Search for the reason that bids you to write; find out whether it is spreading out its roots in the deepest places of your heart, acknowledge to yourself whether you would have to die if it were denied you to write.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
Rilke speaks to all writers who struggle with the vocation of words. Madeleine L’Engle says there is no evading the fact that an artist yearns for success. We need to connect. If art is communication, then our work becomes stillborn if no one reads it. I think of Van Gogh who grieved that no one appreciated his work while he was still alive. “There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke coming through the chimney, and go along their way.” But Van Gogh kept painting. He didn’t have to go out of his way to convey the burden of loneliness and pain.
Rilke says to know why we write. My reason hit me over the head years ago when God burned Habakkuk 2:2 into my heart: “Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell others.” F. Scott Fitzgerald reminds me: You don’t write because you want to say something; you write because you’ve got something to say.”
Sooner or later I have to write or my heart grows restless. It’s hard to shake the call. God spurs me on to publication for reasons beyond the fleeting delight of recognition. I’m branded. I’m compelled. I’m His. And so I write to hold out hope for those who seem to have misplaced theirs. If only I could have given Van Gogh a little more hope.
Why do you write?
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on April 27, 2006 - 1:14 am
I write because if I don’t all those ideas roll around in my head taking up space and making me forget where I last sat my coffee cup down!
One day I found it in the freezer! LOL
on April 27, 2006 - 1:45 am
Dear sister,
Just want you to know that I was here. And praise the Lord for this new site. May He bless you richly and you obey His leadin in serving Him.
Love in Christ,
~Lawrence~
on April 27, 2006 - 11:47 am
Bonnie, you so funny:-) Thanks for coming by–appreciate it.
Lawrence, you are so supportive, and I thank you for that. I’ve tried to post at your blog but it won’t take my comments…hope you’ll visit again soon.
on April 27, 2006 - 2:01 pm
Hi Vicki,
I write because I believe(now)that I was born to write.I write because I have alot to say(ask my husband).I write because I believe God wants me to write.I write to encourage others.I write because I need to do something with all these thoughts and feelings I have.I write because I love words.I love how they look on a page.I loved this post Vicki.And I still love this new site.It really is so”me.”
Much Love,Sharon:-)
on April 27, 2006 - 10:46 pm
Thank you, Sharon. May we strive to hone our craft, this gift of words, that our message would move others to glorify our loving Creator.
on April 28, 2006 - 12:38 am
“Madeleine L’Engle says there is no evading the fact that an artist yearns for success. We need to connect. If art is communication, then our work becomes stillborn if no one reads it.”
I am nodding my head.
Such a balance we seek: to glorify Him and yearn for Him….more than “success.” I confess that yes, my work may appear painfully and wretchedly stillborn without an appreciative reader…I deeply feel that angst….yet if I can only remember: He reads every word; thus, my words have breath and life.
A beautifully encouraging site. My gratitude.
Warmly,
Ann Voskamp
(fellow CWO columnist and Cup of Comfort Devotional writer ~warm smile~ ~wave~)
on April 28, 2006 - 12:33 pm
Amen Vickie!Amen!:-)That is my desire!!
Much Love,Sharon
on April 29, 2006 - 2:40 pm
Ann ~ Thanks for your visit, kind words, and wisdom. So important to keep a balance and not let the world’s view of success overcome us. As believers, we write for the Author & Finisher of our faith. Love your writing and look forward to more from you.
{{hugs}}