Into the Fire

Ever take one of those surveys where you can check either “Strongly agree” or “Strongly disagree”? Well, don’t expect to see the soft-spoken side of this blogger on writing issues. Telling a passionate person to “tone it down” only raises their response in volume, words, or looks that can freeze, ignite, or kill at will. See what I mean? Prone to exaggeration we are.

There are times when repetition is just that. Pointless, endless, and monotonous. This could be said about publishing complaints offered by writers. We’ve all seen the exact same topics make the rounds year after year, and we’ve heard or written our versions of the issues multiple times. Chances are after awhile we all sound the same to one another. And, alas, we do arrive at some mode of impasse at least half of the time on similar subjects.

I think part of the reason for certain repetitious efforts—or follies—is the hope that in addressing these difficult issues, progress can be made. We assume that at some point the multiple voices airing the same problems with certain aspects of Christian publishing will be noted, considered, and acted upon to the betterment of the industry. We can’t help but think it.

As writers, we want to matter. We want our opinions to be recognized as thoughtful and meaningful. We want them affirmed because they make so much sense to us, and we “strongly agree” that some of the changes we suggest could improve the current state of publishing. Right or wrong, we believe in what we write and say.

This writer has no intention of “toning it down”. How ‘bout you?

Father, help me to be respectful and truthful. Help me learn what you have for me. Your ways are higher. Help me climb to your mountaintop. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.