S is for Self-Examination by Susan Barclay

 

A few years ago, I took an in-person writing course on spiritual autobiography. While it was fascinating both to explore many examples, concepts, and tools, one thing that stood out is the requirement of self-examination. To write one's spiritual autobiography, the writer needs to look closely at herself in "the mirror," reflecting on the transformational events in her life that have shaped her.

One of the authors whose works we considered in this course is David G. Benner.* In his book The Gift of Being Yourself: the Sacred Call to Self-Discovery, he says,

Christian spirituality involves a transformation of the self that occurs only when God and self are both deeply known. Both, therefore, have an important place in Christian spirituality. There is no deep knowing of God without a deep knowing of self, and no deep knowing of self without a deep knowing of God. John Calvin wrote, “Nearly the whole of sacred doctrine consists in these two parts: knowledge of God and of ourselves.

Benner warns that

Unless we spend as much time looking at God as we spend looking at our self, our knowing of our self will simply draw us further and further into an abyss of self-fixation.

I think we can agree that we see all around us today the effects of self-absorption, selfishness, and navel-gazing, in societies that have become more hostile to the things of God and to an awareness of God. That's a post (perhaps) for another day.

But what are the benefits of self-examination for writers, whether or not we are writing spiritual autobiography? Why is it important to have a strong sense of who we are? I think there are a few reasons.

God has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives, to give us a hope and a future (ref Jeremiah 29:11). When we work from a place of understanding who we are in Him, and know that we're in the centre of His will, it gives us courage and strength to go where He leads us because we know that we are working alongside of Him and He is with us (ref Joshua 1:9). 

Having a strong sense of who we are also: 

- helps us to determine what we are meant to write.

- helps us know why we are the ones best positioned to write this particular story, book, poem, devotional, or article.

- helps us know who our audience is, whether we are writing for seniors, adults, teens, or children.

- provides a framework for writing in a way best suited to us: using pen and paper or a computer; working in a noisy or quiet atmosphere; writing to the sounds of nature, classical music, or pop; writing in the wee hours of the morning or late into the night; working in a coffee shop, home office, library, sunroom, or kitchen.

“We do not find our true self by seeking it. Rather, we find it by seeking God.” (Benner)

How well you know God determines how well you know yourself. Are you seeking (spending time with) Him each day? Do you know if you're stewarding your gifts well? What can you do today to get to know Him and yourself better? 

 

[*For the record, I don't necessarily endorse Benner's contemporary work. He has gone further into mysticism than I am personally comfortable with...]

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For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com.

K is for Know by Susan Barclay

      

This month's post requires little to no introduction: simply put, to be effective as inspirational writers, there are a few things we need to know:

Our audience – for whom are we writing? Adults? Teens? Children? Christians? Non-Christians? Even within these groups, there are variations. Are the adults young, senior, or somewhere in between? Are the teens younger or older? Are the children 0-4, 4-8, or 8-12? Are the Christians mature or new? Are they pastors or lay people? Men or women? Are the non-Christians open, questioning, or hostile? Your target audience determines your writing style, the language you use, your tone, and your content.

Our subject matter – what are we writing about? For that matter, what are we writing? Fiction or non-fiction. Depending on the genre and content of our writing, more or less research is required. When we pick up a book, we want to know that the author knows his or her stuff. When you’re pregnant and you want to know what to expect, you don’t usually choose a book written by someone who only knows cars. The reverse is also true: you don’t typically select a book on auto mechanics that’s been written by a gynecologist. If you’re going to write something, know your subject. The best readers will be able to tell.

 

Our message – what are we trying to say? Everything we write should be an attempt to communicate something, even if it’s just for laughs. Fiction contains themes and ideas; non-fiction has a purpose revealed in the thesis statement (remember those from high school?). Knowing the overarching message of your work provides its guiding light.

 

Ourselves – who are we? Are we the best person to communicate this message, to write about this subject, or to communicate to this particular audience? Do we bring something new to the table, some unique angle or way of thinking about things? Why do we want to write on this topic or this theme? Has God laid it on our hearts, have we noticed a gap in the literature that needs someone to fill it, has an opportunity for publication presented itself? Knowing ourselves helps us to take on those projects that are personally meaningful or suited to us and to let go of those that might sound good but are better left to others.

 

God (last, but certainly not least) – who is He to us? Are we seeking and allowing Him to direct our steps or are we managing our lives and writing in our own strength and wisdom? It’s always best to seek Him first and to follow Him in obedience, since He has good plans and a purpose for our specific lives (ref Jeremiah 29:11), including for our writing. Knowing God requires us to be silent and still, listening for His voice so that He can function as Lord, be our good Father, and our life.

As much as we may want to write, “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way” (Proverbs 19:2). Let’s step beyond desire this month and think about knowing, growing in our ability to inspire well.

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For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com.