Feel frustrated as a writer when your words don't get published? Don't worry. Keep writing. It's about the craft. You ARE a writer, even if it never gets on a page. Here are some words to motivate your work:

I’m always writing—
In my mind, at least.
Creating words,
One thought juxtaposed with another

Sometimes they're filled with rage
At injustices that pervade
The hurt, blatant lies
The degradation of lives created in the image of God

These words leave a bitter taste on my tongue.

Sometimes they're filled with tears
Probing inquiries with no answers
Why? What now?
Where do we go from here?

These words come out in cathartic spurts.

Sometimes they're filled with creativity
A need to put together phrases
As if my sanity depends upon it
An itch that needs to be scratched

These words blossom with potential.

Sometimes they're filled with compassion
Reaching out in text or card
Letting those around me know
They are seen; they are valued

These words create connection.

Writing doesn’t always happen
In published books that line the shelves
In 280 characters that all the world can see
In lyrics fit with melodies that stick inside your brain

Writing happens in the heart
Where jumbled thoughts sit entangled
Mixed with emotion, faith, and lived experience
Put together to make sense of it all

These words define my soul.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Writers can be perfectionists. 

There. I've stated it. It's out in the open. Yes, my perfectionism pushes me to create the highest quality material. But it can also prevent me from stopping before I start. 

The scariest thing I face with each new idea—the blank page. 

I feel in my bones the spirit of the thoughts I want to convey. Yet when my standard is to make everything the absolute best, where do I begin? How do I write it better than before? What if I look back and I'm not satisfied? The blank page looms at me, purporting all my potential downfalls.

When I push past the mental hurdles and simply get something on the page—anything at all—there is a sense of relief. I have begun a draft. And drafts can be edited. 

After 20 years in this profession, the blank page still has the power to intimidate me. But I can't let it. 

Neither can you. Keep writing.  

Photo by Anomaly on Unsplash

When tragedy strikes, in any form, we all take stock of life. 

This week is no exception. It began with happy moments for my heart. Yet on February 14, 2018 I viewed high school students and families in Parkland, Florida experienced fear, pain, anger, death. All of us across the country feel it with them. 

Many have spoken eloquently on the matter. Others have spoken politically. Where am I gifted? I want to speak hopefully. 

God allows us glimpses of hope so we won't give up. So we remember He has moved in dark times past and will continue to stir His love in the hearts of people, despite this sin-falled world. 

Everything that brought me joy up until hearing that news on Wednesday still needs to be shared. So I will. Because these experiences give me faith and hope in humanity: 

• Squeals of laughter ripped through the night as twelve 12-year-olds played capture the flag and sang karaoke to celebrate my kiddo's birthday. Still innocent—yet becoming aware; these young lives are on the verge of stepping into a larger world this fall as they enter 7-12th grade high schools. It warmed my heart to see their joy, energy, and kindness. 

• The troop of sixth grade Girl Scouts I co-lead are at an age where the strain of determining who they are and where they fit in sometimes turns into snarks and jabs at a moment's notice. But on Monday I saw teamwork, ideas, and service. It made me proud. Our troop fixed a meal for fire fighters and police officers. (Shoutout to the St. Bernard Fire Department for partnering with us.) The first responders we were honoring were so gracious and fun. They truly enjoyed the meal our girls served, had great conversations with them, and even gave them Valentines candy in return.

• I don't know how many requests a Broadway star might get on a weekly basis. But when I sent out word that a friend and fan of Come From Away could use some lifting up, one of the lead actors immediately stepped up in a big way. She took time out of her week to go above and beyond my request and filled my friend's heart and mailbox with words and gifts of encouragement. 

• Walking into a new place is always intimidating, but especially so when it's a burgeoning skill you're trying to develop and everyone else is experienced. I saw a couple of teenagers go out of their way to make my daughter and other newcomers feel welcome and comfortable at an archery class. These two adolescents shared their knowledge and smiled hello to the parents. It's the little things that mean a lot.

• Words are powerful, and a dear friend is discerning how to use hers to help people maintain dignity and worth while also challenging others to step up their game and follow suit. It's a tricky balance, but I was honored to be a sounding board as she worked it out. God lays on our hearts convictions to see and to act—I love observing how He is using her experiences and talents to make a difference.

When the bad comes, good is right there with it, moving to lighten the darkness. Let us have eyes to see it.

Photo by Mario Purisic on Unsplash