Mar 7, 2009

I Am A Writer

By Cindy R. Williams

I was given a specialty calling a few weeks ago. I was asked to write our ward's Road Show. I went into automatic mode and said, "I would be happy to." Once those words were out of my mouth, self doubt hit and I thought, I don't know if I can do this. Just because I have published a children's picture book, the Bishopric thinks I am a writer? A children's picture book is a whole lot different than a four act play. My next thought was a personal reprimand. The Lord is doing the asking, and if the Lord thinks I can do it, then I can.

After I returned home and had time to think about it, I realized this means the Lord KNOWS I am a writer. This thought startled me. I have felt like a "wanna be writer." When I've been brave enough to tell others I'm an author or writer, I've done it reluctantly because deep inside I really felt like I was just a pretender, a dabbler, a bit of a fraud. Realizing the Lord knows I am a writer has given me confidence and helped me change the way I look at myself.

I mulled over the Road Show parameters, guidelines, scriptures and topic from the Stake, and prayed many times that I would be given the inspiration necessary to write this Road Show. An idea began to form, and I shared it with the Director. He liked it, so I scheduled four hours on Tuesday to write it. I opened my writing session with a sincere prayer that I would have the ability to write a Road Show that would bless our ward youth, and be pleasing to the Lord. I turned off the phone and settled into my favorite writing corner. I became very focused and intune to my goals. The play poured out of me, without a break. It was a gift. The Director is pleased, and I fulfilled my calling. I marveled at this gift and gave a prayer of thanks for this blessing.

It is time I face up to my talent. Of course, I have much room for improvement, so I am taking classes to learn more. But I AM a writer, and just like anything else in life, it is a journey. I choose to grow and develop this talent the Lord has given me. I may not shout it from any roof tops---not sure I could climb on one anyway---but, I will no longer hide it under a bushel. I will find joy in my writing. I will stop being ashamed of this hidden talent and treat it with respect. I will finish the myriad of writing projects I have on my computer and floating in my head. I will work hard on my goals and be the instrument I was meant to be here on this earth.

I am a writer. I am an author. I am a daughter of God.

6 comments:

  1. Beautifully said, Cindy. I continually remind myself that the Lord gave me this "writing thing" and he will be with me to help me accomplish it in the way that's best for me and will best serve his children.

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  2. Thanks Valerie. "This writing thing" is a good name for it. I also thank you again for your help yesterday. You came along right when I needed someone, and I really appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed the conference.

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  3. INDEED!!! YOU are a writer! Great blog post, Cindy. I loved it and I love working with you in ANWA. You are such an asset!

    I loved the part where you seemed surprised that the Lord knew you were a writer. He knows us better than anyone and gave us so many of the gifts we enjoy. I'm glad the Road Show came together for you in such a way. Pretty cool!!

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  4. Great post Cindy. One year I wrote 2 road shows, one for the ward and one for the Young Adults. And they used them. Made me proud. Sadly we don't do road shows anymore where I am now. But yes it's always a wonderful lift when the Lord acknowledges your talent.

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  5. Thanks for Stephanie and Terri, Being a writer is quite a roller coster ride wouldn't you say? I am enjoying the process more now that I feel I have the approval from our Heavenly Father.

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  6. Hurray for you Cindy! What a great example...thank you!

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