It has been said, we stand on the shoulders of giants to reach new heights. Each generation offers something to encourage and inspire those who follow as an uninterrupted chain. Hebrews 11 is a list of imperfect people who set an example of faith. This list forms the start of my mentors in the faith. Sarah laughed and yet became the mother of nations. I have no desire to be recorded as a matriarch of society. Instead of seeking to imitate their accomplishments, I seek to imitate their faith by following the path God has for me. These stories show God is faithful both to call His people and to lead them.
My faith mentors include individuals I have encountered over the years. My grade three Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Jones, instilled the value of reading the Bible not just hearing the stories. Mrs. Sheppard and Sarah Wall set an example of encouragement backed by prayer. There are many more that could be named and I fear I would miss some.
There are similar examples in my creative life as well. I grew up reading just about anything I could get my hands on from 'Winnie the Pooh' to 'Charlotte's Web'; from Anne of Green Gables to Nancy Drew. Libraries opened a world of characters and places I could inhabit through imagination. Mystery, fantasy, biography, adventure, the list of styles and genres I read is extensive. I can not stomach horror and do not enjoy romance much. I will not write horror and said I would not write romance. I had to take that back when family encouraged me to read some romance and give writing it a try. Ass a result, a very rough draft sits on my shelf waiting for further attention. From that experience, I learned not to say never because the unexpected happens. Influences and mentors come from unexpected places and in unexpected ways. Some mentors I have sought out, such as when I read the published journals of L. M. Montgomery, others surprised me.
In life and in craft, I seek to keep my eyes and ears open. There are things that can be learned everywhere because God is everywhere and He is moulding us for His purposes in order to shine His light into the world. I pray I pay attention to His direction with a willingness to follow where He is leading me. Then I may become a link in the chain of examples for those who follow.
Thank you for sharing today Lorilee. We so appreciate your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lorilee. It’s a good idea to keep our eyes and ears open and listen and look for directions. May God continue to mould each of us for his purpose.
ReplyDeleteI have said too, I would never write in a certain genre and then I'm creating stories within it! Yes, God is everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lorilee. Love that God challenges us so that He works in us to be more “than we could ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20) Hope we all remain as soft clay for the potter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great perspective on spiritual mentors. I too loved books and Bible stories. In fact, I put some sighted boys to shame at Sunday school with my knowledge of Moses leading Israel out of Egyptian captivity. I also fell in love with a book by Zilpha Keatly Snider called "Black and Blue Magic" I longed to be the boy with the potion to grow wings on my back so I could fly. Somebody needs to make a movie or cartoon from that book.
ReplyDeleteI also never expected to write romance, Lorilee, but an opportunity to publish was presented and I grabbed for the brass ring. You just never know where an opportunity is going to take you. One story led to three others, two of which were also published. I've learned to never say never!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your perceptive comments, Lorilee. "Never say never" is a good adage that resonated with several readers.
ReplyDeleteMy best takeaway were your first comments: "It has been said, we stand on the shoulders of giants to reach new heights. Each generation offers something to encourage and inspire those who follow as an uninterrupted chain." What an inspiration for us to live up to that challenge!