Why Write?
When I was a kid, especially when I was a teenager, my journal was the place to let everything go. I even drew pictures in and around my words for further expression. My emotions were safe in diary pages, emotions I wasn’t sure how to handle, especially with people at times. My journal was nonjudgmental and objective, like a good friend.
As my teenage years progressed, my writing helped me search through muddy-identity waters until it became clear who it was, who I was trying to become. Also, countless pages of pencil and ink helped me cope with difficult situations, stress, and anxiety and allowed me to vent my frustrations.
Most of all, my journal recorded my life—significant events, relationships, milestones, failures, and victories.
I still keep journals decades later. You know why they are important to me? They show my progress in becoming a Christ-follower, little by little, day by day, even with all my imperfections.
As adults, we know that carving out writing time from day jobs, family, friends, and other commitments takes more than a little motivation.
So, as a Christian writer, what moves you to write? What keeps you going when you don’t have enough time amid juggling day jobs, illness, major life events, and so much more?
I want to present a possible answer to this question. It is simple but profound.
GOD compels us to write.
He pushes us ever onward because the world badly needs better, wholesome, commandment-keeping individuals who fight to grow the light in the world as opposing forces seek to darken it. What we write STAYS in the world and testifies all day, every day., Anyone who comes across Christian content has a choice to make—to take a deeper look or to turn away.
Is it poetry, devotionals, novels, nonfiction, or fiction that springs up inside you? Sharing personal-faith journeys, struggles, Christian parenting, or triumphs in any arena will resonate deeply with readers. Writings that defend Christian faith, explore Biblical history, or address current events through a Christian lens stand as invaluable works in a world overflowing with dark content.
Your writings matter. Your writing is noteworthy. Heaven knows you and knows you’re trying to make a difference in the world.
With those thoughts in mind, here are some sparks for your Christian writing imagination
A desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ
Do you desire to spread the teachings of the Bible and the message of Jesus? This aim in writing may bring people hope and encouragement through your words and personal experiences.
Connection and Community:
Christian writers often seek to foster community and dialogue through their works. Writing can connect people who share similar values and beliefs.
Spirituality and Faith:
Do you often feel a deep calling to express faith through words, whether it’s to explore theological concepts, testify, or inspire others in their religious considerations?
Cultural Engagement:
Some are motivated to write by a desire to explore contemporary issues through a Christian lens; addressing ethical, moral, and social challenges in a way that reflects faith.
Support and Encouragement:
Do you seek to provide help, inspiration, and comfort to readers facing struggles in their lives by drawing on respective experiences and Biblical principles? This category might be a new one to explore in your writing.
Legacy for Descendants:
Literary works are a gift left in the form of poems, essays, books, articles, and more. These works will educate, inspire, and entertain far into the future. Consider C.S. Lewis and his writing that continues to resonate across generations. His Chronicles of Narnia blend fantasy with spiritual and moral themes and captivate readers of all ages. Lewis’s theological influence through his works of Mere Christianity, The Problem of Pain, and The Screwtape Letters, explores deep questions about morality, faith, and the nature of God; while engaging readers in self-reflection and critical thinking, regarding life’s most important questions. But I think what I love most about Lewis’s works is the cultural impact of his ability to weave Christian themes into popular literature, in a way that bridges the gap between secular culture and faith. His work Makes discussions about spirituality and morality more approachable. I often ponder what my descendants will gain from the works I leave behind. I don’t know my great-grandchildren or those who will come after them, but I already have a deep sense of love for them.
As I remember the journals of my youth, I’m surprised at how much of myself still goes into each literary work—from articles to novels.
Think of the centuries the Bible has endured. Christian writers are part of God’s Army. Our words as Christ-followers will likely stand, Writing is one of the most important tools for testifying of Christ and it endures.
The next time you feel too tired, too scheduled, or too pulled in countess directions—choose to write anyway—but take a minute to notice why. WHY? Take notes on what you are feeling that keeps you going and keeps you writing.
That is the spirit of God working in YOU.
My fellow authors keep typing, scribbling, and composing. Keep journaling and creating prose. You may not see that it matters right nowbut continue to listen to that prompting that moves you forward, because your words do matter—now and in the future. Your descendants for generations will know you better than they ever could have if you leave behind your words.
Have you figured out your why yet? I’m guessing you already have. Just know it’s worth it, so very worth it.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, go back to journaling to remember what keeps you going when you feel like you don’t have time or energy to spend with your keyboard anymore.
Overall, a Christian author’s legacy is a composite of creative production, values, ideas, and inspirations. It is faith-based writing, channeled through the spirit of God to those today and those who will come long after.
I would love to know if you agree that God compels us to write.
I know He compels me.
Similar to the parable of the Twelve Virgins, our works show our development in becoming Christ-followers, one drop at a time, day by day, individually, and as a whole, as we prepare to meet God.
Author Bio
Wendy Wilson Spooner is a professional Genetic Genealogist by day, a writer by night, and an artist in between. She lives in sunny St. George, Utah, where she loves to hike, bike, spend time with family and friends, and binge on Bollywood films. After completing her undergrad studies, Wendy went on to gain a graduate diploma from the University of London in Genealogy and Documentary Sciences. Formerly, she served as chairman of the advisory board for Century Vital Records based in Bengaluru, India, and as National Vice Chair for Daughters of the American Revolution, American Heritage. Currently, she serves as a board member for the St. George Arts Commission and for Every Name Counts LLC. She continues to love and serve Christian youth as she has for decades.
LINKS TO TWO RELEVANT CIPA BLOG POSTS
https://christianpublishers.net/product/sowing-seeds-writing-for-the-christian-childrens-market/
https://christianpublishers.net/writing-career-as-a-christian-author/