Friday, September 25, 2009

Is It Okay to Say This?


Frustrated by a bout with writer's block, I whined to the Lord,
"What is happening here, Lord? I know I'm a good writer..."
Wait, what did I just say? I know I'm a good writer. I know I'm a good writer. Hmm... And it flowed so freely from my heart, too. It wasn't all that long ago that I began feeling comfortable with saying, "I am a writer." Now I'm saying, "I know I'm a good writer."

At first I was shocked that I could so boldy declare to God: "I know I'm a good writer." However, the more I pondered my statement, the more confident I became.

I take no credit for my writing ability; it is a gift given me by the God of all grace.

If a person gave me a present I wouldn't say, "This is the ugly car Jennie gave me" or "Come see the sorry excuse for a hutch the Jones' bought us for Christmas." I would exult in my gifts, relishing their beauty, grateful for the relationship that prompted such an outpouring of love and generosity.

So, go ahead. Not only is it okay to tell the world, "I'm a writer." It's perfectly fitting to tell the Lord, "I'm a good writer. Thanks to You."

21 comments:

  1. Just when I began doubting myself and considering pulling an article submission from a magazine because it has been sent back to me for the third time advising revisions.

    I was beginning to feel as if I was not writing well enough because the suggestions were very simple ones; things that I should have already known!

    Thanks.

    smooches,
    Larie

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  2. Beautiful. Thanks for making it clear in such a light.

    Thank You, too. For everything.

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  3. I'm sorry about your writer's block, and YES, you ARE a good writer! That's just the evil one putting doubts in your head!

    The thing about me is, I don't really KNOW if I am. I've only written one thing. I've had some readers who say I can weave a great story, but looking at the first of my dad's edits, well, I'm not that great of a writer. Yet. :) If I can tell a story, then I can work on the writing. At least that's what I keep telling myself! lol

    May God open your mind and let your words flow!

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  4. LOL I'm like Sherrinda, not sure I'm a good writer. But I think I feel that I'm a capable writer, which works for me. LOL!

    Wonderful post though. Sometimes people think they're being humble but *sometimes* they're just insulting God's gift. (not that I've ever done this... *snort*)

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  5. I LOVE this, Jen!! I've been talking about giftings with my kids lately and trying to help them discern what God has given them. You're so right to point out that we should be positive about the gifts we're given. After all, every good and perfect gift is given by the Father of love, right?

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  6. You're so right!
    We shouldn't snub the gifts that are given to us, but rejoice with thanksgiving.
    Thanks for the reminder, Jeanette!

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  7. I am ungrateful at times and feel sorry. Thanks for the reminder. :O)

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  8. Praise be to God, to Him be the glory.
    ~ Wendy

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  9. Provers 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.


    God thinks well of us, we should too.

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  10. Thank you so much for saying this! I always feel not good enough when it comes to my writing and I wonder what I am measuring myself to?
    I thank God for this gift as it is, all our talents are, and the way you worded it, I guess I sound ungrateful.

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  11. P.S. How are you feeling??? Hopefully, lots better! :O)

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  12. So totally in agreement with the statement and what you said about it. Hope your words on paper start flowing.

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  13. Yes, you do write well, dear friend. I often forget to thank Him. Good reminder!

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  14. Jen!! This is SO true. There is no room for pride when what we do is a GIFT. Our Father gave it to us, and there's no shame in admitting we're good at the gift He's given.

    Would you mind if I sort of steal this idea a little? It totally brought up an analogy I'd like to use in one of my blog posts. I'll link to your blog!

    Thanks for the thoughts. :)

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  15. Hi Jeanette,
    Loved your funny fair story on my blog. Thanks for visiting me.
    I Loved what you had to say here. What a surprising way to see how much you have grown in confidence. I am, like Sherrinda, at the starting point and still working on the concept of seeing myself as a writer. Your wonderful example inspires me. Thanks!

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  16. Good thoughts, Jeanette. Thanks for the encouragement. I've been feeling a little down lately for a number of reasons and this is a nice reminder that our ability to write is a GIFT from God.

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  17. AMEN! He deserves the credit and praise!

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  18. Oo I needed this. you are wonderful and truly a great writer! I love how the Lord uses you!!!

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  19. I don't know why Jen, but your new posts never seem to come up on my blog roll. Very annoying.

    This is so true and it's something I've been struggling with as of late, too. It's the whole humble verses being self-depracating thing--I'm finally seeing the difference. Praise God!

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  20. Jeanette:
    You are a good writer because God makes you one.

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  21. Good point and I needed it today. I am BLOCKED! I'm so impressed with your blog! You are doing so many things right and I know you are a good/excellent writer. Enjoy reading the blog. Hope to see you soon. Clella

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.