughters and are awed at how God continues to unfold his plans for their own lives.

I’m a planner. It’s in my DNA. I plan menus for parties weeks in advance. I’m someone who needs to keep on top of things. As a writer, editor, wife, mom, friend, volunteer—I lean heavily on my Outlook calendar and Excel spread sheets to help keep my life sane.

With all my planning, I still need to remember that God is control. Not me.

Whenever I start to stress about things not coming together as easily or quickly as I’d like—or not at all—I return to Jeremiah 29:11.

The verse also applies to our writing careers. I find comfort in that.  

It’s important that we do our part. We need to work hard, study the craft, write, and write some more. We need to submit, network, and then write some more. And then once published, we need to do it all over again….

But any success, whether small or huge, comes in God’s timing. We can rest in the fact that he knows what’s best for us. I know that’s true because I’ve seen it many times over in my own life and in the lives of my children.

We may not know what the future holds for our writing careers, but God does. Trust that. Let it provide you with hope.

The Truth

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“Then you will know the truth, and

the truth will set you free." (John 8:32 NIV)

True confession. Books aren’t my only love. I’m a huge fan of movies—and I like a multitude of genres. Remember the famous line from A Few Good Men? “You can’t handle the truth!”

The truth.

In searching for the truth, sometimes people search in the all the wrong places. Sometimes, they’re so hungry for answers, they’ll believe anything as “truth” without questioning it.

That’s what happened last weekend, when people around the world waited for the end of the world—whether that meant the rapture or the ultimate destruction of the planet. People accepted the prediction of one man as truth.

These types of predictions have occurred numerous times over the years. Sherrie Shepherd, one of the co-hosts for The View and a Christian, spoke about her past experience. Before becoming a Christian, she was a Jehovah’s Witness. At one point, accepting one of the predictions as truth, she stopped paying her bills and charged a considerable amount of stuff—believing she’d never have to pay it back. Of course in the end, her actions ruined her financially.

The one good thing that came out of this last prediction is that people started talking about God and the end times. It was relayed through newscasts and discussed on numerous talk shows. People blogged about it—myself included.

I’ve never seen the following verse written or verbally quoted more times than I did last week. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:6 NIV).

My cousin’s daughter, who happened to see the link to my blog post on Facebook, started asking me questions about the end-of-the-world prediction. Married with three small children, she’s begun attending church regularly and is also teaching Sunday School, but feels she still has much to learn. She wondered what I believed. The blog post was helpful in opening up a discussion with her.

Isn’t that one of the reasons we write? To help open people’s minds and hearts to God’s love, grace, and forgiveness? To stimulate their hunger for the truth?

We have a huge responsibility as writers to not share our faith in a way that frightens people, but in a way that draws them into wanting to know God more—to love him more.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Just Believe

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler,

‘Don't be afraid; just believe.’” (Mark 5:26 NIV)

Today’s Scripture comes from the story told about the synagogue ruler, Jairus, who pleaded with Jesus to help his daughter who was dying. Jairus wanted Jesus to return with him to his home, lay hands on the little girl, and provide healing.

Jesus went with him, but on the journey, a woman who also desired healing moved through the crowd of people surrounding Jesus and touched the hem of his garment. She was immediately healed of her bleeding.

Our Lord stopped and searched the crowd for the woman, wanting to speak with her. The healed woman fell at his feet, trembling with fear. “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering’” (Mark 5:34).

Taking time for the woman delayed Jesus in reaching the child. A message arrived that the little girl had died. The messengers were convinced it was too late. There was no reason for Jesus to go to Jairus’ home.

“Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, ‘Don't be afraid; just believe’” (Mark 5:26 NIV). When Jesus arrived at the home, he took the child’s hand and told her to wake up. Immediately the girl stood up and walked around. The people were stunned.

If you read last week’s devotion, you might remember that I wrote about being patient with people who don’t “get” our need to write—or who don’t understand what it takes to be successful as a writer. It was an encouragement to be patient with those who can’t—or won’t support our dreams. But what about believing in ourselves?

Remember that your passion—your desire to write— comes from God. He placed in your heart a calling to write for him. That doesn’t mean success is going to happen overnight—or even come close to being easy.

There may be days when you feel discouraged by rejection letters. There may be times when you feel empty—when the words just aren’t there. There may be moments, hours, or even weeks when you feel that you just can’t do it. It’s too difficult.

Believe in your dream—and in a Savior who understands not only what you experience, but who believes in you.

A metal cutout hanging on my wall only says, “Believe.” It’s a constant reminder. We need to believe in our dreams … and in ourselves. God is on our side. He didn’t give us our dreams to not see them come true.

“Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:26 NIV).

When People Don’t Understand

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his

glory to overlook an offense.”  (Proverbs 19:11 NIV)

Unless you’re trying to make a make a career in the creative arts, it’s difficult to understand just how difficult it can be to break in and be successful.

My oldest daughter graduated from college with a degree in theater and has pursued an acting career for the past eight years—the same amount of time I’ve seriously focused on writing. We’re fortunate to both have husbands who support our dreams, and they’ve learned along the way that gigs don’t come easy.

After establishing her place in the Seattle theater community, two years ago my daughter’s husband was promoted and transferred to New York City. They were both thrilled. After all, one of the best places for an actor to grow and find work is in NYC. But, it meant that she had to start over in a city where there are not only more opportunities for actors, there’s also a lot more competition.

In the meantime, there are “other” relatives who keep hinting that it’s time to quit her hobby, get a real job, and start having babies. Ouch!!! It’s painful.

They don’t “get it.” They don’t understand what drives her—the need to create and express herself. But, I do …

For years, friends didn’t take my writing seriously. I think they believed it was just another “thing” I was trying out. They didn’t—and some still don’t—have a clue as to how things work in the industry. The expectation can be that you write a book in a month, send it in, and get it published a few months later. They may wonder why nothing is “happening.”

You may experience similar situations.

Perhaps your spouse isn’t supportive of you taking time to write. Maybe conferences are looked at as a waste of funds. You might even be receiving comments from friends, relatives, or fellow church members who can’t find it in themselves to believe in you.

It can be hurtful when people don’t take us—or our writing ministry—seriously.

That’s when we need to lean on God and our writer friends for support. We need to turn to people who DO understand. That’s what this blog is all about—offering writers not only education, but encouragement for those days when we feel discouraged.

When possible, we need to be patient with those who try to shoot us down and make us feel that our pursuit of publication or even just becoming a better writer is insignificant—unimportant. We need to be patient when their expectations become unrealistic.

Remember that they come from a place of not understanding. They just don’t “get it.” But there are those who do. And more importantly … God does.

(Update. My daughter just called. She was offered the role as the oldest daughter in the production of Fiddler on the Roof with a national touring company out of New York!)

Always With Us

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

(Matthew 29:20 NIV)

Our Lord is always with us.

Always. We’re never alone.

I find that comforting. Do you?

When we’re standing up and advocating for what’s right and fair for ourselves and others, he’s at our side.

When we’re hurt or discouraged, he holds and comforts us.

When we’re sick, his hands touch our bodies with healing.

When we’re weary and don’t have the strength to go it alone, he carries us.

When we fear that we’ll fail, his presence gives us the courage to keep trying.

When daily worries weigh us down, he lifts the load.

When we feel lonely, he fills that void.

When we search for the right story or the message that he wants us to share, he provides our hearts with a burden and the words to write.

He’s with us when we nervously walk into a writers conference, wondering if anyone will talk to us. He’s there when try to pitch our story to an editor or agent, and we manage to only stumble over our words. He’s there when we receive the call that our story has been sold, and we move into the scary world of networking and marketing … hoping readers will like our work.

He waits with us for the right door to open … and when it does, he walks through it, leading the way.

He’s always watching over us.  Protecting us. Providing for us.

In all things—including our writing lives—he is always with us.

Your Acceptable Gift

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have

the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager

willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it,

according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the

gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according

to what he does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:10-12 NIV)

Whew! This week’s Scripture is a little longer than usual, isn’t it? You may need to read it through a few times.

Paul is writing to the Corinthians. Prior to the above verses, he states that just as they excel in faith, speech, knowledge, and love, he encourages the Corinthians to also excel in giving. Of course he’s talking about sharing what they could physically to help someone else—crops, animals, money, etc.

But if we take another look at this, I believe that we can also apply it to our writing. After all, if we are truly writing for the glory of God and not for ourselves, isn’t our work an offering to God and a gift to others? Isn’t it what we do to build, uplift, encourage, and teach both believers and non-believers?

Sometimes we can mentally want to do the work … but not have the energy. Sometimes our hearts are filled with desire to do the work, but our creativity feels lacking.

There are times when we can grow discouraged because we’re not as successful as fellow authors. Thinking that we’ll never be good enough—we’ll never measure up—might even make us feel like giving up.

We do that to ourselves. God doesn’t. He doesn’t compare us to the author who lands on the best seller list, has more Twitter followers, or better book reviews.

By design, God didn’t give each of us the same gifts. He loves us more than that. We’re each unique and special. He never expects us to do accomplish more than what we can with the tools he’s provided.

What God asks is that we follow through and not only do the work, but that we complete it. As long as we’re willing and do the best we can with the ability given—our gift is acceptable in God’s eyes. How much better can it get?

Read the following verse. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14 NKJV).

Now read it with a few words substituted. Let the words I write and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

May this be our prayer….

Do the Work

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous,
and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you.” (I Chronicles 28: 20 NIV)

In 1 Chronicles, we read that King David wanted to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant. The plans were designed, and the materials were chosen, according to God’s direction. Because David was a warrior and had shed blood, God didn’t want him to be in charge of the project. Instead, God chose Solomon, David’s son, to build the temple.

David told his son to be “strong and courageous.” He assured Solomon that God wouldn’t fail him. God would be at his side until the temple was successfully completed. Solomon only needed to show up and do the work.

God could have blinked and created a grand temple without Solomon having to crawl out of bed in the morning. But, that would have taken away the opportunity for Solomon to learn, grow, reap the rewards of a job well done—and honor God in the process.

Psalm 128:2 says, “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (NIV). Our heavenly Father desires that we enjoy the fruits of our labor—the operative word here is labor. We’re expected to work for them.

If we’re called to write for the glory of the kingdom—sharing God’s grace, mercy, and love—in whatever format or genre, we still need to study the craft, and write, write, write.

God won’t leave us. He’ll remain at our side, providing ideas, resources, energy, and encouragement.

We don’t need to be afraid.

We just need to do the work …

Overwhelmed

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

It’s been one of those weeks—no, I take that back—it’s been two of those weeks. Most of us have them at one point or another. We begin to feel overwhelmed because it feels like there are so many things to do, and not enough time to get them all done.

Feeling overwhelmed is partly my fault. I’m not a last minute person, and so for me to feel on top of things, I need to be ahead of schedule.

I also have a tendency to think I can accomplish more in one day than what is feasible. Add to that a multitude of interruptions, and by the end of the day, my “to-do” list has become longer, not shorter. I begin to feel further and further behind and when Thursday rolls around and Monday’s “to-dos” still aren’t crossed off, I begin to feel overwhelmed—and not in control. I kind of like feeling that I’m in charge of my day. (Yep! It’s one of my flaws.)

As writers, we’re daily faced with trying to take care of our children and give our spouses the time they deserve—not to mention the laundry, shopping, cooking, volunteer responsibilities, errands, and day jobs outside the home. We’re supposed to create balance in our lives, which includes personal time and time with the Lord, while accomplishing all the many tasks assigned us.

But … have you noticed … I have yet to even include spending time writing?

As writers, time isn’t only spent at the computer fleshing out characters for our latest novel. This career also involves researching, marketing, networking, developing a platform, speaking, blogging, attending conferences, submitting work, answering e-mail, attending writers meetings, critiquing for other writers, and reading books on craft—as well as those written in our genre.

No wonder we can feel overwhelmed!

But, we don’t have to …

We don’t have to feel anxious. Instead of trying to do everything on our own—we can trust God to work things out in good time. Then we can let go of our desire to control, and we can accept the peace that transcends all understanding … God’s peace.

The Take-Away

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“Set an example for the believers in speech, in life,
in love, in faith and in purity.” (I Timothy 4:12 NIV)

Writers strive to educate, motivate, entertain, and inspire. Fiction writers also focus on creating storyworlds, snappy dialogue, lovable characters, and engaging storylines.

The difference between secular and Christian/inspirational writing is the “take-away.” It’s what’s left after the reader comes to the last line of an article or novel. The “take-away” is what readers still remember long after the cover is closed and the book is shelved. It’s what causes them to think or feel differently than what they did before. It helps bring them into a better understanding of God or a closer relationship with him.

As writers, we search for beautiful prose to help create the right feel. We spend a great deal of time thinking about, as well as implementing the “take-away.” After all, isn’t it our purpose to make an impact on the reader with our powerful words?

But, are we as concerned about the impact we make on people we come in contact with? Are we motivating, encouraging, and inspiring them?

At the end of the day … like at the end of a manuscript … what kind of “take-away” have we provided for our family, friends, co-workers, or the woman at the grocery checkout counter?

Dear friends, as we weave spiritual threads into our writing, let people also see and experience spiritual threads within our daily lives.

That Nasty Five-Letter Word—Pride

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“A man's pride brings him low, but a man of
lowly spirit gains honor.” (Proverbs 29:23 NIV)

Pride. It’s a nasty five-letter word.

I’m not referring to healthy pride—the kind that motivates a person to do a good job while performing a task. I’m talking about the kind that causes people’s unwillingness to admit to being wrong—the kind that builds walls between people, and between people and God. It’s destructive.

I think most of us like to be right. And we rather be praised than told to do something better—or even over. After all, we’re human. Our pride can make us feel defensive. It can even make us feel bad about ourselves. “I should have done better.”

I was raised to be a perfectionist. Nothing less than my best has ever been acceptable. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve strived to not be so hard on myself, but it’s not always easy to put pride in its proper place.

Recently, I was tested on my willingness to set aside my pride. I had to make the choice of admitting to a client that I had made several errors while editing his work, or keeping quiet. The errors were small—nothing he’d catch—but in good conscious, I couldn’t let it go. I contacted him, explained, and apologized.

Since then, he’s come to me for additional advice pertaining to his work and publishing, and again I’ve had to swallow my pride in several areas. But my honesty has resulted in blessings. He no longer thinks of me as a service provider, but as a friend and sister in the Lord. I cannot tell you how much that means to me. I’m overwhelmed by his trust.

Does pride ever get in your way?

There are writers who leave critique groups because they aren’t willing to receive constructive feedback. They only want to hear praise about their story and writing. The cost? They stop growing in knowledge and skills in the craft.

There are writers who refuse to listen to the advice of respected editors and agents. Their manuscripts don’t sell because they won’t make necessary changes. Pride gets in the way because they believe they know best.

There will always be authors who write better, write more, and have a larger fan base. If a friend or critique buddy progresses further or faster in a writing career than you, will you let pride stand in the way of your relationship? Will you become resentful of that writer’s success?

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble” (Luke 1:52 NIV). Lay down destructive pride, and let our Lord lift up and bless you.

Harboring Any Idols?

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the

form of anything in heaven above or on the earth

beneath or in the waters below.” (Exodus 20:4 NIV)

I love it when I come across a new way of looking at Scripture. Those “ah-ha” moments are rare, but I recently experienced one while editing a client’s manuscript. My eyes were opened to looking at idol worship in a different way than I had before.

It’s pretty easy to see that if our drive and passion in life is to increase the amount in our bank accounts—look like a runway model, despite what it costs our health—become successful, regardless of who we hurt while on the journey—that we’ve replaced what’s important with money, good looks, and fame.

But do we harbor other idols in our hearts? Anything we choose to serve above God might be considered an idol.

In Exodus 32, we read that although God freed the children of Israel, performed miracles in front of them, and provided for their needs, they grew impatient with God. They were tired of wandering and waiting. They wanted the Promised Land NOW.

Out of their need for control, they used their hands to build a golden calf to worship—something they could see and touch.

When we take things into our own hands instead of trusting God to move on our behalf, we’re like the children of Israel. We react out of needing to feel in control. We want to see results—and we want to see them NOW.

Of course that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work to provide for our families. But instead of worshipping the pay check, we’re to trust that God will provide for us—which includes the means for us to receive the funds we need without doing something unethical or illegal.

As writers, we’re to work hard at our craft. There’s no way to get a contract without putting forth effort and submitting to agents and publishers. We’re required to network and find ways to market our writing projects. But wanting a contract or attention so desperately that we put it above our relationship with God could be considered idol worship. Not trusting in God’s timing and his ways, but only in our hard work and skill—and desiring control—could be considered idol worship.

I know … There are days when it’s not easy to let go. I frequently struggle with wanting control. But it’s not my call as to when certain doors open for me. It’s God’s.

Are you worrying about the stack of bills on the counter? An illness? Your children? A broken relationship? Are you hoping to find an agent, hear back on a submission, receive direction on a story, or find the means to attend a writers conference?

God delivered the children of Israel to the Promised Land. He’ll take care of us too. Let’s try to rid ourselves of any idols hidden in our hearts.

Remember—just because we don’t see things happening as quickly as we’d like, it doesn’t mean that God isn’t working on it.

He Reigns

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“The Lord reigns forever.” (Psalm 9:7 NIV)

Does music affect you? Fill you with joy? Calm your nerves? Move you to tears?

I believe the Holy Spirit uses music as a conduit to speak to us and through us. As a vocalist on a contemporary worship team, I trust the Holy Spirit to use our music in bringing people closer to God’s presence.

I grew up in the Lutheran church, and still attend one. A joke within the denomination is that we’re the “chosen frozen.” Not only because many Lutherans have a Scandinavian heritage and live in the Midwest (where I grew up—freezing winters), but because worship isn’t quite as lively as some. Our church has four bands with accomplished musicians. We use acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, keys, and drums. But even with upbeat music, people don’t usually sing loud or raise their hands. I wish it were different.

But every once in awhile … a song stirs even the frozen chosen. Last Sunday, we closed worship with singing “He Reigns,” an upbeat tune that speaks about the song of the forgiven—the Asian believers, the African tribes, all nations and all God’s children singing, “Glory, Glory, Halleluiah, He reigns.”

The song continues with "the powers of darkness, trembling at what they just heard—’cause they can’t drown out a single word."

People not only belted out the lyrics, I watched more than one person raise their hands—caught up in the power of those words.

He reigns. Now and forever.

Don’t forget that, dear friends. When daily stress begins to wear you down. When there doesn’t seem to be an end to a dark tunnel. When you wonder if you’ll ever experience a breakthrough in your writing. When you become weary of trying so hard to fulfill your calling. Remember that our Lord has been victorious over whatever evil may try to discourage and weigh you down.

Glory, glory, halleluiah! He reigns!

To Be Heard

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me.
Hear my voice when I call to you.” (Psalm 141:1 NIV)

Everyone wants to be heard.

Have you ever sat in a meeting or tried to carry on a conversation with someone who won’t let anyone else get a word in? The person rambles on for so long, you being to wonder if he’ll ever take a breath. He’s so absorbed in what he has to say, no one else gets a chance to offer his opinions or ideas. Oblivious to other people's body language, the speaker’s only concern is that he’s heard.

I think we can sometimes be like that individual when it comes to our relationship with God. We may say, “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth” (Psalm 54:2 NIV). Or like David in Psalm 141, we may call out to God, expecting him to rush to our side, sit quietly, and listen to whatever is on our mind.

Should we go to God with our concerns? Our hope and dreams? Our disappointments? Yes!

But in any healthy relationship—whether it involves a husband and wife, a parent and child, or two friends—it’s important that both listen, and both are heard.

Our heavenly Father also desires a two-way relationship.

It doesn’t do much good for God to offer healing words of comfort or direction in our lives if we’re not listening.

When you sit with him and ask him to bless your writing—when you ask for direction—remember to also take time to listen.

“Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:3 NIV).

God is more than willing to hear our pleas—our cries for help—but he also wants to be heard.

To Be a Healer

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“So they set out and went from village to village, preaching

the gospel and healing people everywhere.” (Luke 9:6 NIV)

While a young teen, I thought I wanted to be a doctor—more specifically, a missionary doctor. I had romantic ideas about what it would be like to go to Africa and save starving children’s lives. That probably had something to do with the movies I watched at the time—like Tarzan, and The Singing Nun.

As an older teen, I seriously thought about serving as a medical missionary in the jungle called New York City, saving drug addicts, runaways, and prostitutes. That dream was largely influenced by the number of books I read by Reverend David Wilkerson. Remember The Cross and the Switchblade?

In college, I majored in biology and received excellent grades in that area, but barely survived getting a minor in chemistry. I realized that I didn’t have what it took to get into a medical program. And with a little time, I discovered that I was okay with that. I accepted that I wasn’t going to be a healer.

God had other plans.

Luke 9:6 says, “So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.” This verse is talking about the power Jesus gave the disciples to physically heal people and cure them of the diseases that plagued their bodies.

But healing comes in different forms. I think when the disciples preached the gospel—along with physical healings—emotional and spiritual healings also took place.

We have the opportunity as writers to help the healing process with words.

When someone is hurting, but reads about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness in our devotions, articles, or stories—their wounds may begin to heal. When they see characters in novels they can relate to, and those characters find hope, the reader begins to believe they can also have hope. They wonder if broken relationships really can be mended with God’s help. They look at the possibility that God does have a plan for their lives.

When someone has experienced a bad day, a few written words causing laughter can lighten the load and lift the spirit. And a note of encouragement to someone who's discouraged can make all the difference in that person having the courage to not give up.

Our tools aren’t medicines, scalpels, or sutures. Our healing tool is simply the pen.

Write on, dear friends. We have important work to do.