When I was but a timid little girl, one particular book called me out of the trenches of a soul-damaging environment. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - remember that one? That story ministered a dream to me; I read it again and again with hunger. Little did I know that a writing window had opened before me.
Now, this may sound strange, but looking back, it’s like God spoke to me through the character of Jo, who desperately wanted to become a writer. Only she wrote what she thought would sell, not the things she was passionate about. I did this, too, for awhile, trying to establish myself as a freelance writer. But it neither sold nor satisfied. Today, a fictitious character in Jo’s life (the professor) echoes more truth to me:
“…you should be writing something from your life, from the depths of your soul. There is more to you than this,” he said, pointing to the newspaper story, “if you have the courage to write it.”
As I read this again, I’m encouraged to keep writing what only I can write because of what God’s done in my life.
So the story continues: How God took a timid little girl out of the soul-damaging trenches, healed her, gave her life, and set her free to write and encourage others.
If I can do this, with His help, so can you.
“Write down the revelation and make it plain…” Habakkuk 2:2
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on November 6, 2009 - 12:22 am
This will come as a shock to you but I have never read that book…. but your post makes me want to go and find it. What a beautiful story of how the Father God touched your heart at such an early age…… and from a book as Little Women. HE is such an awesome God. Even at my age of 62 I sit and reflect on the little girl in me and walk through those years to see if I can see HIM or hear what HE might have said to me at an early age.. I know HE must have…… I just need to hear it…….. You ALWAYS inspire me……
(I got your sweet email and will answer soon)
on November 6, 2009 - 10:05 am
Denise, thanks so much! That book has even greater impact since I understand it more now:-) You might enjoy the movie! There’s an old version
and a newer one.
on November 6, 2009 - 2:42 pm
Oh my word! I just traveled over here from Twitter to discover another nurse who was impacted and inspired by Little Women and Jo. Amazing!
on November 6, 2009 - 10:12 pm
Sandra, thanks for coming over from Twitter - glad to have you. What a sweet commonality we share, huh?
on November 7, 2009 - 7:44 am
The toughest part of writing is getting past the thoughts in your head that say “your writing is not good enough to ever be published” or “what makes you think folks would want to read what you write anyways”. Just a few of the many thoughts I struggle with.
on November 8, 2009 - 8:37 am
Wow, you wrote my biography. :>) That was my favorite book too and it did the same for me. Thanks for sharing.
on November 8, 2009 - 3:52 pm
Victoria,
Your blog has been such a blessing to me. From the time I was around 12 years old, I’ve long to write. I’ve done Writings for my daughter, which I home school. But my burning desire is to write, home school materials, and a series of children books.. Little Children is by far my all time favorite book and movie. Your blog has help me so much and when I’ve been down, it has picked me up. Thank you for Habakkuk 2:2
Thank you
Suzanne
on November 9, 2009 - 12:53 pm
Love the book but didn’t really “get it” til I was in my 30’s. (I know I am a late bloomer)
Thanks for being such a faithful servant, and an inspiration.
(In office today and tomorrow so the un-packing is on hole til Wednesday, I can actually find floor space in my new “creative space” now!)
on November 9, 2009 - 2:51 pm
Denise (ohsewgood), that’s a thought we’ve all struggled with at one time or other. But write anyway. Only you can write your story. Only you can write what God gives you to write! I never thought I’d be published, either, but it happened. I had to actually send my words to an editor, though. Do it, Denise! Love ya!
on November 9, 2009 - 2:51 pm
BeckyJoie, love your name, btw. Thanks for letting me know you read the book, too
on November 9, 2009 - 2:53 pm
Suzanne, oh thank you for telling me that. I need to post more here, ’cause I never know who might need the encouragement. If your burning desire is to write homeschool materials and children’s books - that desire is there for a reason. Pray, write, send! I’ll be praying for you!
on November 9, 2009 - 2:55 pm
Iris, I commented on your last post but not sure it got through - the computer decided to “hiccough” ..lol. Glad you’re finding floor space:-) That’s good! About the book, its meaning grew on me over the years as I re-read it:-) Keep me posted on your progress, Iris.
on November 11, 2009 - 1:47 pm
on November 11, 2009 - 1:49 pm
Hi Paul, good to see you here! Glad you felt encouraged - keep writing, my friend.
on November 11, 2009 - 11:36 pm
Today in Canada is Remembrance day, I am not sure what they call it state side. But it is a day for sober thought yet joyous gladness that the Veterans so willingly went to war, so we could write in freedom. Thank You every last one from then and today now.
on November 12, 2009 - 2:03 am
Iris, thanks. Here we had Veterans Day. I’m so thankful for the courage and bravery of the many men who fought for our freedom throughout the years…and those in the military serving us today. I need to post again soon!
on November 12, 2009 - 8:41 pm
Hi Vicki,
I love Little Women! That always resonated with me. Thank you so much for the reminder! You are too precious!
If you care to, stop by and visit me at my new blog - http://writingtodistraction.blogspot.com
on November 12, 2009 - 10:41 pm
Hi Carla! Glad we have that book in common. I’ll drop by to visit your new place soon! Thanks for the link!
on November 19, 2009 - 4:39 am
Hi Vicky
I actually re-read the Little Women just this autumn. And yes, Jo’s writing and her very wise professor…
Also, that verse from Habakkuk has a special meaning to me too. It was given to me a long, long time ago
I haven’t been writing pretty much anything (but my blog) in a long time - years I think. But maybe the time will come when I’ll do it again. Who knows!
on November 19, 2009 - 2:10 pm
Eija, thank you for commenting. It’s so good to hear from you! Keep blogging - that is writing, you know. {hugs}