January 04, 2014

A Closed Door - Natasha Erskine

There is something very disconcerting about a closed door.

Whatever climate surrounds me, whether the sun shines bright or the world rests in shadows, whether the stars illuminate the night sky or darkness pervades the atmosphere of life, a closed door is what it is.

A closed door.

This feeling of being shut out, coming up against a wall that won't budge, can be generated by a missed opportunity, a death of some kind, a lost relationship, or a terminated job. The feeling can be triggered by something as simple as a dying plant. A sickness. Running out of gas.

In all instances, there is something we hoped for, something alive, something moving forward, that has ended, terminated, come to a halt… A closed door.

As a writer who longs for expression, for a sense of flow and inspiration, a closed door in any area of life has the potential to breed a season of silence. It can bring one's creative flow to a halt. It can stall the inspirational happenings of a spirit. It can cause us to question what we once thought to be true. Who we really are. What we truly believe.

And as a writer, we must engage in that silence. Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). Allow the Holy Spirit to reaffirm what we have known to be true as we are tried and tested in the fire.

One of the most important facets of being a writer is cultivating a listening spirit. And in the face of a closed door, deep calls unto deep (Psalm 42:7). Spirit engages with Spirit. Questions lead us down that blood stained path of righteousness and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you are facing a closed door, beloved child of God, than close your eyes. Listen. Listen in the stillness. Be wooed in the wilderness (Hosea 2). Be quiet in His Presence. And soon, words will yet flow…

Natasha Erskine


Natasha Erskine graduated from Kingswood University, where she met and married her husband, and they followed a call into full-time ministry. They served in ministry together, had two beautiful daughters, and a few months before their 9th anniversary, Natasha's husband died suddenly of unknown cause. Natasha continues to pursue God's call into full-time ministry, while grieving and raising her two children. As a writer and a worship leader, she seeks to exalt the name of God and be a vessel of truth and healing, while her own journey of healing is still being fulfilled.

11 comments:

  1. Natasha,

    Welcome to InScribe Writers Online as one of our newest contributors. We look forward to getting to know you through your postings.

    Thank you SO much for these words that give rest, comfort and hope to my own heart today. For I, too, know about closed doors and learning to listen in the silence.

    I am blessed by your words in this your inaugural posting.

    Brenda



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  2. Interesting -- use the closed door, the silence as a writing opportunity, instead of a block.

    I need to keep this in mind when I come up against a closed door. I wonder what I'll discover?

    Thanks for the post, Natasha.

    Bobbi

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  3. Great post Natasha,
    Closed doors can lead to introspection and connection with God. Are you on Twitter?
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  4. Yes, I am on Twitter. @ErskineNatasha

    Bless you, all. :)

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  5. Thanks for this post, Natasha. I liked the way you wove the imagery of the closed door all the way through and then provided an application at the end. Welcome to the InScribe blog. I look forward to reading more of your writing :)

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  6. Your post is lovely to read, Natasha. It's hard to sit with the silence and rest. Busy activity beckons and distracts all the time, but to be quiet and allow God to communicate with our spirits is better for us, isn't it?

    I found your short bio interesting and hope to hear more of your story some time.

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  7. Interesting thoughts, Natasha; thanks for sharing an excellent perspective on the closed door.

    I am sorry for your loss...

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  8. Beautiful. I love the verses you chose to put our focus on God. Reminds me of Elijah when God speaks to him in the still, small voice. Thanks for sharing your heart.

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  9. I concur with everything everyone else said!T this is pure loveliness and certainly spoke to my heart. Welcome to the blog, by the way. I followed you on twitter, too.

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  10. Lovely. Thanks Natasha.

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  11. Beautifully said, Natasha, and welcome to this blog. I too am sorry for your loss. May God continue to lead you in your writing, your ministry, parenting, and grieving. May you find the green in your valley.

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