Into the Fire

In my writer’s group we have our leader who is writing a screenplay and taking a class for that purpose. His wife has multiple leadings but for now is probably going to be an illustrator for two children’s books. We have one young man who enjoys spec fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy and writes accordingly, short stories mostly for now with generous doses of giggle and snort humor. Another young man writes songs. One woman writes excellent devotionals, and another woman writes poems and greeting card fare. A new lady decided to put the multiple stories she’s invented for her grandchildren to book form. Another new lady is a graphics artist, typeset capable, and all other kinds of tools that could translate into aiding in possible POD or self-publishing products. My oldest son just joined us and writes more of the essay, journalistic-type entries with a touch of the sardonic. (He got that from his Dad–just kidding!)

Anyway, we are always encouraged to read aloud some of our material, so I got to read the first few paragraphs of my newly begun novel, plus I read a recent poem I wrote–which I rarely write anymore. Something has to really strike me in a certain way to elicit a poetic response instead of the usual prose. Man, the group loved them both! And I got the supreme compliment from a listener who’d never heard me say what I’ve written here some time ago: “It’s like watching a movie. I can see what you’re writing.” YES!! God knows when I need a touch. Those are the words I long to hear because I realized when I picked up the pen for that first novel which was written in long hand that I wanted everyone who read it to see the places and peoples, imagine the sounds and smells, to finish the book feeling like they just walked out of a movie they enjoyed. That’s how I want to write. That’s who I am as a writer.

These people are kind, devoted to the Lord, self-less, enthusiastic, humble, and encouraging. They don’t pretend to be experts at anything in the writing field. They simply love to write. Some of them have serious aspirations, but not all of them. They’re the kind of Christians who walk their talk in spite of life’s meaty challenges and failings. And I love them for who they are as individuals as well as who they are within a group. That they like my work is just a bonus and a privilege.

Father, I ask your blessing and encouragement upon the lives of each of my group members. You know all of their needs and desires, their hopes and dreams. I pray, Lord, that you would be close to them as they lean into you for their daily doses of the Spirit and seek after you for all that they need. Remind them of your unfailing love for them and keep them near you. Protect them from the evil one and help them to know you more. Speak to their hearts and give them your unique encouragment for their lives. I ask it all in the Name of Jesus, Amen.