“But I can’t write anything other than my heart,” I frowned at the blinking cursor as I tried to come up with something witty yet unrelated to my passion for the garden.
But how is that possible when that’s where He speaks to me? How can I skim over such a love when the garden is where He led me during my season of dark days; a time when each ran together, one after the other, like a stream of muddied watercolors? Days when my words only happened across the page in scant doses; like beads dripping from a broken string.
She’s faded somewhat over the years, but I can still remember that bumbling housewife hanging out in her house, sort of depressed, sort of down, sort of a cup-half- empty kind of gal who had no clear vision beyond the four walls that enclosed her spirit and hushed her dreams. She went mechanically about her days, picking up, dropping off, cleaning, wiping, comforting, scrubbing and sweeping and only reading about a life of anything more. Soon, there was less distance between those four walls and her world felt small and insignificant.
That’s when He called me, that housewife, out of the shadows and into the light and gave me new purpose just beyond the squeaky garden gate. It was in those days of bringing my little space back to life after a season of neglect that somehow breathed new life in my heart and awakened my spirit…how can I not share that? It seems when I tap into the deepest parts of me, I pull from those days spent on my knees in the dirt with a garden trowel in my hand keenly aware of the voice of God heard above the trickling water fountain, the unexpected wing flutters of visiting golden finches.
Writing reveals the purist state of one’s heart, don’t you think? It tells the truth of it and reveals our motives. We can’t really pretend to be anything other than who He created us to be, whether in our words or our interaction with others, and that’s okay because you and I fill a space in this world that no one else is qualified to fill. We each have a particular purpose here. He’s given each of us a story to tell – our story, and I have to believe He honors our desire to write it only from the heart.
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the
pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up…”
(Ephesians 4:11-12) NIV
By: Debbie Dillon, Writin’ 4 Him
I love outdoors, mowing, trimming, planting. I never get outside now that I live in an apartment. But I do have plants that need care. It might be nice today to get out in the sun today.
Writing from our hearts speaks warmly to other people’s hearts. Sometimes my brain is all that engages. It’s a precious blessing that you have a special place to go where your heart is stirred.
<3
I agree – God gives allows us each to walk different roads for different reasons. And along the way we develop a story of our own to share with the world. I used to be ashamed of my past mistakes and struggles, yet now I realize that God is not concerned about erasing my past but more importantly how I choose to use my story for future good. That is why I started a blog – to share and hopefully inspire others who might be struggling.
“God is not concerned about erasing my past but more importantly how I choose to use my story for future good.” Oh, so beautiful… thank you for this thought provoking perspective. I agree, and I love it.
We honor Him when we write from our heart and tell our story of His grace–this is our worship and our testimony of His presence in our life.
Just this morning right before soaking in truth through the hearts of (in)courage, I was spending time with Just. Jesus. and was drawn to the truth that I AM good enough…for my own story. It takes a lot of living sometimes to really See that and to learn how to live by faith in that truth.
You, sweet Debbie, have purpose. Just as your darkest days have purpose. You can trust in this truth, as your words helped me to See Him today more clearly, and I appreciate you.
Rich blessings as His radiant colors are splashed brilliant in your story, and you See His mercies and grace just-for-you…
The outdoors is where I hear Him the best. Even if it’s raining, I love to sit and stare at the rain. I can hear Him then too. Maybe that’s when I need to write, is when I am outside, or have been outside.
Writing–the one place I feel like I can be completely honest, completely vulnerable and not feel naked, judged and misunderstood. Writing is a powerful tool indeed. Worship is where I tend to hear God speak to me the most.
God bless you sweet ladies for your beautiful comments. Thanks so much for stopping by – you’ve touched my heart 🙂 One great big THANK YOU to the precious people of (in) courage for allowing me to share my thoughts in this post today. Many blessings to you 🙂
“you and I fill a space in this world that no one else is qualified to fill.” i love this. i believe this. i know this to be true. but somehow, seeing someone else write it, just enforces it you know? like, someone else gets it. someone else gets me. thanks for your words today!!!
Debbie,
Thank you for sharing and writing from the heart. You are correct – we each have a story to tell and someone needs to read it or hear about it. I am learning to share mine and I am learning that God deals with me through journaling and writing – that is one of the ways he speaks to me.
Continue to speak what he is speaking to you for someone needs to hear it : )
Debbie, just wonderful! I loved this: “I have to believe He honors our desire to write it only from the heart.” So true! Blessings to you!
Love nature, love this post, and appreciate the reminder that “I fill a space in this world that noone else is qualified to fill.” Writing from the heart – it’s all I know how to do. Sometimes I struggle with that and fight against it but am learning (your post helps) to embrace it unapologetically. To be who God created me to be. 🙂
Thank you Debbie for sharing from your heart about what God has done for you. Lovely post!
Oh, I am so moved by all the sweet comments 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to read my rambling thoughts and for commenting.
Many Blessings to you,
Debbie