July 22, 2024

Stir it Up Together by Lorrie Orr

 


Everyday I stir up something – the few seconds of tinkling the spoon of honey in my morning tea, the steady back and forth and around the pot of making jam, the vigorous slap of yeast dough to develop the gluten structure, a quick dip to the bottom and around the bowl for muffins, and a fast scraping of the pan when sautéing aromatics for soup. Different types of stirring for different purposes.

The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to “stir up the gift of God” that was in him. Other versions say to “fan into flame the gift of God” or “kindle afresh the gift of God.” The writer of Hebrews uses similar language when he writes “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed.”

Community is vital to the spiritual health of a church. And I believe we can extend that same meaning to a community of writers. One of the most influential writing groups consisted of C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, Owen Barfield, and others. They met together regularly, informally, without rules and regulations, to discuss Christianity and their own writings. They stirred each other up, not always agreeing, but motivating one another in thinking and writing. Tolkien says of Lewis, “He was for long my only audience. Only from him did I ever get the idea that my ‘stuff’ could be more than a hobby.” Lewis encouraged Tolkien to complete The Lord of the Rings. Lewis said of the Inklings, “what I owe them is incalculable.” Along with meeting regularly, some of the members, including Lewis and Tolkien, took long walks together in the English countryside. I would love to have listened in on their conversations.

Reading about the Inklings and their closeness makes my heart ache with longing for something similar. I write quietly, in the background. Few of my real-life acquaintances know that I write. Yet I believe God has given me the ability and desire to write and I long to honour him with it. Lately, I’ve been feeling the need for more connection to other writers. It’s a scary thing to consider, making myself vulnerable.

Maybe it’s time to think about getting more involved with Inscribe. There are several opportunities in the organization just now. What about you? Shall we step forward together and commit to something outside of our own writing life? Shall we stir up the flame of writing so that it does not go out? Shall we spur each other on to love and good deeds?

Together in God’s strength our personal writings can become deeper, more nuanced, and finished! Tolkien was a notorious non-finisher (can you imagine?) and it was through Lewis’ encouragement that he completed the magnificent literary works we enjoy today. By paying attention to each other, stirring up one another’s gift of writing, we can all benefit.

 


 Lorrie writes from Vancouver Island where she lives with her husband. She is blessed to have her children and grandchildren living in the same town. Writing, reading, gardening, sewing, hiking, camping - life is full of God's goodness. She recently returned from 10 days in The Netherlands followed by a cruise around Iceland, stopping in Scotland before returning home. 

15 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding us how vital being part of a community of writers is to our craft, Lorrie. Besides InScribe, I have belonged to two writer's groups, each unique and committed to "stirring up the gift of God" in their participants. This sentence of yours impacted me, "Together in God’s strength our personal writings can become deeper, more nuanced, and finished!" I encourage you to pursue involvement in the InScribe organization. We need you!

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    1. Thank you, Valerie. I am considering how to become more involved.

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  2. Michelle Strutzenberger4:15 pm GMT-7

    This is a delightful and well-crafted piece, Lorrie. Thank you. I will be returning to reread and mull over it further. I wonder about your photo! Is there more to share about it? Blessings.

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    1. Thank you, Michelle. The photo is just one taken in my garden where I like to stir up the dirt! God rewards me with these beautiful blooms.

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  3. I love this quote from your post, Lorrie: "By paying attention to each other, stirring up one another’s gift of writing, we can all benefit." What a wonderful contribution you could make--and gifts you could receive--by becoming active in InScribe. As Valerie said, "We need you!"

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    1. Thank you, Sandi. I look forward to becoming more involved. Maybe even attend a conference!

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  4. What a beautiful picture you've given us about 'stirring it up'. I like this line you wrote: "By paying attention to each other, stirring up one another’s gift of writing, we can all benefit." So true. Thanks for a lovely post, Lorrie.

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    1. Thank you, Brenda. Community is important.

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  5. share my garden11:49 am GMT-7

    I am a member of two writing groups involving a diverse range of people. The act of sharing our writing means that we quickly come to know each other well. The meetings are helpful and very stimulating. If there isn't already a writing group near you, Lorrie, then I suggest you start one!

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  6. You've inspired me, Lorrie. I recently joined a writing class and, of course, all of my insecurities are now rising to the top as I think about getting involved. I like what you shared about the Inklings and how, even they, needed one another to thrive. Perhaps supporting one another as writers is another way we are called to community.

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  7. Lorrie, I've been reading Bandersnatch - the story of the Inklings and the men who inspired and urged each other on in their writing. Perhaps you've read it too. Such a great book.
    I've been part of a wonderful writing group for 11 years. I started it myself I couldn't find one and because I needed other like-minded people around me. It has thrived and we've grown into close friendships, as well as each other's prayer warriors.

    Having been involved with InScribe for several years in the past, I also urge you to get involved there too. Such a wonderful group of people!

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    1. Thank you, Joy. I've not heard of the book Bandersnatch, but will be looking it up.

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  8. Thank you, Lorrie. I sense a kindred spirit in that I am fascinated by the Inklings and their ability to challenge and discuss respectfully yet passionately. Also, not many of my day to day crew know that I write either. Blessings as you prayerfully consider your role in Inscribe. Will add a prayer to yours for guidance and clarity.

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    1. Thank you, Sharon. I'm so thankful that God promises to guide us along life's twisting pathway.

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