Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit..
Mark 13:11
Hello sweet Friend,
Sue Monk Kidd, the author of The Secret Life of Bees and many other fiction and nonfiction works, was recently interviewed and she was talking about the three qualities of a writer. She said, “One must have something to say, the ability to say it, and the courage to voice your authentic self.”
Even after writing these devotionals for over five years, I still have insecurities about calling myself a writer. When I sit down to put words onto the page, I so pray for wisdom. When I teach, I pray for insight. And when I preach, I always pray that my words will be acceptable to God. I understand, at a gut level, that I am a vessel. Exodus 4:12 has long been my comfort in these writing endeavors, “Now go; I will help you speak and teach you what to say.” So I become still, I listen, and when I am filled, I understand that I am to pour my insights onto the page as Living Waters for others. Long have I prayed, “Lord, use me.” Now here is the hard part—the third part of Sue Monk Kidd’s formula for writers--the courage to voice your authentic self.
When we voice our Truth, it is risky. Don’t we all long to be accepted, loved, and perceived as worthy? Yet, I urge you to continue to spread the Word of Jesus’ love. It takes courage to tell details of your spiritual life, however, there is nothing more urgent than to share God’s word. Ask God to use you. Speak up! Take a risk! Being a disciple is not for the faint of heart. God will give you the words. Trust Him. Linda