Five Reasons to Unleash the “Servant Writer” in You
April 8, 2009 by Maria Keckler
Filed under Inspiration, The Whole Nine Yards, Writing to Serve
I’m on a mission to start a “Writing to Serve” movement across this country — to ignite a fire to unleash every Servant Writer.
First, let me clarify what I mean by a “Servant Writer.” A Servant Writer is one who writes first and foremost with the goal to serve the needs of others, to make a difference, and to bring glory to God — the source of every gift and blessing we have. Publication, notoriety, monetary success, and self-expression are perks, which may or may not be part of the reward package for your effort.
If you are not already writing to serve, you may be reading these words, mumbling to yourself, “I’m not a writer… I’ve never written anything… In fact, I hate writing… writing is not my thing…writing takes too much time… too much work…too much energy…” Or worse yet, “I do want to write — it has been a secret dream, but… I’m not a good writer…. I’m too old to learn… I don’t have time to learn… I don’t have time to write…”
Let me give you five compelling reasons why I believe there’s a Servant Writer in you. If you can agree with at least one of them, I have a challenge for you…
1. You Have Children or the Opportunity to Influence Children
In the introduction to his book, The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch shares the journey that led him to prepare and deliver a final lecture at Carnegie Mellon University as a farewell to his students, colleagues, and a teaching career that was ending. Pausch knew that within months he would die of pancreatic cancer. But his real motivation to muster the energy and time to prepare for this lecture is captured in these words: “I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children.”
Randy Pausch acknowledged that he was “lucky.” He had time to think about, and in some ways prepare, “what [he] would have taught [his children] over the next twenty years.”
But not everyone has that luxury.
My father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at age 38 in the middle of the day when my sister was at school and I stayed home to watch my three month old baby brother. That night, Mom returned home alone. Dad had been hospitalized for emergency brain surgery. He returned home three weeks later, a shadow of the father I remembered — 20 pounds thinner, paralyzed on the left side of his body, and deprived of speech until the day he died ten months later. I wish he had left me a legacy of words to answer all the questions I had growing up — how did he learn to love people the way he did? How did he overcome poverty? What drove him to pick up a guitar and sing for us when he came home? What made him afraid? Did he love God? Did he really trust Him when he said, “God will provide”? Did he pray? What were his dreams… for me… my sister… my brother?
“I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children.” ~Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
Believe me, whether they are five or fifty, some day your children will treasure the answers to questions they didn’t ask because they were too busy rolling their eyes when you said, “pick up your clothes… clean up your room… close your mouth when you chew…”
Do you have a daughter… a son? Pick up a pen — you are a Servant Writer.
2. You Have Grandchildren or Hope to Have Them Some Day
At first, I was going to lump you, grandparents or grandparents-to-be, with the previous group. Then I realized that grandparents have a very unique opportunity to serve. You bring an irreplaceable perspective about a time foreign to this generation.
Do you ever feel that your grandchildren prefer their iPods, YouTube videos, and Text Messages to talking to you? Believe me that one day they will need to draw strength from your experience, wisdom, and the source of your strength.
Here’s a perfect example: Josiah, king of Judah, rose to the throne at the age of eight after his father and evil king, Amon, was murdered by his servants. Josiah didn’t have a good role model in his father who “did evil in the sight of the Lord as Manasseh his father had done (2 Chron. 33:22). Worse yet, he didn’t have a good role model in his grandfather, Manasseh, who “misled Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed…” (2 Chron. 33:9). Yet, we know that Josiah was an exemplary king who brought revival and reform to his people. How could this be? Well, let me give you the short version. Josiah’s great grandfather was Hezekiah, the king that “did right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done” (2 Chron. 29:2) — and Josiah “did right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David and did not turn aside to the right or to the left” (2 Chron. 34-2) (emphasis mine).
How did Josiah learn to walk in the ways of David, the man after God’s own heart? Could it be that David, author of most Psalms in Scripture, left a legacy for his posterity as a Servant Writer?
Do you have grandchildren… great grandchildren? Pick up a pen — you are a Servant Writer.
3. Your Life Story Includes Tragedy, Pain, Discouragement, or Shame
When Sam (my husband) and I got married twenty-one years ago, I did not know that he was battling an addiction with pornography, which began when he was only a teenager. When I found out, my fairy tale came crashing down, and five years of intense warfare began.
When we found victory over an enemy that threatened to destroy everything we held dear, I stepped into my new life, thinking no one would ever have to know. As brand-new and passionate Christians, we went to church, served in various ministries, matured in our newfound faith in Christ.
Then one day, fifteen years later, we received an invitation. A close friend asked if we would share our story with her college students. But accepting meant that everyone would know — our friends… our family… my students…our fifteen-year-old daughter! Every part of me wanted to say NO! But I was in turmoil — it was as if God kept saying, “Will you keep the victory I gave you all to yourself? Or will you share it, so others will find hope? “
Tragedy, pain, discouragement, and shame don’t have to be wasted years or detours — they can be a source of hope and encouragement — they give us the empathy and love to serve others who are experiencing similar circumstances.
Shelly Beach, my new friend, award-winning author, and Servant Writer puts it best:
“My fictional characters struggle with tough questions and the grittiness of life because I’ve struggled — my brain lesion, a prodigal son, a lumpy relationship with my father, my attack by a rapist, my daughter’s sexual abuse at the hands of a close friend, my ongoing health struggles, caring for parents with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in my home, and lots more.”
Have you experienced tragedy, pain, discouragement, shame – but also the hand of God? Pick up a pen — you are a Servant Writer.
4.You Don’t Have Enough Time
Although I have always wanted to be a writer, when I surrendered my life to Jesus, I prayed these words: “Lord, don’t let me seek publication just because I want to see my name on the cover of a book — compel me to write for You.” I guess my desires had changed and I now wanted to be the “Shelly Beach” type of writer, who writes from a reservoir of personal experience and a deep desire to help others and praise the Lord!
Well, guess what? God began to break my heart for my hurting friends. I began to sit with many of them over coffee or lunch to give them hope the only way I knew — sharing the faithfulness of God because I had experienced it over the years.
But life is busy, and I began to realize that there’s only so much time to share hope one-on-one — it was time to unleash the Servant Writer in me.
Are you a busy person… yet want to help many? Pick up a pen — you are a Servant Writer.
5. You Were Lost… or Blind…
In her article entitled “Amazing Grace,“ Linda Owen said this of John Newton, author of the beloved hymn by the same title, “The redeemed sinner who wrote, ‘I was lost but now I’m found … was blind but now I see’ was literally blind when he died — but he had seen clearly the wonder of God’s grace.”
For most of my first twenty-four years of life, I was lost, walking in circles in search of acceptance, validation, success, achievement, and love in the wrong places. I, too, was lost. I, too, was blind.
But one day I was found and was able to see that in His infinite love for me, God left His throne… wrapped Himself in flesh… and died on a cross – to take my shame away, show me a love like no other, and offer me a personal relationship with Him.
“The redeemed sinner who wrote, ‘I was lost but now I’m found … was blind but now I see’ was literally blind when he died – but he had seen clearly the wonder of God’s grace.”
~ Linda Owen
Have you been found? Can you see the amazing grace of God in your life? Then pick up your pen, my friend. You may not believe it yet, but you are a Servant Writer.
Are you convinced? Not yet convinced? Leave me a note below — I’d love to hear your thoughts. Today I’ve given you the “whys.” If you are ready to unleash the Servant Writer in you, we will figure out the “hows” together.
Related Reading
Communicating the Vision: An Interview with Kathi Macias
What a fantastic post! Your words give the reason behind the writing – thank you!
Maria,
Your column hits it straight on the head for me. I just posted an answer to a question on a blog today about what excites me most when I have the opportunity to interact with readers who’ve read my books. For me, ultimate joy comes when people discover eleents of their story in my books and are challenged in their faith journey, whether through the struggles of my characters or the message of my nonfiction. My message is that life can complicated, frustrating, painful, sometimes agonizing, but God is good. I’ll drive hundreds of miles to share that message with one person over a cup of coffee, shoot across town to talk about Jesus at a nursing home, or fly across the country to share God’s grace with a few thousand folks at a conference center — I’m just looking for opportunities to speak and write about a wonderful God who continues to amaze me with his blessings. And my goal, like you, Maria, is to multiply the passion in others.
I love what you’re doing and the beauty with which you’re doing it.
Hey, sister:
see that URL in the website window? That’s your impact. It’s not done, but it’s a first step toward the dream.
Great article, btw. Touched my heart.
Blessings, XXOO!
Kathy
Thank you for your transparency, Maria. Obviously, you have many reasons to be a Servant Writer, and each point is motivating. If I wasn’t already committed to this kind of writing, your post would surely grab my attention and cause me to grab my pen! May your passion continue to spark the vision God has placed in your soul.
Thank you, Friend!
Dawn
Maria,
Thank you for emailing this to me – what a great reminder and encouragement about why we write!
THANK YOU!!
Deanne
All of you are Servant Writers! I can hardly wait to hear more of your stories and how the Lord uses them to bless His children!
Maria, Thanks for such a wonderful post and challenge. Two weeks ago I went out to purchases Easter goodies for my children. As I wandered up and down the isles I found myself picking up a journal and stroking it beautiful cover. I stood there and thought ” I should journal the past year being it is still fresh in mind, the passing of my dear mother” I set the journal down and took the thoughts with me. Sometime after arriving home that day I logged into my facebook and there it was.. your post on Five reasons to unleash the ‘Servant Writer” in you. Coincidence? As I read it, the tears began to flow, all the excuses I have made were there.. ” I am not a good writer”.. ” My words do not tell a good story” ..” The grammar errors”..” who would care to read it”..”My life is boring” and so on. The following day I set out for a long walk and came to an intersection were less than two years ago the Lord protected me from being crushed by a minivan that had been hit and flipped on it side and was sliding straight in my direction missing me by only a few yards. I stood there thinking ” I should be writing down how I have seen the Lords protection and timing in my life over and over again.” He was reminding me again about writing.. Maria you are a gifted and talented writer, I am so glad I took the time to read your post that day.. Coincidence? I would say No, just another thing to take that pen and write about..
Wow, Jae! I absolutely think you should be writing. Just the way you expressed yourself in response to this post tells me you (1) have a lot to say that could encourage people, and (2) you know how to say it. By all means, get that journal. But think about writing to bless and encourage others, too.
Dear Jae,
I agree with Dawn 100%! You have so much to share and a sweet way of saying it. I know that one day your sweet girl and your grandchildren will be so blessed to read what the Lord has done for you! And, I believe that He will also begin to bring people into your life who need to hear the hope He has given you.
Yes! Pick up that journal and write.
Or I may have to drive down there and bring you one!
I look forward to reading your words some day!
Maria
What a beautiful message, Maria. With all the pressures on authors to constantly be marketing/promoting and get those sales numbers up, we need reminders like this to recalibrate our focus. Thanks for the encouragement, especially today since typing is painful due to a bad case of tendonitis in my wrist. But if I want to be a true Servant Writer, I can push through this with His help and strength.
Thank you, Diane. You bring a great point about the challenges that the business side of writing present for the servant writer. Marlene Bagnull has written, Write His Answer, and awesome Bible study for Christian writers — I’m going through it now and reviewing it for an upcoming article. I think every Christian writer would be blessed by it!
It is so important for us to stay focused and centered; Marlene’s study has ministered to me, and I’m blessed to know this messages has blessed you.
I will add you to my prayer list. Tendonitis is not a pleasant for a writer!
Maria
Maria,
Thank you for: seeing beauty and potential in everyone,
acting on your vision to provide opportunites to all, and
providing inspiration and encouragement to the reluctant.
Thank you, for this encouraging word. I needed to hear it, today. I don’t know what all of God’s plans are, but I know that if I am obedient and faithful to do my part, He will take care of the rest. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Hi, again, Maria,
I just wanted to let you know I’m sharing your words this week at my Cedar Falls Christian Writers’ Workshop and pointing all my attendees in your direction for Spirit-filled encouragement, counsel, and practical advice.
Maria, This is Awesome. I believe the number one obsticle we face as writers is our own egos. I know for me, that once I got out of the way, opprotunities to share other people's stories and to help new writers have been abundant. May God pour out His Spirit on this ministry.
Dan
P.S. Great site!
Thank you for stopping by, Dan. I look forward to sharing your words through Writing to Serve in the near future.
Thank you for stopping by, Dan. I look forward to sharing your words through Writing to Serve in the near future.
I just discovered your site through TWV2. This post blew me away and answered some questions I had been praying about. Thank you for this. My life fits all five reasons. I have been asking God how in the world my writing could possibly glorify Him or help anyone? Then here you are. What an encouragement you are!
Carma Dutra
Carma,
Finally getting through my comments, after the blog was somewhat dormant due to technical difficulties.
I'm so glad you found this post at the right time. Keep writing!
Such an awesome article. I have been told by many how my writing has touched or challenged people to live a better life. But to be honest, when I started out, I did it for selfish reasons, it was a way for me to record studies I had done. I was told recently by a friend that she has seen the growth in my writing. I told her that's because I don't write anymore. Honestly, when I am done writing, I have to go back and read what has been written. I don't feel as though I am truly the author but God is. And yet, I still have to say that I do it for selfish reasons, I do it because I love the experience, the communication, the closeness I feel with God when I write. Yet, because I allow God to work through me, my selfishness turns into something everyone can benefit from. I guess it's my way of loving people AS I love myself. 8-} I really don't want people to see me at all, I want them to see God and to hear what he has to say. Hope you check out some of the writings (in the website I linked) and let me know what you think.
I hope you write what the Lord puts in your heart whether people see you or not. When we read the gospels we see the heart of the authors, even when it is God's message. We see Paul in all his letters and the passion he had for Jesus Christ. God uses people's attributes, personalities, and stories to bring glory to HImself.
Keep writing!