HOPE & LIGHT

I’m joining with the online discussion group that Kate Motaung is hosting on her blog Heading Home, based on the book On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts, by Ann Krocker & Charity Singleton Craig. Today’s chapter is Discover.

I do two main types of writing, some in a journal that only I will read, and some in a blog or article that will be published for others to see. For me, finding myself through writing mostly applies to the writing I do for myself, in my journal.

When I’m struggling with something, such as the rapid decline in my health over the past few months, journaling is a healthy release. Often, writing about what is going on, applying Scripture to my situation, helps me understand what I need to do. In essence, by journaling, I bring the Lord Jesus Christ into my situation, giving me a clearer view of how I need to respond.

Let me give an example. Tomorrow, I’ll receive the results on an MRI on my cervical spine that was done last week. My doctor ordered the test because I’ve had frequent headaches, increased back pain, and numbness in my right foot since a pain injection in my cervical spine two months ago. Tomorrow, I meet with my doctor to go over the results, and this morning I was feeling anxious.

Today turned out to be a good day, because I took the time to bring God into the picture. I reminded myself that He already knows the results, and He will give me wisdom in any choices that need to be made. This process helps me to “discover myself” as God wants me to be, helping me see the situation from His perspective.

When I’m writing for other eyes to see, the process of bringing my emotions under control and bringing God into the situation has already been completed. The inner battle has been won, and I can write from a place of victory to encourage others who may be facing similar circumstances.