As a child, I was encouraged to dream about my future. Phrases like ‘reach for the stars’ and ‘you can do anything you set your mind to’ were often tossed around. But as someone who has trouble visualizing the impossible, I limited my dreams. If it didn’t seem attainable, I refused to entertain the thought. Only if something seemed doable would I allow myself the liberty to go a baby-step further with it. I did have one thought that lingered in the back of my mind and in the corner of my heart—writing.
Writing was the one constant I could keep at, even without big fantasies for myself. I never planned to be an author or write a book; those dreams were too big. Besides, could I be creative enough that people would willingly pay money? In the meantime, I edited. Countless resumes, emails, documents, church bulletin announcements, miscellaneous articles and more are the recipients of the ‘Sabrina touch’. There is a learning experience in being able to take someone else’s thoughts and words and edit for clarity, without changing their intent. I figured it was a great way to practice.
I gave my writing dream some wobbly legs and began blogging eight years ago. Over time, the content and writing frequency have shifted, but I kept chugging along. Blogging snowballed in popularity and soon there were blogs any and everywhere, covering all topics. Why should I keep mine going? Why would my voice matter?
The answers slowly trickled in. Thank God for those perfectly-timed comments, emails and compliments. When I’m questioning myself, He sends a friend or stranger to thank me and encourage me to keep going. My background, my story, my upbringing all contribute to my unique voice. My experiences are a testimony to how God is at work in my life and I’m impressed to share these things.
One compliment I hear repeatedly is that writing is my gift. God has blessed me with this talent and I must use it wisely. This means trusting His direction for my words and my content. Publishing posts in obedience is frightening but I am filled with a peace that only He can provide. Those are the moments where readers were impacted the most. The struggle between my will versus my obedience is never ending, yet God has never failed me.
I’m dreaming bigger these days, no longer scared of falling short of my dreams. Writers come in all forms, not just book authors. I’m excited to see where God leads me next.
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I’m back! Had to take a mini-vacay to welcome my new baby and adjust to life with my growing family. I’m linking up in two places today. With the five-minute Friday community and over at Denise J. Hughes’ , as I explore the writing life.