From the Inside Out

“I can’t even write a postcard,” my grandfather used to lament. “As soon as I pick up a pen, the words stop!”

Had Gramps met American author Isaac Asimov, and the conversation turned to Gramps’ perceived inability to write, Asimov would surely have asked, “Do you ever have thoughts?”

Gramps would chuckle. “Of course!”

Then with a twinkle in his eye, Asimov would share one of his famous quotes:

Perhaps you too avoid writing. The process is challenging—finding the words to express your thoughts, combining them into cohesive sentences, and putting those sentences in a sensible order.

And if you have no desire to start a Substack page or produce a book, what’s the point?

Allow me to suggest: the act of writing doesn’t have to lead to publication to be valuable. 

Even personal writing . . .

. . .  helps us focus

. . .  brings clarity to our thoughts

. . .  prompts deeper thinking which often leads to worthwhile discovery

. . . provides a place to capture insights and consider their implications

. . . can lead to a proper perspective of a matter, while considering all sides

For the Christian, personal writing includes even more benefits, as we write-to-meditate on such matters as: scripture, a theological concept, or a quote from a Christian author we want to explore further. Some of the posts here at From the Inside Out began as such explorations.

For the Christian, writing . . .

. . . encourages thoughtful reflection, which leads to meaningful application.

This entry became Quiet Restoration

. . . slows our thinking, allowing room for God to speak within our spirits.

This entry inspired Peace Amidst the Noise

. . . deepens our intimacy with God.

This entry grew into Quietness Is . . .

. . . can be an act of worship

This entry prompted Sweetness and Power

When writing for personal purpose, who cares if the verbs include a mix of past and present tense? So what if a dangling modifier sneaks in? The writing is for you and perhaps for your heavenly Father who revels in sincere, honest effort—mistakes aside.

The act of writing itself, even if it doesn’t leave the room, can be a powerful, redemptive, clarifying act.

–Lyla Lyndquist, poet

So how might someone like Gramps—totally averse to writing—get words on the page?

With:

Scripture Writing

“Yep, just write it. Writing the Word helps us slow down and prevents us from skimming too quickly over the text. It’s the most straightforward way we can saturate our hearts and minds with the truth of God’s Word”—Denise Hughes, Deeper Waters, 77.

Then. care to challenge yourself? Write the answers to a few questions such as:

1) What stands out to me in this passage?

2) What does the text say about God, his attributes and actions, and how that knowledge might relate to my life?

3) What does this passage point out that I need to apply to my life? What might that application look like?

A Gratitude Journal

Even secular research has affirmed the value of keeping a gratitude journal. Entries don’t have to be extensive—just a blessing or two each day is sufficient to build up faith, hope, and joy.

‘Can’t think what to write? This website offers 100 prompts, drawing attention to a wide range of God’s blessings: https://proverbs31mentor.com/gratitude-journal-prompts/.

Written Prayers and Praises

In addition to thinking through your fingers, we can also pray or praise through our fingers by simply writing to God what’s on our hearts.

It may be as short as one sentence, but often another thought will surface while writing, and before you know it, a paragraph will appear on the page.

Whatever you choose to write as part of your devotion to God, it need not be elaborate or long.

Just:

And begin to experience the blessings and benefits of the writerly life.

P.S. If you journal already, please share in the comment section below the reasons why you write and what types of entries you write. Your thoughts may spark the interest of others!

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