I'm thinking Jonathan Rogers offers hope and help with his admonition to "serve the reader." When I can remember that good counsel, it helps with the “I want, I want” cry of my soul. And with Amanda Geidl, "I’m cheering you on! We are in this boat together. Thank you for your transparency and helping me remember I am not alone either!"
Loren, I believe we’re all in the same boat. It’s a tricky situation to write for an audience. On the one hand, we don’t want to chase fame. I heard a quote by Al Andrews that sums it up, “The human soul was not made for fame.” We can’t carry it. But we do write for readers. So to an extent, we do want people to know about it!
You are not alone. We do walk the fine line. I’ve often had the thought that my writing isn’t good enough, and you know what? It may not be. Still, I am compelled to keep doing it. I trust my Father is shaping me in secret and anonymity for my good. And the readers? They’re there, that small and mighty band! I mustn’t forget that I can learn to be content with the audience I’ve been given, to faithfully steward my voice for their good.
I’m cheering you on! We are in this boat together. Thank you for your transparency and helping me remember I am not alone either!
Thanks, Amanda! I think what struck me particularly this week is what an ongoing battle this is. I like to think I’m past it, and then something happens and it rears its ugly head again. Praise God for good friends to walk through it with!
I had a very similar dream recently. I dreamed I was reading to a crowd of people and the words on the paper in front of me turned into squiggles and I couldn’t read them. Then, I lost my ability to speak entirely (knowing my story, you know how multilayered that one is). All of this is so very timely for me, Loren. Thank you for your vulnerability!
Oy those dreams. Sometimes I wish they didn’t uncover reality so clearly! Where are the flying dreams I used to have? Seriously, though, we’re in this together, Heather!
It can be so hard to broach a tricky subject with friends. It could have been easier for you to try and let it go but you didn't. Thank you for being an example of a good friend.
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability, Loren. You are not alone. We need to remind ourselves of what is true and preach the Gospel to ourselves each day. We are indeed, His beloved.
Thank you for this vulnerable and humble wisdom Loren. I'm so grateful for your example. Personally (not saying it's how everyone should see it) it is helpful for me to undermine the "you're not enough" accusations of the enemy, by just agreeing. I'm not enough, just as a paintbrush is not enough to accomplish a painting on its own... but in the Hand and plan of God I trust I will be just exactly what is needed for His good plan. That's enough. And it's important to remind myself of that.
Thank you for vulnerably sharing this precious writing, Loren. I think many of us resonate! I'm currently reading Steve Laube's book, Sacred Margins: On the Spiritual Life of a Writer. He speaks into some of this with pointed wisdom. I think you would appreciate it.
But yes... we need that reminder - We are loved, we are chosen, we are wanted, we are worthy, we are held. Just because we are HIS kids. Love that. Thanks again, my friend from old.
Yes, yes, yes. I sometimes step back and ask myself what I am really searching for in a certain situation and whether that accomplishment could give me that. Am I making an idol of success or friendship or acknowledgment of an achievement? Am I equating success in this area with God’s love? God died for me. How could he say he loves me more definitively? If God loves me, a sinner, why am I trying to impress others? And yet, we have real, good stories and messages for others that we want to share. We feel called to share. If I don’t pursue opportunities am I hiding my light under a basket? How do I pursue opportunities without being ambitious? Ack. It is all so hard and you are not at all alone.
Amen, Loren. I'm not a writer, but a similar sort of thing can happen in other settings. Try accompanying the singing at church, or sharing thoughts in a gathering of women. You want pure motives and a focus on God. And then...
Praise God he does not demand perfection! He knows our limitations, sees our hearts, accepts our service and uses us for his glory. Pretty amazing!
I'm thinking Jonathan Rogers offers hope and help with his admonition to "serve the reader." When I can remember that good counsel, it helps with the “I want, I want” cry of my soul. And with Amanda Geidl, "I’m cheering you on! We are in this boat together. Thank you for your transparency and helping me remember I am not alone either!"
JR’s perspective has definitely been a help over the years! But I definitely need it on repeat 😆
Loren, I believe we’re all in the same boat. It’s a tricky situation to write for an audience. On the one hand, we don’t want to chase fame. I heard a quote by Al Andrews that sums it up, “The human soul was not made for fame.” We can’t carry it. But we do write for readers. So to an extent, we do want people to know about it!
You are not alone. We do walk the fine line. I’ve often had the thought that my writing isn’t good enough, and you know what? It may not be. Still, I am compelled to keep doing it. I trust my Father is shaping me in secret and anonymity for my good. And the readers? They’re there, that small and mighty band! I mustn’t forget that I can learn to be content with the audience I’ve been given, to faithfully steward my voice for their good.
I’m cheering you on! We are in this boat together. Thank you for your transparency and helping me remember I am not alone either!
Thanks, Amanda! I think what struck me particularly this week is what an ongoing battle this is. I like to think I’m past it, and then something happens and it rears its ugly head again. Praise God for good friends to walk through it with!
It’s sneaky like that! I’m grateful for friends to write badly in front of. It sure helps to have a safe place to fail.
I had a very similar dream recently. I dreamed I was reading to a crowd of people and the words on the paper in front of me turned into squiggles and I couldn’t read them. Then, I lost my ability to speak entirely (knowing my story, you know how multilayered that one is). All of this is so very timely for me, Loren. Thank you for your vulnerability!
Oy those dreams. Sometimes I wish they didn’t uncover reality so clearly! Where are the flying dreams I used to have? Seriously, though, we’re in this together, Heather!
How often I need friends to defang the lies of the enemy. Thank you for this, Loren. ❤️
Love you, Elizabeth!
It can be so hard to broach a tricky subject with friends. It could have been easier for you to try and let it go but you didn't. Thank you for being an example of a good friend.
So good, Loren. Adding my "amen" to all the comments saying that we need to be reminded often! Thank you for this.
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability, Loren. You are not alone. We need to remind ourselves of what is true and preach the Gospel to ourselves each day. We are indeed, His beloved.
Over and over and over again I need to hear it!
Thank you for this vulnerable and humble wisdom Loren. I'm so grateful for your example. Personally (not saying it's how everyone should see it) it is helpful for me to undermine the "you're not enough" accusations of the enemy, by just agreeing. I'm not enough, just as a paintbrush is not enough to accomplish a painting on its own... but in the Hand and plan of God I trust I will be just exactly what is needed for His good plan. That's enough. And it's important to remind myself of that.
It’s definitely helpful to remember my true position is actually just what it needs to be. True humility is an excellent thing!
I've talked frequently with another friend about "imposter syndrome" and how it affects our self-esteem and activities. I feel you. //hugs//
Oof, yeah. Imposter syndrome is insidious!
Thank you for vulnerably sharing this precious writing, Loren. I think many of us resonate! I'm currently reading Steve Laube's book, Sacred Margins: On the Spiritual Life of a Writer. He speaks into some of this with pointed wisdom. I think you would appreciate it.
But yes... we need that reminder - We are loved, we are chosen, we are wanted, we are worthy, we are held. Just because we are HIS kids. Love that. Thanks again, my friend from old.
I’ll have to find Steve Laube’s book, Kate. Glad this struck a chord for you! We’re all here helping each other remember who we are in Christ, right?
Yes and amen! :-D
Me, too, friend. Solidarity!
Yes, yes, yes. I sometimes step back and ask myself what I am really searching for in a certain situation and whether that accomplishment could give me that. Am I making an idol of success or friendship or acknowledgment of an achievement? Am I equating success in this area with God’s love? God died for me. How could he say he loves me more definitively? If God loves me, a sinner, why am I trying to impress others? And yet, we have real, good stories and messages for others that we want to share. We feel called to share. If I don’t pursue opportunities am I hiding my light under a basket? How do I pursue opportunities without being ambitious? Ack. It is all so hard and you are not at all alone.
You’re reading my mind, Jennifer! All of these conflicting thoughts and emotions!
It is so oddly comforting to know that I am not the only one who feels this way. Thank you for sharing this.
I’m glad! It really does make a difference to know you aren’t alone!
Amen, Loren. I'm not a writer, but a similar sort of thing can happen in other settings. Try accompanying the singing at church, or sharing thoughts in a gathering of women. You want pure motives and a focus on God. And then...
Praise God he does not demand perfection! He knows our limitations, sees our hearts, accepts our service and uses us for his glory. Pretty amazing!
Amazing indeed. It’s humbling to think he wants to work with us!
Thank you! Yes!
So helpful and vulnerable! Thank you.