On the brink of a new year, we’re thinking about fresh starts and fear and how do we begin again and how your words matter. Whether you write, speak, or simply want to connect with the hearts of those you love, this year, The Word in your words can change the world. My friend, Ann Voskamp, and I have been talking and praying about words. How to serve with them and use them well. We’re writing our thoughts as a series of letters each Tuesday and we’d love for you to be part of the conversation too. Will you join us? _____________________________________________________________________________________
Dearest Ann,
I don’t know how to write this series of letters without talking about fear.
I sometimes teach workshops at writing conferences, meet with those who come, and one question that seems to lurk behind whatever else they may ask is this:
Will I ever stop being afraid to do this?
My answer…
No.
You won’t.
Neither will I.
And this isn’t just about words—it’s any endeavor where we offer a piece of ourselves, lay bare our hearts for the world, give something we’ve held close.
You, dear reader on this journey with us, know what that is for you: words, art, music, a mission, a dream, a child, a relationship.
Maybe what we’re really asking, without even knowing it, is this: Can I do this and not be crucified?
We blush a bit when we think of it this way but didn’t even Jesus ask for the cup to pass from Him? No one wants this part of it. Not even the Son of God.
And yet it’s in the giving, the laying down, the opening ourselves up that we find a path to joy.
Yes, there are good things—such great things—on the other side of fear, the other side of dying to ourselves. But the only way from here to there is through it.
We try to make ourselves ready for the task. But there aren’t enough conferences, books, wise friends, experiences, degrees to take away that shaking in our knees.
Our only hope?
Do it anyway…
Will you please read the rest with me over at Ann’s place today? Oh, thank you! Ann has also created free lovely Word Strengtheners just for you. To get there, just click here.
