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.