Three friends called on three consecutive days with the same message, "You need to write, Jeff." What was happening? My work as a traveling salesman for a national association wasn't very satisfying at the time, and I was searching for direction. Little did I know that guidance would come in a series of three brief phone calls from three friends who didn't know each other. The last one was the most memorable and compelling.
Bill's voice was unmistakable due to his Jersey accent, "You need to write young man." Bill (Dr. Secor) was one of my graduate school professors. His advice had always been on the mark, so I paid attention, "I don't get it, sir. I love books and respect books. There's nothing new to say!" I protested. "Well, I don't agree with that, but let's suppose there isn't. Still the way you say things is unique. So, if you say old things in a new way, it might be for someone that needs to hear it that way." Hmm, he had me. Writing for the good of others, not fame of money could compel me to write. Still it was another year before I actively began stewarding what I'd learned by penning it for posterity. It would take another "intervention" from a different group of friends to activate me.
"You need to write, Jeff" six friends almost said in unison one summer evening on our back deck. "Your writing, even inspiring emails have helped us in our relationships (i.e., marriages), and with God. You've been given a gift, and you need to use it for others." "That does it" I thought. I need to pay attention. "Okay" I said. I will. The rest, as they say, is history.
In faith, I began writing a daily devotional for these six friends. Five days a week I invested 45-90 minutes on average in reflection, prayer, writing and re-writing of messages for these friends. Eventually the distribution list grew to about 400 people scattered around the globe. Prisoners, pastors, pro athletes and soldiers were among the readers. No one was more surprised by how God was using these words than me. The endeavor lasted for 18 months and generated almost five books of content. Eventually my childhood pastor insisted on sponsoring the self-publishing costs for book #1, "These need to be read by others" he declared as he handed me the four figure check. Surreal.
Now, almost weekly, I either receive an email or run into someone who quotes something from the book. It's stunning that the words written in obedience to the mandate of friends, family and mentors have inspired, encouraged and equipped others, but then again, it's not. Writing is one of the most powerful methods God has used to reveal Himself to humanity. Think about the Holy Bible. Words written by men many centuries ago come to life on a daily basis in the lives of millions of people around the world. Innumerable books have been written about that book, and quotes from it appear in innumerable other books. And the impact of the stories, principles and commands contained therein is incredible. It is the book that changes lives.
Why write? I write because it is a way to participate in God's divine plan to inspire and equip people for the life He created us to live; full life, abundant life, purposeful life. While the enemy seeks to kill and destroy, He wills us to live abundantly purposeful and meaningful lives.
YOU NEED TO WRITE! Does this sound familiar? How did you discover that God wants you to steward your life for others and to pen it for posterity? How has He already used it? What else does He want you to say?
Next week I'll write about when to write followed by where, what and how. By the way, I'd love to read what you've written, and perhaps help it to be read. Perhaps we could help each other, and thereby help many others....Perhaps you have written something that you would like to share; an inspiring story, something you've learned. Perhaps we could publish it here?
Blessings, Jeff
