At our writer’s group meetings, we try to help every writer reach their
goals. Those goals are as varied as the people― a nurse practitioner works on
an historical novel, a court interpreter writes a children’s book, a former
executive secretary writes for a national magazine, a stay at home mom puts a
non-fiction book proposal together, a bio-chemist pens a Bible study, a pastor
inks a memoir, and the list goes on. Because I also write screenplays, we’ve even
had a scriptwriter attend. However, some who come aren’t necessarily seeking
publication.
Three years ago, Colleen’s husband died unexpectedly, and the grief
took a toll on her creativity. She dropped out of our group for a while, but a
few months ago, Colleen returned. I was glad to see her writing, again.
At our meeting in mid-September, Colleen read a story about the peace
of God. As always, the words were poignant. The gist was she decided not to let
anything take away the peace God placed in her heart.
This past weekend, I clicked on a social media post. I couldn’t believe
what I read. Colleen had died.
As I reeled from the shock of her unexpected death, I took comfort in
that last story. It was as if she were leaving us with this message, “It’s
fine. I have peace with God.”
Many people believe they should write a book. Sometimes our stories are
for publication; sometimes they are for
encouragement to our families. If we are believers, the value of those stories
is more than any other legacy one could leave and is worth committing to paper.
Revelation 12:11 reads, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and
by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to
shrink from death.” The power of testimony helps us conquer the enemy. If you
sense God’s leading in committing your story to paper, do it. Discipline
yourself to write. In the writing, you too, may be encouraged as you revisit
the faithfulness of God in your life.
Some operate under the delusion that we only write when inspired. No,
we write as a discipline. We sit down at the desk and do what God has asked us
to do. Of course, at times, we may have the feeling of inspiration, but we
should not depend on that feeling alone to guide us.
Colleen was obedient to follow God’s leading. Because of her
faithfulness, and despite her unexpected death, who knows what her writing
might accomplish? What a treasure she is leaving. She has certainly left one to
me.
Judy, another member of our group who raises butterflies will soon release
one in Colleen’s memory. Dear Colleen, thank you for all you have meant to us.
We sure will miss you.
