Everyone Can Write

Some people seem to be born able to write.  

I have a family member who is one of them. As a kid, she was filling up journals, posters, and creative outlets as far back as I remember.  And it wasn’t like my stuff when I was young.  It was well thought out essays, letters, stories, and even reflections.  To this day, she has continued to shine as a writer.

Most people know someone in their personal life who was like that.  A gifted writer.  

Everyone knows about famous writers.  We may never meet them, but we have our favorites.

Comparing ourselves to talented writers can be intimidating.  This is especially true if you are just getting started in your writing journey.  

It is very human to compare ourselves. 

And doubt.  

MANY writers never get past this.  

They get frozen. 

Which is frankly one big reason I am writing this blog: For the frozen people.  

Photo by Ryan Snaadt on Unsplash

I was there.  Once upon a time.  

For me, fear never departed, completely.  My relationship to it changed.

It was a mentor in a different art form that unlocked my writing.  

David Weadon was the choir director and teacher at my seminary.  At the time, I was a highly anxious young person in my 20's.  I remember him saying, "everyone has a voice to sing, given to them by God.  It just sometimes takes some work to find it."  I auditioned for the beginner/general choir.  I've been happily singing ever since then.  

Choir at Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary

Moorehouse College Glee Club performed at Princeton Theological Seminary at one of the annual David Weadon Memorial Concerts

Writing is similar to music when it comes to fear.  

Both can feel intimidating.

The worst feeling is when you wonder, can I write?  And you know -- in your heart of hearts -- that something is there waiting to come forward.  But you wonder, anyway.  Many people keep a lid on it for years, maybe their whole life.

Take it from me.  Take it from Snoopy.  Take it from your spirituality.

Everyone can write.

Yes, that includes you.