Into the Fire

Communication is composed of messages. And I’m definitely not referring to the Text variety even though it fits right into the definition of message.

Message: 1. A communication transmitted by spoken or written words, by signals, or by other means from one person or group to another. 2. A statement made or read before a gathering: a farewell message. 3. The basic theme or significance of something.

Writers come in all shapes, sizes, persuasions, and types. Stereotypes often appear in novels or films with regard to writerly personalities, and most are based on indisputable evidence of those kinds of people who in fact do write. The bringers of messages in story-form encompass all kinds of people who feel called, driven, compelled, or destined to become storytellers.

Those very authors will often argue against actually including a “message” in their fiction, assuming that word implies an agenda-driven purpose in their books. The fact is you really can’t write a story without sending a message. The contents of that message might not seem obvious to some, maybe even to the author, but be assured readers will get a message from the writer even if they conclude they can’t decipher what it is. Whether purely entertaining, humorous, full of pathos, intense crises, or ordinary life, the author declares something of himself on the page. He leaves the imprint of his message on the hearts or minds or intellects of his audience.

So. What’s your message?

God, you’ve given us your message from the beginning of our existence. Some have yet to hear your words of love and yet you keep finding unique ways to communicate them to the lost. Thank you for using the perfect words to rescue me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.