HOME by Joylene M Bailey

 

 

~~~~~

Home is an important place to me. The word Home conjures up feelings of safety, sanctuary, comfort, and freedom. I suppose someone psychologically inclined might say those feelings stem from the home in which I grew up. They'd be right. As long as I can remember, my home has been my sanctuary.

When challenged to Go Big or Go Home, I'll pick home every time.

The Cowboy and I have now lived in our new home in the country for fifteen months. We built it prayerfully and purposefully: Built for us, with others in mind has been the motto since the beginning. We've seen over 200 people come through our door, and for every single one my prayer and desire has been that they would find welcome, comfort, sanctuary. That they would feel at home.

It's only recently that I've come to the realization that my writing seems to be built on that theme as well. My characters are finding their way home in one way or another. My blog welcomes readers to feel at home.

I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. My writing reflects who 

I am.

A week ago, in the days following my godly mom-in-law's final home-going, I was intrigued to learn that she had never wanted to discover her spiritual gifts. Yet, everyone else knew what they were because they were so evident. They were part of who she was. And others were blessed by them.

In a small way, I connect that idea to my writing. Yes, there is a place for purposeful, goal-centred writing. But I believe my best work comes out of who God created me to be, and right now that seems to be someone who wants to bring her readers Home.

~~~~~

Feature photo by StockSnap from Pixabay.

Joy and The Cowboy love welcoming guests to their country home in northerly Alberta, where the coffee's always on (now that the new coffee maker has arrived) and there's always an extra chair for one more. Find more Joy-infused writing at Scraps of Joy. 

Death by Criticism, Life by Critique

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”—Proverbs 27:17 RSV

Being a writer or any other type of creative includes some form of evaluation. A criticism or critique may be via an editor, writing buddy, beta writer, writing group member or even a family member etc. Perhaps I should have mentioned most of these sources might be more prone to give a good constructive critique of one's writing. I appreciate those who critique my writing. Criticism is another thing altogether in my mind.

For at least my first twenty years of life I received intense criticism about almost everything I did or tried to accomplish. Without coming off as being dramatic I have to say these years were ones I hoped I would survive. A lesson I learned from years of being criticized is criticism is always negative.

Criticism is something someone else says about you or your work that does not have your benefit in mind. Criticism can be crushing. Criticism can kill your spirit. This became my response at least. For instance, I loved writing composition and English courses at school. I cherished my teachers who encouraged my writing. At home was a different story. I never shared what I wrote with my family for fear of criticism. I always wished this wasn’t the case, but it was.

I have always loved to write. As I have shared in other posts, in my younger years and even into adulthood, I was a closet writer. Fear kept me from sharing my writing. The fear stemmed from pointed words acting as if arrows piercing my heart.

Even today I am sensitive to criticism. On the other hand, I try not to allow criticism to harm me. At such times I pause, take a deep breath and consider the source of the critic. I know I do not allow the words of a critic to hurt my heart anymore.

A summation of my response to criticism of my writing:

1.   Criticism does not have my best in mind.

2.   Criticism may kill my spirit.

3.   Criticism comes from a critical heart.

4.   Criticism disempowers me as a writer if I allow it.

5.   Criticism denies the beauty of the message I desire to convey.

6.   Criticism is shortsighted and sees only what the critic wants to see if anything.

7.   A critic says, “listen to me, you need to quit writing,” while I know I am to listen to God. He is the One who called me.

Contrary to my response to criticism I am always open to my work being critiqued. I want to improve or enhance my writing, therefore, a critique is welcome.

 

Here is an idea of my response to honest critiques of my writing:

1.     A critique allows me to walk with my head up and not feel beat up.

2.     I still know my writing is worth the effort to work on.

3.     A critique reminds me I am not alone in my writing.

4.     I become more confident in the words I write and the message I am conveying.

5.     A critique encourages me not to be afraid to critique someone else’s writing.

6.     Although my writing is a calling from God, I rely on other writers to help me sharpen my skill.

7.      An honest critique and an honest response to it are life-giving and spur me on in my writing.

When I have an opportunity to critique the work of fellow writers I pray I help build up their skill and calling. We are in this together, therefore, let us build each other up.

https://scarredjoy.ca/