Lately, I'm finding that one of the best books on writing -- on anything -- is the Bible. So much of what I hear at church and read in my Bible speaks to my journey as a writer.
Take this verse from 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight." The New Living Translation says it this way: "For we live by believing and not by seeing."
Our young pastor delivered an inspiring sermon on this verse last Sunday, referring to a scene from Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade where Harrison Ford comes upon a sheer cliff. His path picks up across the way, a cavernous gulch standing between him and the other side. Here's the scene:
One of the most often quoted lines about writing a novel comes from E.L. Doctorow who said, "It's like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."
He also said, "Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go."
Faith is the writer's most important tool. Without it, no amount of instruction matters. Believe that you are called to do this thing called writing and it shall be so. This is what Christians call one of the keys to the kingdom. When you act on your faith, it begins to work. You begin to feel something, power.
Stop doubting. It expends so much of your creativity, your physical strength.
Walk by faith and the bridge will appear under your feet.
4 comments:
Inspirational, Sheryl.
I'm not a writer. I'm a health care provider. But Faith is my most important tool also! Thanks for the story.
That's the cool thing about it. Isn't it, Doug? It works for everyone, no matter what field you're in.
It inspired me, too, Katrina. We have such great pastors at our church. I could listen to them all day long. Thanks for reading.
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