By mid-February, my three so far TripAdvisor online travel evaluations have been read by 1878 people and won a deserving bed and breakfast in Arad, Israel, a top star rating. Two thousand copies of my first children’s book, Whoosh, are out there—not a huge number but it’s gratifying to have that many readers. Five of my true stories published in three Guideposts compilation books have a broader circulation still, and I have two true stories published in Farm & Ranch Living Magazine, one of my favorites, with 1.3 million reader circulation.
There is power in the written word. Like citizenship, it provides opportunities—and responsibility.
What do we say? And why do we say it? What impact and meaning do we give readers who only know us through the written page? What do they learn of life? What do they see and retain of the God we serve? I don’t want them entertained but detoured by my idiosyncrasies and foibles without considering my underlying life purpose.
Tones of voice and facial expressions are musical accompaniment to our words, creating a multi-dimensional song and dance for our lives. I’ve heard kind words said in clipped anger and felt the underlying knife. I’ve heard awkward but heartfelt words expressed through a voice as rough as homespun—and felt its caress. For me, touch is often the final indicator. You can’t fake the communication of touch. Its communication doesn’t lie.
Is it any wonder that God sent His son as the Word to make Himself known? And lived out redeeming love without self-regard? The Message says, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” Instead of loss and ending, that kind of life grows in leaps and bounds and extends forever.
Writer Brandy Valance posted: “To write means more than putting pretty words on a page; the act of writing is to share a part of your soul with the world.” On her recent blog, author friend Beth K. Vogt shared a post so honest, vulnerable, and powerful, it took my breath away but brought freedom. Words carry that kind of power.
So go ahead, speak, write, and love. Please comment how you will share your uniquely valuable life and show your heart to others today.
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