by Rebecca Yauger, @RebeccaYauger
Most summers here in Texas, we are recipients of an unusual event. Storms kick up dust in the Sahara Desert – yes, the Sahara Desert in Africa – and blows that dust all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. That Saharan dust eventually blows into Texas. That’s more than 5,000 miles. It’s an amazing phenomenon.
What if the words we write could travel that far? As a Christian writer, I want God’s words to be as far-reaching as possible, all the way around the globe! It has happened for a few of my writer friends. They’ll post that their books are being translated into different languages. Or their books are being turned into movies. Their work is indeed reaching around the world.
But the reality for most of us is that our words will probably not be as far-reaching as the Saharan dust. Does that mean we’ve failed? Should our focus be on reaching folks around the world, or do we succeed when we reach the one reader who needs to see those words the most? Or am I just trying to placate myself because I’m not a best-seller, or have a blog that reaches thousands?
The truth is I might be trying to placate myself. However, when I receive a comment from a reader saying how much a blog post has helped them, I feel like I have accomplished something. My writing served a purpose.
We have to believe in this gift of writing that God has given us. We must trust that if the words we write come from Him, that He will do something wonderful with them, even if it’s only for us to learn and grow, or even if it’s to touch that one reader who needs our words the most.
Does this mean I don’t want my book to be distributed worldwide, or turned into a movie? Of course not. I’d be thrilled! But in those moments where I feel like my words don’t matter, I need to remember the Sahara Desert. If a dust particle can travel over 5,000 miles and end up over Texas, then certainly, God will carry my words to that one reader or thousands of readers who need to see them. I have to believe in this gift and have faith in my writing.
How about you? Have you struggled with feelings of failure or of not being good enough? Share your tips for keeping the faith in this writing journey.
Rebecca Yauger worked for 15 years in radio and television broadcasting, before starting on her writing career. She’s been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts Magazine and continues to scribble away on various projects. She is also a blogger at www.TalkingAmongFriends.com. Becky and her husband live near Dallas, have two grown children, and two beautiful grandchildren.