What if we as Christian writers see our role as keepers? Of course, a keeper must have something that he or she is keeping. What might that be?
In the Bible, there are keepers of all sorts of things. They read like roles in medieval tales. Here are just some I found:
- keeper of the prison
- keeper of the East Gate
- keeper of the wardrobe
- keeper of the door
- keeper of the records
- keeper of the money box
- and many references to keeper of the sheep.
The word keeper in the biblical context has some similarity
to the word manager in our times. A keeper would be responsible for a certain
item, like the wardrobe or the door.
However, the role goes beyond just being responsible for an
item, at least in certain contexts. The keeper would also be taking on the role
of protector. That is a connotation that doesn’t necessarily come up in
relation to the word manager. The keeper of the sheep, for example, would be
ensuring the safety of the animals.
The keeper in certain contexts might also be preserving the
item. The keeper of the records, for example, would be ensuring the documents
were kept intact.
So, back to my question, if we as Christian writers see
ourselves as keepers, what might we be responsible for, protect, and preserve?
What if we are the keepers of hope for this generation?
There is so much trouble and so much hopelessness, more so
than ever, it seems. How might our words, the words we write, keep hope alive
for those who read our work?
Not long ago, my children and I rewatched Prince Caspian,
the movie based on one of the beloved Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis.
Afterwards, my daughter exclaimed. “I love that story because it gives me
hope.”
Her response reminds me that a number of different genres of
writing may be infused with hope.
What was it about the Narnia story that gave my daughter
hope? How can we write in order to infuse this generation with Christ’s hope?
Speaking of being a keeper, I am reminded also of
lighthouse keepers and the hymn by Philip P. Bliss, Let The Lower Lights Be
Burning (1871).
Brightly beams our Father's mercy
From his lighthouse evermore,
But to us he gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.
Let the lower lights be burning,
Send a gleam across the wave!
Some poor fainting struggling seaman,
You may rescue, you may save.
Lord, guide our pens today as we work as keepers of your
light in this dark world.
Michelle Joy Teigrob lives with her family in Peterborough, Ontario. Her book on grief, Joyfully Star-mapping through Life's Dung-piles, was shortlisted for the 2025 Word Awards. Formerly writing under her married name, Strutzenberger, Michelle is in the process of shifting her writing portfolio to her pen name, Michelle Joy Teigrob.
Thank you, Michelle, for this thoughtful post on keeping hope alive in our dark and broken world. Your question, " if we as Christian writers see ourselves as keepers, what might we be responsible for, protect, and preserve," has me thinking of other aspects of faith that we might protect and preserve through my writing, as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie. I agree there are other aspects of our faith to protect and preserve. I would be interested to hear more of your thoughts on this sometime. Blessings.
DeleteAMEN! We have been given the responsibility to spread light in this dark world. I like everything about your post. Hope - for such a time as this. AMEN!!
ReplyDeletePattie (PD Janzen)
Thank you Pattie! Bless you!
DeleteI love your question, "What if we are the keepers of hope for this generation?" It resonates deep within. I couldn't begin to list the times in my own life when hope arose in my fainting heart from the words and writing of others. In turn, I yearn to be a keeper of hope in these dark and troubling times - to pass it along to others. Thank you, Michelle!
ReplyDeleteI have had the same experience, Brenda. The words and writing of others in a variety of different genres have so often helped me. I try to remind myself of this when I get discouraged or weary of continuing to follow my calling to write. What if they had not written what they did? What if they had not shared that writing? What if they had given up?
DeleteDear Michelle, your words touched my heart once again. Yes indeed, we can play a part in keeping hope alive. Despite the darkness of our day we can shine our words on the Light of the world. You have a message to shine into the world, Michelle. Keep on shining, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your encouragement, Alan. It always strengthens my heart. Bless you.
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