Questions Writers Ask Themselves by Lorrie Orr

 

    Waaaay back in elementary school I learned about the five Ws and one H as necessary elements for structuring a piece of writing. Other uses for these questions include project management, investigation, and problem-solving. I find them useful for evaluating my own writing. These questions can be focused on me personally, or on the work I am currently doing. 

WHO? 

    Who am I writing for? Who is my audience?

    When I first began my current project, a memoir, it was for my family, my children. However, others have asked if it will be available to a general audience. Expanding my audience from my children who know the setting to friends who do not means that I have changed some aspects of my story.

 

    Also, who am I? When I look back, I rely on letters and journals to recall events and emotions. And I see how I have grown over the years. The slow transformation of God's grace through time is a part of who I am. How do I communicate that?

    

WHAT?

    What is my purpose in writing? Firstly, I write to bring glory to God. Beyond that, I want to tell the story of God's faithfulness throughout the years. 

    What makes me the person to write this? What can I write that no one else can? My story is not the typical missionary story. I struggled mightily with remaining in Ecuador for 21 years and longed so often to return to Canada. My story is one of obedience to God that is greater than my own desires, and of God's redemption of my struggle. 

WHERE?

    Where do I write best? We have a breakfast table for two overlooking the garden. I sit on one side and Tim faces me. After breakfast, I take over his spot to write for a couple of hours as I find that view more expansive. Simply sitting in the other chair signals to me that it's time to get to work. I have a studio upstairs, but for now, this is where I write.

 

    Where is my story set? What are the smells, sounds, and sights that convey the setting? Once, when arriving at my parents' home, my mother suggested that we launder all of our clothing. It carried with it the musty dampness of the jungle. 

WHY? 

    So many whys! Why do I write? God has given me the desire to write, so I write. Why not?

    Another why could be - Why am I structuring my story this way? Why not try this? 

HOW?

    How much research must I do?

    How do I choose a POV?

    How will I carry on when the writing bogs down?

    How do I connect my emotions to my story?

    The question possibilities are endless. Jesus asked pointed questions of the people in his life. In Luke 18:41 Jesus asked a blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" I imagine Jesus asking me that question and it causes me to evaluate what I really want. To God be the glory. 

Lorrie Orr asks questions from Vancouver Island where she lives with her husband. Her five grandchildren ask plenty of questions that she cannot answer. 

In the Middle by Lorilee Guenter

 

Some interruptions seem like a nuisance in a well planned day.  The phone rings and the day changes.  At the end of the day it is possible to see God had something better in mind.

Other interruptions are long lasting.  Some days they appear to have no end.  In the middle everything feels like it is falling apart.

In the middle:

focus fades,

words falter,

questions abound,

and distractions grow like weeds.

In a recent discussion I heard myself say, "without challenge, where is faith." Our faith is not dependant on challenge but it is tested in challenge.  It is evidenced as we continue to cling to God and His promises in spite of our surroundings.

Faith shows itself when we trust that if God is leading us over a mountain, He will guide us and strengthen us.  It shows itself when we walk with Him through the valleys with long shadows.  We trust He won't leave us in the shadow, that He will guide us to places of rest and refreshment.

In the middle faith exists but the difficulties remain.  Looking back we can see the pitfalls that were avoided. However when the shadows are deep we cannot see.  We must trust knowing that we will reach the other side.  Then we will see the path God led us on and maybe even why.  We will be stronger and our faith will be deeper.

I am in the middle of a long interruption.  My focus fades and my words falter.  But God is here.  Some days He gives me rest.  Some days I catch a glimpse of what He is showing me.  I grab my pen and try to capture it.  That glimpse is a reminder that even when I can not see, God can.

Did You Hear? by Carol Harrison

 

Have you ever played the children's game called 'telephone' or sometimes called 'gossip'? It can have humorous results. Its goal, other than a good laugh, is to help with listening skills. The first person whispers a sentence into ear of the one sitting next to them who then repeats it to the next person until it has reached the last child in line. At the end of the line, the sentence is spoken out loud and then the first person tells the original. The two may be close or completely different.

Whispered words are more difficult to hear which is why the telephone game for children has results that make us laugh and wonder how the words could become so twisted in such a short period of time. When words are whispered or spoken aloud into our lives, they carry their powerful and sometimes misunderstood messages deep into our minds and hearts. At times they can encourage us and enable us to try knew things. Yet often, words carelessly said, have cut deeply and the wounds heal slowly, if at all.

Written words have a staying power since they can be read over and over again. Has the author of those written words made the message clear so no miscommunication happens? Will it be uplifting to the reader or does it tear them down? Are the written words true or are they from a skewed perspective of the hurting writer? These are questions to consider before we hit send on an email, post a letter, or publish a piece of writing so that we take into consideration the impact our words will have on the reader. Words are powerful and need to be used correctly. 

Decades ago, a teacher wrote this comment on a short story assignment. “You have an unrealistic viewpoint.” There were few red edit marks on the piece and a very good mark which I have long ago forgotten. But this comment at the bottom of the paper stuck with me. What did he mean? How did I perceive his comments? At the time, it devastated me and as I focused on the comment without asking him any questions, I began to believe he meant I wasn’t a writer and should never aspire to write. In hindsight, I know it meant his viewpoint on life and my Christian perspective differed greatly and, in his opinion, mine was the unrealistic one. After all, how could God possible redeem a life and help a rebellious young person change their life, like my story portrayed?

Those words, misunderstood at the time, begged for clarification. Rather than seek that, I allowed them to push down a love of telling stories in written form for decades. Words are powerful and easily misunderstood. If possible, it is important to seek a further conversation about the meaning behind the words. 

But they can also be uplifting. Years ago, a lovely Christian woman, spoke words of encouragement into my life at a time when everything I heard was perceived in a negative way. She listened. She chose her words wisely but spoke truth when she asked questions, like, “You struggle with depression don’t you?” But she didn’t leave it at that. She gathered several other Christian women who lived with the black cloud of depression and facilitated a safe place to share, cry, vent, and learn to trust God’s promises for our lives, and hear Him whisper truth into our hearts and minds. She spoke words that encouraged, lifted us up, told us the good she observed in us, and shared God’s word with us as well. She also suggested saving notes that encouraged us. Did someone send you a card that spoke positively to and about you? Save it and reread it when the negative monkey voice chatters in your mind and threatens to pull you down.  Encouraging words are powerful to build others up.

Words uttered to or about me are only half the equation. What I do with my words, both spoken and written? There are times I need to vent, to get the problems, the hurts, and the negative voices chattering in my mind out of me. I try and dump those in a journal. Sometimes, looking back at it, I wonder if I should tear it up. Yet it shows where I was during a specific period of time. It offers me an opportunity to look back and see how God led through those difficult times. The book’s feelings won't be hurt, no matter how discouraging or hurtful the words I place in it might be. It doesn’t get torn down or thrown off track. It becomes a safe place to dump the hurts, discouragements, or questions I have. An even better place to go with them is to the feet of Jesus, before being tempted to hurl angry, hurtful words at other people.

What words do I speak? Are they helpful? Will they encourage others, build them up, and help them or will my words stab them and drag them down? The Bible talks a lot about our words and how to interact with others, especially those of the household of faith.

Ephesians 4: 29-32, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do no grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed, for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one anther, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Words pop out of our mouths so easily and we can’t take them back. Saying sorry or forgiving others for hurtful words allows us to move forward with grace. Yet as human beings, those words linger in the background for too long. The game of 'telephone' played by children may make us chuckle, but in real life the twisted messages and gossip lingers long after we hear them. 

Words are powerful for good and for hurting, so may we pray with the Psalmist, David, in Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”

 

 

Carol Harrison has rekindled her love of not only telling stories but writing them down to share with others. God's whispers words of affirmation and often sends them in a tangible form just at the right time for which she is grateful. 

Canyons and The Cornerstone by Pamela Mytroen

 

What do you do when you’re asked to write something that you might not agree with? Recently I was asked to interview an artist whose work is on display at a well known gallery. Usually, this is something I look forward to, but when I viewed her website my spirit stirred uncomfortably within me. While her subject matter is a rugged National park with surprising canyons, her message combines the tenets of two trendy religions, fraught with deception, albeit very popular and appearing innocuous.

What was I to do? I prayed much about this. It is my job to cover topics that my paper assigns me. Should I refuse this particular assignment so that I could honour Truth? I didn’t want to encourage potential viewers of her art to follow her over the cliff into a canyon of darkness. However, I also felt that I should try to cover this assignment to the best of my ability, while staying true to absolute standards.

The Lord answered quickly and clearly with four quotes I came across all within a few hours. I had missed one day of my Easter reading plan so I returned to that chapter to finish it off and this verse resonated with me: “For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (IPeter2:6). I knew that I had to stand my ground on the foundation of Jesus. Then, whatever I wrote would be grounded on the solid rock of Truth. I would write well with respect to the paper and the craft and even if people didn’t approve of my writing, I also knew that I would never be put to shame.

But, that still didn’t solve exactly how I was to write this article. Within minutes, a little bamboo sound notified me I had email. It was a quote by Francis Schaeffer from his book, Art and the Bible. Curious, I opened it and it helped me discern how I should approach this article.  It said, “If the artist’s technical excellence is high, he is to be praised for this, even if we differ with his world view. Man must be treated fairly as man.” Aha, I could angle this piece towards the artist’s technical expertise, which was interesting and highly praised. I still had a niggle in my spirit, though.

Interestingly, I delved deeper into Schaeffer’s theory and found this gem: “As Christians, we must see that just because an artist – even a great artist -portrays a worldview in writing or on canvas, it does not mean that we should automatically accept that worldview. Good art heightens the impact of that worldview, but it does not make it true.”

I knew what I had to do.

 

That afternoon I had an appointment to interview the curator and to view the art. While technically it appeared well done (I’m not an artist but it truly was stunning), there was an aura of death about it, which even the curator pointed out. Every piece featured a skull, and most of them were painted over the scenic canyons and landscape. Impossible to miss. That was part of her message, that life dies and is reborn again as another creature.

I wrote the piece pointing out her engaging technique and the subject matter of the park. Rather than giving my opinion, which I am not really supposed to do, I  invited the the viewer to ask questions about it such as, “How many animals can you count in each scene? Do you see the cycle of life and death? What do you think of it? What message is the artist trying to portray? Do you agree or disagree? If you could ask the artist one question, what would it be?” Asking questions, I feel, gives the viewer the opportunity to think for themselves, and maintains freedom of expression for both the viewer and the artist.

That evening I picked up my novel, “Safely Home” by Randy Alcorn, and wouldn’t you know it, the chapter I read included a scene with people involved in this religion. My heart pounded and I chilled. God had heard my prayer and was pointing out the darkness and deception I am surrounded by. Although the artist is sweet, engaging, and even invited me to have tea with her, I feel that she has been deceived. It affirmed to me that I must speak truth and have nothing to do with innocent sounding lies. 

We walk along valleys of the shadow of death, but we fear no evil. I am learning to navigate these dark canyons as a writer. 

Asking questions and allowing the other person to tell their story and the reasons for their message is a good place to begin. Maybe even having tea with them. But standing firm on the Cornerstone of truth – by the grace of God -  is where I will remain.

 

Pamela Mytroen

 

Connection - Marnie Pohlmann

The posts this month describing the 2019 Inscribe Fall Conference have been interesting. Many who attended seemed to enjoy the change in format, at first wary of this “Open Space” concept yet willing to participate. Most registrants came away enjoying the change, surprised at what they learned and how God worked despite not having workshop teachers. The worship times and devotionals were meaningful. Not that past years were not just as impacting; this year was simply… different.

I did not participate in the conversations as much as others at this year’s Conference. I stayed in my comfort zone, struggling to get the Stripe payment system working. I was also people-watching. What, exactly, was I seeing?

I watched people network with one another, whether in a group session or sitting with friends over coffee. We all had both writing and God in common, which added to the ease of communication, but there was something more. I saw people sharing freely, whether they had known each other for years or had just met. 

People mentioned being ministered to. What was it about Open Space that encouraged this? I have a theory.

I saw relationships growing. Individuals were sharing deeply. They were well past the what-do-you-write type of how’s-the-weather talk. Speakers were freely sharing. Listeners were caring and attentive. Attendees of all ages were learning from one another.

There is a deeper level of conversation that feeds our souls and frees us from remaining in the polite society level of relationship. God has been teaching me about this kind of communication, encouraging me to develop the skill of speaking with both friends and strangers to reach that deeper sharing more quickly.

This past Spring, I attended a women’s simulcast conference. The concept of asking questions that lead to more honest conversation was demonstrated during the two days. Women were equipped to share transparently, learning a simple way to speak to neighbours, coworkers, and each other to develop relationships and introduce God through caring communication.  Google “IF: Gathering” and you can discover what it’s all about. Perhaps there will be an IF: Local near you. There will be another in Fort St John this coming February.

Most of you probably already have this communication skill, whether unconsciously as part of your personality or consciously practicing relationship building. The idea is not new. As writers, we know about asking open-ended questions that cannot be answered with one word and provide more valuable information. As Christians, we understand the need for mentoring, discipling, and encouragement. But I am only now recognizing the difference that connecting in deeper conversation can make in a relationship.

Parents use this style with their children. Ask a child how school was that day and you will probably get “Fine.” Ask a child to describe what they enjoyed at school you may get a story about kindness, a good grade, or an interesting topic of study.

Jesus used this kind of communication with his disciples and the crowds. He asked questions. He used everyday life to introduce spiritual truth. He listened and watched and knew the heart of his disciples and of strangers in the crowds. Jesus quickly reached an intimate relationship with all he spoke with. God in us only makes a difference to others when we are in an actual relationship; more than a wave-on-garbage-day relationship but one where listening and caring and sharing is purposed.

From Old Testament times, our relationships were meant to have a purpose - to experience and share God in our everyday life. Deuteronomy 6:4-10 describes this communication to the nation of Israel.

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

(New Living Translation – italics added.)

We can use this form of communication at church, work, or across the fences in your neighbourhood. Rather than asking how their week was, which will usually get the “Fine” or “Good” answer, take the risk to begin a conversation on more than a surface level. Know, however, that this kind of conversation is never one-sided. You, too, must be prepared to share your heart.

Taking an honest interest in others may be easier when we have writing and God in common, like at Conference, but our calling is to communicate with both printed and oral words in a transparent way that allows God to shine through.

Some topics or questions to start a connection.

The best moment of the past week.
A relationship you struggled with this week.
What you are using for your daily devotions right now.
The number of words you think you wrote this week.
How you feel about (insert current news story.)
Who you are looking forward to getting together with next week (or over Christmas.)
Where you have been in the past year that you would recommend someone visit.
When/how you met your spouse or God.
Why you chose your profession. What led you to live in this neighbourhood.
Who the person in your genealogy is whose story is most interesting.
Who you admire that you would like to know more about.

From "Hosanna" to "He is Risen" by Marnie Pohlmann

Easter, the Christian celebration from "Hosanna" to "He is risen. He is risen indeed," has been over for more than a week now.

For some, the Easter period began with Lent, a time of sacrifice and contemplation about what Jesus' sacrifice means to us. This tradition is an opportunity for us to examine ourselves and our need of a Saviour. Did you give up something for Lent and use the time to examine your life and your relationship with God?

After Lent comes Holy Week. I read an Easter blog at www.biblegateway.com in which the writer used passages from the Gospels to explain the events leading through this week to the resurrection we celebrate.

Sunday - The triumphal entry, celebrating Jesus as the Messiah, come to save the people. “Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!”

Monday/Tuesday - Jesus challenged the money changers and taught Scripture at the Temple.

Wednesday - Judas is tempted and chose to reject Jesus' way by conspiring to force his own version of the future.

Thursday - Jesus and the disciples gathered for the Passover Meal, now known as the last supper. Jesus washed feet like a servant would. Jesus declared Himself the bread and the blood. Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray together, but Jesus prayed alone through struggles to submission.

Friday - Betrayal, accusation, abandonment, judgment, “Crucify him,” death among thieves, “It is finished,” earthquake, burial.

Saturday - Silence and fear.

Sunday - The resurrection. New life. “He is risen. He is risen indeed!”

And Easter is complete.

We go back to work, or school, or our families. We continue to gather at church services once a week to sing worship songs.

As I looked at this week of events, I realized that if I missed contemplating my relationship with God through the time of Lent, or wished to continue that self-examination, here was another opportunity. I could take the events of each Holy Week day to ask questions about my own walk with Christ.

Sunday – Celebrating Jesus as King.

Am I following God to enjoy the good life of celebrations or am I a follower on the good days AND the bad days? Am I a Sunday-only Christian or is Christianity my way of life?

Monday/Tuesday – Money changers. Teaching at the Temple.

What does where I spend my money say about me? Does it show I am committed to God or that I am swayed by other things? These things may not be bad in themselves, and may be different for each person, but what are my priorities?

Am I learning and practicing what Scripture tells me? Am I gathering with other believers to ask questions, discuss Scripture, and test my beliefs?

Wednesday – Conspiracy.

Do I know God or am I making God be who I want Him to be, taking the parts I want but rejecting the parts of God I am uncomfortable with? Am I following God or asking God to follow me in my desires? Do I make decisions first then ask for blessing and forgiveness, rather than trusting God to guide my life?

Thursday – Passover Feast.

Am I gathering with other believers? Am I serving them and serving with them, or only expecting them to serve me?

Do I pray intimately with them or do I fall asleep?

Do I take my own struggles to God and submit to His way?

Friday – Betrayal, accusation, abandonment, judgment, death.

When troubles come, do I stand true - even in times that hurt? Am I willing to suffer pain, abandonment, and rejection to follow God through to the end of this life?

Saturday – Silence and fear.

Do I trust God in the silence or do I hide in fear? Do I wait in anticipation for His promises to be fulfilled in His time?

Sunday – He is risen!

Am I living in this physical time as though eternity and the Kingdom of God are at hand? What do I really believe about the resurrection? 

Without restored life, I remain lost. Christ's death and resurrection for our salvation has been accomplished, but our own part in the Kingdom of God is not finished. Christ is risen! How do we answer these questions presented by the events of Holy Week?

Am I a Palm Sunday “Hosanna” Christian?
Am I a “Crucify him” Christian, depending on who I am with?
Do I believe only to the point of the crucifixion death?
Am I believer in “He is risen. He is risen indeed” and do I live like I believe this?

Easter, the Christian celebration from "Hosanna" to "He is risen. He is risen indeed," has been over for more than a week now. Will the choices I make in response to this Christian season continue in my life as a testimony to the redemption given by the living God?

*photos courtesy of Pixabay.com, CCO Licence

Marnie Pohlmann writes from the beautiful northern town of Taylor, BC. Read how she responds to the risen Saviour on her blog, Phosphorescent.

Questions from Simone

Last week Simone asked me if she could interview me about my faith. Simone is taking a class in world religion this semester in high school. As part of her assignment she was required to find someone who would not be afraid to talk about her faith. The information would then be shared with a small group and, of course, her teacher.

I stepped up to the plate when she asked me. Any opportunity to talk about my faith - especially from someone who wants to listen, makes me giddy. This would be easy. I know where I stand and what I believe. Give me a mountain top and I will shout from it. So I told Simone to bring on the questions.

To my initial surprise, and as technology deems, she didn't want to do a face to face interview. Simone sent an e-mail my way complete with ten different questions. As a writer, one would think that I would love the opportunity to share in words, my thoughts. Actually I did. But I didn't expect the questions to overpower me and challenge me in my everyday. It's not that the questions were difficult. They were actually straightforward and thought-provoking. But let me tell you, when I had to actually put my thoughts into words, I realized the importance of really thinking about my faith and what it means to me personally. How do I present myself as a Christian? What is it about God that is undeniably real? Why do I hold fast to a faith that cannot be fathomed by others? These weren't the questions Simone sent my way. But these were the questions that surfaced in my mind as I responded to the e-mail. And I am glad they did.

I answered Simone's questions then I did a little more thinking about my walk with Jesus. It was then I decided that it is good for me to once in a while refresh myself in this way. So thanks, Simone for making me take stock and truly think through my faith. I feel renewed, refreshed and ready to take that next step with Jesus in the lead!