by Pamela Mertz, ACC, CPLC
Why write? What is it about writing down my thoughts and experiences that continues to be so intriguing?
As I contemplate that question myself, as a writer, struggling to “find time” and “fit it in” to my daily schedule, I pause.
Why do I feel I should write? I have long known I was to write a book, but have wrestled with that thought for many, many years. Should I? Who am I to write a book? What can I possibly add to the amazing writers and authors already out there? Is this just me wanting to “be known”? And on and on these questions swirl.
Being a part of CCNI’s Writers Group, and hearing in community that this is something all writers struggle with has been helpful. The realization that has recently been made clearer is that I am called to write! Not so I can be known, but so that the Father can be known through all He has done through my story. My story is actually His Story. He is using me to tell it in a way that will be unique to me – and only I can tell it! This clarity has helped me to see beyond the task of writing and see the purpose. I have been embracing the wrong “why”. It is not about me (still!) and I am grateful to have that opportunity to bless the Lord, in a small, minute way, for all of the blessings He has poured out upon me!
I have been camping out in Psalm 24 for months. Specifically, Ps 24:7 (which is funny to me, as it pops up literally 24:7 in so many places!!)
Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in! (NASB)
“Lifting up heads” in Hebrew is an idiom that means “be restored to a place of honor”. To write, to share what He’s been doing in my life, my heart, my soul…is what I am called to do! This is a place of honor, and I need to embrace it as such. A sacred assignment from the Father Himself. To know this and be encouraged by others is golden. I want the King of glory to come in through me everywhere I go. If I keep looking down at my circumstances, and the details, I will miss His promptings. I no longer listen to those initial questions I listed, as those are the wrong questions to be asking. Now I ask, “what do You want shared about you today, Father?” and “how shall I describe You here, in this part, Abba?” It is such a lovely dance that we are called into when we step into the works He has created for us long before we took our first breath here on earth. Sometimes I stand on His feet!
Habbakuk 2:1-3 is also a beautiful reminder, as it says to watch and see what the Lord is doing and write it down in His appointed time. What if the time for my story is NOW?
God wants to be known, and that is why He has called people to share the experiences we have with Him and about Him. So that others may know Him too, learn about His goodness, and seek Him out too. THIS is why I will pursue my calling to write and put aside all those distractions and other voices that are causing pause. The time is now to share. By simply sharing, I pray I can help the world know this amazing Father I have!!
James 4:17 says Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin…yikes…this is some pretty strong communication. I want to be obedient and therefore write. I trust that if He called me, He will provide what I need and when to get the entire process taken care of. However, I don’t want to do something out of fear…ever. That is not God’s design either. I want to be obedient because I love Him who first loved me. I am so blessed to get the opportunity to share with others how He has been involved in each and every step of my life – every breath actually. Another adventure awaits as I settle into the keyboard with Him once again….
What have you been wrestling with? How might you seek clarity on the “True Why” it has been placed in your heart?
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://christiancoaches.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Pamela-Mertz.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Pamela Mertz, CPLC, ACC is the President and Founder of BluePrint Life Coaching, LLC. She brings over 35 years of experience as a business owner and strategist in the high-tech electronics industry and earned her coach certification during her transition into the coaching field. She is trained by PCCI and Dartmouth Institute Microsystems Academy as a certified Quality Improvement Coach for healthcare and is also a certified Strengths Finders Coach. Pamela can be reached at pamela@blueprintlife.net.
