Words

 

My sister once time told me, she hates when writers talk about their writing or their blockages and inspirations. Every since then, I have been sensitive to not doing this. Mostly, because I didn't want to be on her bad writer list. But also because I kind of agreed with her. There is nothing worse than hearing someone express thoughts as if its a real problem and no one cares. It's just noise in an already noisy world.

Anyway, I am a writer. I know this because I write about everything. I write to sort out life and why people behave as they do and what makes sense or doesn't make sense. One important lesson for a writer, is to not take too much advice from non-writers. Don't let others' opinions dissuade you from creativity, character growth, and from expanding your art-form. Keep after wording correctly.

I am drawn to teaching as well. I am eager to learn so I expect others are too. If I have learned and relearned a very important lesson, I feel the deep need to teach others what I am learning. I want to share. Not because of my smarts or goodness... but hopefully, God's smarts and His righteousness. Imagine the horror and shame when I find that the lessons I am learning and sharing aren't the same lessons others are currently learning? Perhaps even, they wish I wouldn't share?

When my words don't resonate or hit a spot of clarity, then it is just more noise. Often a writer needs to say something, to put ones world to rights.  Maybe she or he probably shouldn't.  Or should they? Would doing so be casting your pearls before swine? I realize I just called my wisdom, pearls and the not receiving of them, swine. That can't be right. It certainly isn't what I'm trying to say. I mean to say that my thoughts aren't for you to take notice of me, but of my Lord, the King of my Life.

I am starting to understand the need of a writer to be honest and to have a good bit of ability for the usage of words,(Wordsmith is an accurate name)while also having grace and diplomacy. A writer should be able to say it well, kindly, and with accuracy; not with too much drama or flair. The reader shouldn't have to get 'road rash' from reading them or feel as if they have been through four seasons of weather in one day.

Words. They can be so healing. They can be so damaging. They can be left hanging in thin air and evoke unfinished and insinuated emotions. They can be flowery and abundant, but meaningless. Usage of words can have much power in a relationship; it can make or break it. You can brandish around a sword or have the sweetness of a honeycomb in wordsmithing.

Also true is the fact of listening well to the words spoken. We should not assume we know what was meant. Especially if we were hurt. There is a high chance, depending on culture, personality, and wounded hearts, that your words might be twisted, not taken well, and sometimes a person might hear criticism or judgement from something you innocently said, possibly they have the prickles and are defensive. Flipside, when it's your turn to be prickly and defensive, stop and think what words might better take the heat off the situation. Beg for God's ways and words to be the ones that find their way to the surface.

Humble and kind. That is what should creep into all conversations. I am learning slowly, but have not yet won completely. While I remain on this earth I expect trial and error and never ending need of Jesus to show me more about words and how I should use them amongst our very real world of humanly behaving humans saved and unsaved.