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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Commitment (01/05/12)
Aside from my commitment to trust in Jesus, in many ways I am the antithesis of commitment. It’s even difficult for me to commit a word on paper, so it is no surprise I have become the queen of revision.

The practice of crafting words as an art form is relatively cheap, so I made a commitment to this writing endeavor with much enthusiasm, having more or less deserted my dabbling as a visual artist for the writing craft, at least for the present time. (Besides, nothing dampens enthusiasm for becoming proficient at art than adding up the cost at a local arts and crafts store.) Along with that, being admired for painting wonderful pictures didn’t cut it for me. I wanted to write something good; something that would hang around in people’s heads for a really long time. So I made a commitment to writing, and I am learning not to covet anyone’s approval. People don’t need to like me as a writer – in fact, I have come to the conclusion that to tell someone “I am a writer” was probably one of the dopiest things I ever did. It’s more fun to keep the horn from tooting and just write. (But I have to admit, visiting my free reprint list online to see how many hits I’m getting is embarrassingly addicting.) But what about those people who seem to clam up when they discover I am a serious writer – what’s up with that? Is it because I am a writer who commits to writing about spirituality? Perhaps – because writing about spirituality treads on “holy ground”, and we writers run the risk of trammeling it big time. Why should people really think we have anything life altering to say?

I understand now that this writing thing is more than a commitment to writing words on paper. It is a commitment to the people whose minds I am knocking on with my spiritual prose like some unsolicited invitation. It is a commitment to God that I would glorify His cause and promote His kingdom. It is a commitment to myself and the truth I have been entrusted with so that I would have the courage to share it with people who may or may not share my views. For the spiritual writer, “commitment” is a very big word. We tread on holy ground.
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This article has been read 1437 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Brenda Shipman
01/12/12
I could so relate to this. Found myself thinking, "Yeah, me too..." Sure appreciated the humble transparent tone of this piece, not to mention the great challenge to evaluate why we all want to write in the first place.
C D Swanson 
01/13/12
Beautiful words, and truth resonated throughout. I liked the honest approach, and the main reason all of us are here writing - GOD.
I really liked this.

God Bless~
Michele Fleming 
01/13/12
Great job. I really enjoyed and agreed with everything in the piece.
Nancy Bucca
01/15/12
Boy can I relate to this article as a writer and an artist currently working on a book and feeling a bit behind in terms of illustrations, which I also intend to provide. It strikes me there isn't much difference between writing and art, writing actually being a form of art. But they do require skills that take some commitment to develop.
Thanks for this. I needed to hear it.
Noel Mitaxa 
01/18/12
I resonate with your honesty, though I feel you need to break open a few more paragraphs to let each thought carry its own impact more clearly. Otherwise a very enjoyable read.
Leola Ogle
01/19/12
I really like this and so related with the MC. Good job! God bless!
Edmond Ng
01/19/12
I can totally identify with the sentiments you mentioned in this piece. Yes, writing for God is a commitment, and I wouldn't exchange or trade it for anything. God bless.
Robert Douglas Brown
02/24/14
Hi Toni!

I am going to read a lot of your articles! This was a well written article, and I am sure as I read each one, they will only get better and better. I hope and pray that maybe one day, I will be able to be in the same ballpark as you are no doubt in. Writing has become my favorite way to praise the Lord, and try to give back some of what he has blessed me with.

God Bless!

Robert Douglas Brown
Rebecca Lunn
03/13/15
Thank you for your comment on my article on hope; I appreciate it. Reading this particular article was like looking at the mirror of my heart! Thank you for your refreshing honesty.