That’s an interesting query.
In a recent online discussion with a group of religious leaders, the facilitator asked us to list the reasons why we do what we do. And then to share why what we do may encounter resistance.
My writing at REVwords is inspired by people and the challenges they face. They overflow my container.
These are some of the reasons and resistance that make up my writing world.
Reasons
• Be an advocate for others.
• Defend others who need a friend to stand with them.
• Be a voice of those who don’t have a platform but have a story.
• Broaden the perspectives of those willing to stretch.
• Raise up issues to higher importance than is often attributed to them.
Resistance
• My content offends some readers, so they break connection.
• Deficiency of clarity in my writing leads to misunderstanding.
• Defensive reactions to dissenting views and critique.
During that discussion, we were challenged to think about how we could get a broader hearing on divisive issues. How could I communicate what is meaningful in a way that would draw a more diverse audience and inspire less resistance and more conversation?
Exploring that kind of thinking is going to fill my creative container. I posted my first attempt at that in the post, C-9, 18, and 5:14 (Galatians). Let me know how I did.
The prompt also asked what strengthens my craft, the writing resources I use, and my go to publications, quotes, podcasts, and other resources.
Lately, I’ve been influenced by the people I follow on Substack and podcasts. Each one of them writes with creativity and passion. They’re not tentative in taking on big issues and speaking truth to power.
Bishop Mariann Budde – Reflections on Courage, Faith and the Work of Love
Brian Zhand
Bob Rae
Beth Allison Barr – Marginalia
Anne Applebaum – Open Letters
NiJay K. Gupta – Engaging Scripture
Anne Lamott – Hallelujah Anyway
Patti Miller – Isn’t That The Craziest Thing
Kristin Du Mez – Du Mez Connections
Anne Lamott shared a story a few weeks ago in her Substack. She told it for people doing important work. People like Inscribe writers.
“The writer Mark Yaconelli told me years ago of holding a retreat one weekend where a hundred people from all over the world came to hear his teachings on how to work with disenfranchised and severely depressed young people. He spoke to the gathering for a few hours about tools that he used to create community and connection with young people suffering loss and isolation. At some point, he handed out a Mexican beach blanket to each person, and asked them to lie down and rest.
A physician who worked with young AIDS patients had flown in from South Africa the week before, and she came up to him, furious. She said that she had flown 10,000 miles at enormous expense to learn his techniques and did not want to be told to take a nap like a kindergartner. Mark nodded sympathetically and asked her to do the best she could.
When the hour was over, the woman came back to him, weeping. She had fallen asleep. She said that she had not understood how exhausted she was.”
Happy Easter. He is risen so you can lay down.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I always look forward to your engagement. It’s the best part of writing.
Taking the time to think about how your writing affects others is a great way to boost your creative thinking, Bob. You follow an impressive group of writers and thinkers, some of whom I also follow. There is much to be gained from listening to other people. The story from Mark Yaconelli is such a great reminder to take time to rest which is also a way to boost creativity. Thanks for this thoughtful post, Bob.
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