To show, not tell, takes on new meaning in this age of rapid social and technological change.
On the surface, our society has the appearance of privilege, luxury, fulfillment. But what are our neighbours really dealing with?
Debt; unemployed graduates with broken dreams; abusive relationships; stalkers; technology parents don’t understand; addiction; unlimited access to pornography; easy fixes like abortion that torment the soul; unachievable expectations; businesses over-stretching and collapsing; growing numbers of seniors; governments drowning in debt and confusion; lack of leadership; protests; and the constant lie that ‘more’ and ‘me’ will finally bring joy.
As writers, our job is to stand on the balcony and observe the world around us. Our Christian worldview provides a perspective unique in today’s society. With scriptural principals guiding us, we have the opportunity to witness to those locked into serving the gods of this age, trapped by the allure of temptation, then scorned for succumbing.
We watch and record change and it’s effect. Then, with prayer, we report how God is working in the midst—he who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8)
Our craft reminds us constantly to show, not tell.
How can we show...
- The peace that passes all understanding;
- The faith that allows us to be thankful in all things;
- The joy we receive as we grow through troubling times;
- How can we show Jesus’ love to a drowning world?
Those he calls, he also equips. No matter the genre, in all we write and share, Christ’s love for the lost and broken must be the underlying theme - be it overt or subtle. In Jesus alone, hope abounds.
In 2011 Bobbi’s mother's progression into dementia could no longer be ignored. One day Mom demanded, "Someone needs to write about this!" In response, Bobbi began to explore her mother’s journey and her own struggles as a caregiver. Her learnings are documented on her blog at www.bobbijunior.com, and in a memoir, The Reluctant Caregiver. photo credit: Paolo Margari via photopin cc
What an insightful post! Thank you Bobbi. And it lined up completely with my morning devotion time, I love when that happens!
ReplyDelete"No matter the genre, in all we write and share, Christ’s love for the lost and broken must be the underlying theme - be it overt or subtle. In Jesus alone, hope abounds."
ReplyDeleteHow well you said that, Bobbi, and how true it is!
I love how you remind us to show, not tell, but then we discover that you aren't talking about sensory writing as much as telling us what we really need to show our readers. Truly, "How can we show Jesus' love to a drowning world?" That is a great prayer. Amen.
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