By mid-February,
my three so far TripAdvisor online travel evaluations have been read by 1878 people
and won a deserving bed and breakfast in Arad, Israel, a star rating. Two thousand
copies of my first children’s book, Whoosh,
are out there—not a huge number but it’s gratifying to have that many readers.
Five of my true stories published in three Guideposts compilation books have a broader
circulation still.
There is power
in the written word. Like citizenship, it provides opportunities—and
responsibility.
What do we
say? And why do we say it? What impact and meaning do we give readers who only
know us through the written page? What do they learn of life? What do they see
and retain of the God we serve? I don’t want them entertained but detoured by
my idiosyncrasies and foibles without considering my underlying life purpose.
Tones of voice
and facial expressions are musical accompaniment to our words, creating a multi-dimensional
song and dance for our lives. I’ve heard kind words said in clipped anger and felt the underlying knife. I’ve
heard awkward but heartfelt words expressed through a voice as rough as
homespun—and felt its caress. For me, touch is often the final indicator. You
can’t fake the communication of touch. Its communication doesn’t lie.
Is it any
wonder that God sent His son as the Word to make Himself known? And lived out
redeeming love without self-regard? The Message says, "The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood." Instead of loss and ending, that kind of
life grows in leaps and bounds and extends forever.
Writer Brandy
Valance posted: “To write means more than putting pretty words on a
page; the act of writing is to share a part of your soul with the world.” On
her recent blog, author friend Beth K. Vogt shared a post so honest,
vulnerable, and powerful, it took my breath away but brought freedom. Words carry
that kind of power.
So go ahead,
speak, write, and love. Please comment how you will share your uniquely valuable
life and show your heart to others today.
I can't remember not loving words: inspiring stories, captivating conversations, witty quotes, whatever--I love them all. I can't wait to read more of your stories. Thanks for posting this! :-)
ReplyDeleteYour words always give us so much to chew on, Delores! And you're right, words can stay with us for a long time. I'm still thinking over what you said about not being able to fake "touch". I do think it's special because you know how you feel if you seek to give someone a little hug and it's rebuffed. Thanks for making us think, once again!
ReplyDeleteWords can encourage or they can tear down. They have the power to change nations.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I don't know what happened the 3rd, but I forgot to read and comment myself. Thanks so much each one of you!
ReplyDelete