This is a link up with the Faith Barista, so be sure to hop over there to hear from some other writers who are finding their voices, too!
Who am I to write?
Who am I to pour a bunch of words out and expect other people to read them--or even more than that, to want to read them?
And if people are reading, are they hearing me? Are the words I'm using the right words, the ones that are going to get my point across the way I want?
I struggle with these questions almost every time I sit down to write--especially with this blog, but even more so with the more personal stuff I've been working on this last month like my story and a study I'm trying to write.
I write,
I scratch out,
I rewrite.
I change a word just to change it back. I stress and backtrack and rework, and then at some point I just give in and click "Publish." The writing itself may or may not be ready, but I can tell you one thing--
I know I'm not ready, no matter how much I've worked on getting everything just so.
But at some point I have to let go.
I have to trust that if I put my heart into my writing you'll see it.
I have to believe that my words--however imperfect--will somehow be enough, and that you will be gracious when you read them.
...but sometimes, there are those rare moments.
There are times when the words are true, when what flows out of my pen (yes, I still write with pen and paper long before anything gets typed up. I'm a rebel like that!) is even more than I was hoping for.
Sometimes I don't have to second guess or rewrite.
Every once in a while, there is another Voice there with my own, filling in the gaps when I don't know what words to use. My voice falters, but the other Voice is there--and His never falters.
I'm starting to find my voice, because the One who rejoices over me with singing is inviting me to lift my voice with His.
"The LORD your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
~Zephaniah 3:17
I love how you acknowledge the finding of our voices is because of God's never faltering voice. Thank you for this encouragement, Mandy.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way most of the time when I write. Just keep writing, no matter what, that's what I keep telling myself and I hope it encourages you too. (I'm visiting from Faith Barista's post today).
ReplyDeleteMandy, I appreciated reading your words, and hearing your heart! Keep writing! And I especially like this ... "I'm starting to find my voice, because the One who rejoices over me with singing is inviting me to lift my voice with His." So true!
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