These Are My People ~ Valerie Ronald

 

I remember little about the topics discussed the first time I attended a Christian writers group. What I do remember thinking is, these are my people! The atmosphere created by like-minded writers in lively discussion sparked my desire to learn and grow in their company. For years I wrote in isolation, having little contact with other writers. Now at each monthly meeting I found encouragement and guidance from group members, opening new vistas of opportunity on my writing horizon.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) reminds us of the power of community, emphasizing the importance of having someone to help us when we fall. Life was meant to be lived communally, not in isolation. This also applies to our calling as writers who are followers of Jesus Christ. Though the process of writing happens in isolation, we still need each other for support, feedback, and especially, encouragement.

The word encourage stems from the French word encoragier, from en, “to make or put in,” and coeur, which means “heart.” The basic premise of the word encourage is to instill confidence and hope; to build up the heart, which is the intellect, emotions and will, the wellspring of the soul. As Christians, we have a perfect example in Jesus who spent His ministry on earth encouraging His disciples with the gospel.

An aspect of the writer’s group I appreciated was the variety of writing styles, genres, interests, and voices represented, all unique yet focused on a similar goal. Working together to make Christ known through our written words created unity and connection in a diverse group of people. More experienced writers patiently mentored those just getting started. Some had strengths in editing, some knew about self-publishing, others shared advice in their chosen genres. Everyone had something to contribute that each of us could learn from.

Over time I witnessed the atmosphere of encouragement at our meetings encompass more than the process of writing. Meaningful bonds developed as we prayed for one another, helped one another outside the group, and ministered to each other during times of loss and difficulty. I made friends in the group who are especially dear to me, though I no longer attend due to driving distance. They are not just writing acquaintances; they are lifetime friends.

The Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is one of encouragement and hope. In chapter 4, verses 13 to 18, he assured them of being reunited with their loved ones who died in faith, when Jesus returns for His church. Paul concludes with this instruction, therefore encourage one another with these words.(vs.18)

Our InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship members shine at encouraging one another with their words. I am a recipient of those words, as are most of you. Our members live all across Canada, yet our common bonds of faith in Christ and passion for writing brings us close together.  

We cannot thrive in a vacuum. We need each other to stay focused, to know we are not alone. Like the church in Thessalonica, we need to encourage one another with these words, words of truth from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NASB) 

 Valerie Ronald writes from an old roll top desk in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, with her tortoiseshell cat for a muse. A graduate of Langara College School of Journalism, she writes devotionals, fiction and inspirational prose. Her purpose in writing is to encourage others to grow in their spiritual walk.

 

 

 

 

If You Must Write, You Must Write by Alan Anderson

 

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Words of Encouragement from the Past

In his book, Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke answers questions in reply to young poet Franz Xaver Kappus, beginning in 1903. The book composed of a series of ten letters Mr. Kappus wrote to Mr. Rilke is a treasure of wisdom and insights. In the first letter, Mr. Kappus asks if his poems are “any good.”

Here is part of Mr. Rilke’s answer:

“There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple, “I must,” then build your life in accordance with this necessity…” (Rilke, Rainer Maria, Letters to a Young Poet, Merchant Books, 2012, p 14.)

You Must Write!

Writer dear ones, do you ever become discouraged in your calling as a writer? Has it ever crossed your mind to put your pen in a drawer and leave it there? Are there times you want to shut down your computer and ignore your words, your paragraphs, your stories, your plays, or messages, and forget about it all?

Here is a thought to contemplate. If you did all mentioned in the previous paragraph, who would collect your pen or restart your computer, or set your words free?...No one!

You see, Your pen knows you. Your computer awaits your ability to exercise its keys. With eager anticipation, your words await release to make the world better.

Words flowing from the creativity God has given you are your words. As a writer who is a Christian, what message do you have in your mind and heart? Give serious thought to this message and write it down. Bring this message to life on a page. Gather these words and set them free into the world.

We Must Write

Dear InScribe writers, every morning when you wake up, you do so with a writer’s view of the world. We are world watchers. Through our words, we can also be world healers. This healing comes about through words eager to encourage people to let them know they are not alone.

In this world of too many dark seasons swarmed by frigid misty days, our words shine bright and point the way to the Light. Consider the call we received by the grace of God and how He has gifted us to write.

Although separated by miles, we are in this world together. We are involved in a shared ministry. We learn from and encourage each other in a common cause. We are called by God to write; therefore, we must!

A Prayer to Encourage

To all my writer friends and others who want to make a difference through the written word:

Allow your words and actions to touch the sacred. See the beauty amid confusion and bring it to life. Breathe in peace. Breathe out anything that would distract you from who you are as a writer. May your presence shine! 

 

Alan lives in a small village called Deroche, British Columbia, with his wife, Terry, and their poodle, Charlie. He enjoys walking on the dike near his home, with trees all around and where he finds inspiration to write. He has occasionally written articles for FellowScript Magazine and is a regular contributor to the InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship blog. Alan’s website and blog is https://scarredjoy.ca.

Community of Encouragers by Carol Harrison

 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

We all need encouragement in our daily lives. I have been and am blessed with a community of encouragers. One of my greatest encouragers was my husband, Brian. He believed I could do more than I thought I could possibly accomplish. He continually encouraged me to go and write even when I didn’t feel like it. I miss his encouragement every day more that I can express.

Yet, I am not without others who have and do encourage me even as I walk with grief which seems to put a block on my writing. A number of my grandchildren have encouraged me to branch out and try other genres or have helped design book covers or format for KDP. All of these things are encouragement. I can also encourage the grandchildren in using their talents with book cover design and formatting which I enjoy doing.

For the last two years, I have faced a block with writing and crafting. I don’t know why this has to be a season of waiting for inspiration or the desire to continue on a writing journey. Yet in the midst of this time, I have others who encourage me to try like my oldest daughter, Lorilee. We often discuss writing or my lack thereof lately. She encourages me to take a step forward and then another one. What can I do to discover what is holding me back? Then work through it and try writing something or editing something I’ve written long ago.

Maybe, she suggests, it is because I haven’t begun a project my husband had challenged me to write before he passed away. It will be a difficult project to write about journeying with him through his cancer. But it might also be a healing journey. I have started an outline and a rough first chapter and then put it back away. Maybe she is right and it is time to face it once again.

I also have friends who pray for me and encourage me. These dear friends keep telling me I have the ability to write. I just need to take the time to rest and then step forward one step at a time with the writing and crafting until the excitement returns. They get excited when I write something new or publish a piece. The encouragement makes me feel like someone cares how I am doing.

I have also been encouraged by reading the Inscribe blog posts and the authors' writings. The conference encouraged me as well. There are so many avenues of encouragement opportunities within our organization and that is how it should be.

The saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” flits through my mind, and yet in this case for this prompt, I believe it takes a community of encouragers to help us as writers and believers continue on in the path God has set for us.

May you find a community of encouragers surrounding you.

 

Carol Harrison appreciates each person who has encouraged her on her life and writing journey. They are blessings from God.

Don't 'Dis' Encouragement by Sharon Heagy

Sunset at Pike Lake Saskatchewan

 "Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam,

Where the deer and the antelope play,

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

And the skies are not cloudy all day."

(B. Higley - lyrics. D. Kelley - Music. Public domain)

Looking at the lyrics of the song above, I wondered, 'Does such a place exist this side of heaven?' I was tempted to point out all the things that may be wrong with the picture of serenity these lyrics create but then I considered the frame of mind of the composer. What a sacred space and a peace filled span of time he must have been experiencing. He had just moved to a cabin near West Beaver Creek and was inspired by his surroundings. My words would have been anything but encouraging.

When I was young I played a few sports including hockey and briefly baseball. My coach was the same for both hockey and baseball and she was quite committed as her daughter played on both teams. Being an average player myself,  any encouragement would give me a confidence boost and keep me going. She was a wonderful hockey coach and spoke words that increased the morale of the whole team, winning or losing. But when it came to baseball the story changed. Any mistake was pointed out and players were berated rather than corrected. Such a different environment than on the ice. We were all trying our best and many of us were just learning how to play.  It got to the point where those who had just joined ended up leaving the team after just a few practices and a couple of games. Please don't misunderstand me, she was a terrific lady who was dedicated to her family and their activities, but her encouraging and discouraging words had differing effects on the teams she coached.

Feedback on my writing has included both positive and negative comments. Negative comments are not necessarily discouraging. Pointed critique and criticism is valuable and improves my writing as long as it is presented in a constructive way with a little splash of grace and kindness. While it may give a little sting to my ego or a pinprick to my pride it is always profitable. It is encouraging! 

When writers of experience give you validation it helps you to continue. At an InScribe event in Saskatoon years ago, I was overwhelmed by the creativity and production of those in attendance and I wondered why on earth I was even there. By the end of the weekend I had learned a great deal and had some uplifting words to tuck in with my scribbled attempts which were asked to read out loud. Lingering a bit as people left I approached a table where a couple of the organizers sat, resting after their long couple of days. My plan was to thank them as I knew what it took to put together an event of that size and to keep it running smoothly. As I thanked them unbidden and surprising tears came to my eyes. They had given so much in time, knowledge and inspiration. They turned my heart from "I don't belong here' to 'Maybe I can write.' As I tried to regain my composure one of the women turned to the other and said, "This is why we do this." Those, like me, beginners floundering around looking for direction were worth their efforts. My heart filled to overflowing with gratitude. 

At a Saskatchewan Writer's Group experimental workshop event that ran once a month for a number of months and ended with a public reading with a payment. As I received my cheque I told the co-ordinator I felt like a real writer. She boldly looked me straight in the eye and said, "You ARE a writer." What a lift and confirmation that gave me.

Though many people have helped me dare to go beyond my comfort zone in InScribe, there is one lady whose continued faith in me has helped me to have faith in myself and I am sure she has done the same with others. 

I read and am grateful for every comment in response to my posts on the InScribe blog. Knowing how much those comments buoy me, I try to leave encouraging comments on the blogs of others and try to be mindful of specific parts that speak to me as Brenda Leyland has encouraged us to do. 

Having been encouraged in multiple and varied ways, there is a need and a duty to pass on uplifting and inspiring word to others. Just as our writing gift comes from God, steadfast encouragement, no matter the source, has the heart of God behind it. Like anything else God gives us, we are not to hoard it to ourselves but we are to share it with others. As I have been encouraged, so I should be encouraging. 

May you know that the words you write make a difference and touch hearts for God. 

"A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!" Proverbs 15:23 AMP

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time." Proverbs 25:11 AMP

Sharon Heagy writes from the small but vibrant town of Rockglen, Saskatchewan, nestled in the valley near the Burning Hills. She writes to inspire and give hope with a chuckle or two along the way.