Just Do It - Lorrie Orr

 

Anne of Green Gables' bedroom - Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables and numerous other novels battled depression, ill health, loneliness, her husband's mental illness, along with the challenges of being a minister's wife and a mother. She fought self-doubt and fear, and yet, she wrote and wrote, sending stories and novels to publishers who often rejected them. Anne of Green Gables was rejected numerous times before finding a willing publisher. 

Montgomery exemplifies the 1988 advertising campaign Just Do It that lifted Nike's image around the globe for many years. She wrote in spite of, and because of her circumstances. 

Just Do It is something we writers must tell ourselves. Having others tell us to sit down and write can cause resistance. Using the words to challenge and motivate ourselves has a different effect. I acknowledge that there are things holding me back from writing - often self-doubt and questioning my ability. Taking the time to analyze why I am reluctant to write and then releasing them to my loving Lord frees me to tell myself to get on to the job at hand. 

Elisabeth Elliot used similar words to encourage herself and others through uncertain, anxious times. She quoted part of an old poem, 

Do the next thing

Do it immediately

Do it with prayer

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing Christ's hand

Who placed it before you with earnest command.

I pray that each of us will do the work of writing God has called us to. He is ever faithful in his love and encouragement. We must fulfill his call upon hearts. 

Lorrie Orr writes from Vancouver Island. She is glad to be home again after an 11-week road trip from her island in the west to the island of Newfoundland in the east. Doing the next thing currently involves getting back into a routine with writing - easier said than done.