Lisa Notes: I am a writer

I am a writer

Then why are those words so hard to write?

I’m cringing.

To come right out and say, “I am a writer” seems so pretentious. Like I’ve had training. Like it’s something I do for a living.

I don’t meet those qualifications.

I’ve had encouragement from friends to write, but does that count? Don’t friends encourage you to do what they know you enjoy anyway?

Would outside encouragement count more? Not really. A literature professor at UAH urged me to leave my accounting major for his beloved English department, but I wouldn’t even consider it.

Even having had a few things published through the years doesn’t mean I’m qualified to call myself a writer.

So what does?

What constitutes a calling?

What makes what we do matter? And who decides that?

Sometimes God puts something in you that you can’t not do.

Writing is that for me. I can’t not write. I can’t not tell where I’m seeing God, how real he is, how merciful he is.

I will still only timidly say I’m a writer. But as long as he keeps showing up around me, I pray words about him will keep spilling out of me.

So for now, qualified or not:
I am a writer.

* * *

Is there something you do because you can’t not do it?

Are you a writer, too?

Comments (34)

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Barbie · 707 weeks ago

Linking up with you for the "Write it Girl" challenge. I realize I forgot to refer to myself as a "writer" in my post. You aren't the only one having a hard time with that statement. I don't feel I meet those qualifications either. And I constantly compare myself to others, you know those big time bloggers and writers that melt you with their words. But all we have to do is what God has called us to do. So, yes, I am a writer. You are a writer. Let's continue to write!

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

I think the comparison thing is such a trap for my of us. Thankfully, writing is such a subjective things that it does make comparisons a little harder than, say, comparing how many goals you make in a basketball game. (Yet I know we have our little number games we still can play.)

So yes, we just do what God is calling us to do. And for this season, we are writing. And you do it beautifully.
My recent post I am a writer

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Katie · 707 weeks ago

Yeah I am a writer, even if it is just me and God in a journal, instead of on a blog or any where else. Writing between me and God are some of my sweetest times with him.
My recent post Abba Father

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

I agree with you, Katie. My writing is more between me and God than anybody else, even if I post some of it. I wrote for me and God long before blogging existed, and even now I have many writings that nobody's eyes except God's will ever see.

Sweet times--yes. I get that.
My recent post I am a writer

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Lisa writes... · 707 weeks ago

I am glad you are a writer and that because you write and because I write we "met" and are now friends! :)
My recent post Bittersweet

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

I distinctly remember the Wednesday night I was trying to decide on a name for my blog and finding out that "Lisa writes" was already taken. :-) And how phenomenal to discover that we're sisters in Christ, AU fans, and practically neighbors!
My recent post I am a writer

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meredith713 47p · 707 weeks ago

This line:
Sometimes God puts something in you that you can’t not do.

Wow.
I have been experiencing that in the last week or so. He just will not let me go . . . I have "regularly scheduled" posts that I have forgone because He has been working things out internally . . .

The analogy I came up with for it is like I have suddenly been demoted to BACKseat passenger of my own blog . . .. :)

I loved this post.
(linked up with Write it, Girl!)

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

Backseat passenger of your own blog. That's a great way to put it, Meredith, because sometimes I feel like I scoot him over and steal the wheel, while other times I relinquish control and let him drive. When I saw this "Write it, Girl" theme, I found the words came so freely and quickly that I felt him driving. Thanks for sharing that thought here.
My recent post I am a writer

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Katie Orr · 707 weeks ago

Lisa, you are SO a writer (I'm pretty sure that is grammatically in correct...), AND a great teacher.

This post is my heart and thoughts exactly!

Thankfs for sharing your heart, and for linking up!
My recent post I Am a Writer

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

Thank you, Katie. That means a lot to me (whether grammatically correct or incorrect! ha). When I saw your post on this, I knew I had no choice but to participate. Thanks for pulling it together. (Are you sure you hold down a job too? Wow!)
My recent post I am a writer

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Laura · 707 weeks ago

"I can't NOT write!" That's me, too. A kindred spirit! So what do we do? We write for Him and what He does through us when we do. Love this, Lisa!!

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

I'm so glad you use your gifts in a variety of mediums, Laura, to spread his love to so many. You are a shining star.
My recent post I am a writer

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tammyhelfrich 9p · 707 weeks ago

Great post. I am going through this right now too. I am feeling led to write more, but still don't consider myself a writer. Keep up the great work!
My recent post Always and never

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

I hope you'll keep writing then, Tammy. You have things to say that we need to hear.
My recent post I am a writer

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floyd · 707 weeks ago

I can be counted to be one of your witnesses. You indeed are a writer... Only a writer can pull on others emotions and bring about responses from our heart. It is a God given talent, and it is a blessing to all who read your words. I care not if you ever get published, although I'm feel quite certain you will. It is for the lives you touch ordained by God that counts. In that form of counting... You sit humbly in the row God calls "His writers."
My recent post STORIES

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

If one use of our words is to encourage others, you should receive a writing reward, Floyd. Thank you so much for the boost. You are consistently positive and giving. I appreciate what you write very much...
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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whitejennifer83 13p · 707 weeks ago

found your post through the "write it, girl" post. I know I can't not live for the Master. I can't not revel in His love. Now, I can't not listen for His voice and cling to Him. Thanks for your post.

2 replies · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

"I can't not live for the Master" - Can there be any greater goal EVER in our lives? That's wonderful, Jenny. Please keep writing what you "can't not" do. It's valuable.
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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whitejennifer83 13p · 707 weeks ago

Thank you, Lisa.

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Stacey · 707 weeks ago

I am raising both my hands in the air and saying, "YES, me too!"

"Sometimes God puts something in you that you can’t not do." - because at the end of the day He said it, and that is what truly matters!!

So glad you linked up!!

My recent post Writer,Girl

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

I'm glad I linked up too, Stacey. It's been quite interesting to read the posts of so many who feel the same way!
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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tinuviel · 707 weeks ago

I feel the same hesitation. It's so much more comfortable for me to say, "I write some... on a blog..." than to claim writing as an identity. The same was true when we worked in missions. "My husband's a missionary," "We are missionaries," but rarely, "I am a missionary." Maybe that's not a bad thing, though, since those kinds of identities don't always last beyond a season. As long as we can say, "I am a Christian believer," that's the one steady thing.
My recent post Peace of Christ to You

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

The one steady thing: a Christ-follower first and always. Our deepest and only lasting identity lies there. Thanks, Christina.
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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Brenda Maddox · 707 weeks ago

Oh Lisa you are a writer. So many times we often try to avoid labels or try to live up to them.
But isn't it great God gave us all different passions. For me to write, I struggle. Thank God for the delete button. I delete more than I keep and sometimes what I keep doesn't make sense. I am not a writer. But I love to read what others are inspired to write. Your blog makes you think about a subject after you have left it and gone on. It is a gift.
My recent post Run Forest

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

Thank you, sweet Brenda. I also am thankful that God gave us different passions and gifts. And I love when the two actually come together! You definitely have the gift of "the eye" with your photographs (and your writing too!). I think it takes a special way of seeing to be able to take good photographs. I'm not there, but I can appreciate it when I see it in others. I see it in you.
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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shelbynewman 1p · 707 weeks ago

Oh, I know that feeling so well. I felt that way for years as a portrait photographer (even as a studio owner!). When people would ask what I did for a living, I cringed every time I said "I'm a photographer." Not because I was embarrassed, but because I felt unworthy. I felt like people would know that I was just faking it, even when I wasn't. And eventually, I got over it. But this writing thing... yeah. Not so much. So thank you for the post -- it really spoke to me today. Looking forward to seeing more from you and sharing this "Write it, girl" journey.
My recent post At Just the Right Moment… {Thankful Tuesday}

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

You know, I sometimes even feel that way as a parent. ha. And I've been one for 22 years. Like one day I'll be found out that I'm really not adult enough to be raising children because I can still often feel like a child myself.

But yeah, we have to get over it and do what God is giving us to do, regardless of whether we feel qualified or not. Actually it's more humbling for us and more honoring to him if we'll just accept that it's all him or nothing. He will continue to equip us for as long as he wants us to continue in our passions and we can rest in that instead of in our skill sets.

I'll look forward to hearing more from you too as the month goes on. Should be an interesting journey.
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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barbarah 65p · 707 weeks ago

I know what you mean. When I think "writer" I think someone who has published a successful book. But we are writers whether published or not, whether many read, or few, or none. I'm so glad God has allowed me to dabble in it a bit. I do tend to process things by writing. I feel that now writing is a major part of my life.

I always enjoy reading your writing! :)
My recent post Milestones, Celebrations, and Giveaways

1 reply · active 707 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 707 weeks ago

Thanks, Barbara. I enjoy reading what you write as well. And you will continuing wearing the "writer" hat now that you're not only writing on your blog but also writing for the Knoxville newspaper! :-) I look forward to what you'll share there next month.
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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Lynn Severance · 707 weeks ago

Lisa, I echo the others' comments here. You ARE a wrtier! Thankfullly you are because that is how we met - Praise God.
I do believe it is something - the title - that we can gag on as the comparison to those OTHERS with big names who have books on the shelves of libraries and bookstores who are the real writers looms large.

True, they are writers but that does not take anything away from those of us who write in our journals ( mine is totally all to the Lord and records His blessings, my cries, my desires, my disappointments, inspiration, Scripture ). It esp. helps me as one who lives alone and I need to "talk to someone" and He is the best Someone.

I, too look puzzled when someone says "You are a writer?" and I have to say, "Well, yes." but it still sounds strange.

I was making a flyer for the presentation that I will give at my church and put "author and ( church name ) parishioner. I am still wondering if I need to change that word, "author" but as I am not well known in my church, it gives folks an extra reason to come to the evening ( at least that is where I am now ). In this cirecumstance, "writer" did not fit exactly and then I got all concerned about the word, "author" - but it is ttue. It is the same comparison trap. An author is someone who writes - whether "officially published in the big world - or not.

Your blog postings could form a book - easily.

You are an amazing writer and friend!

Love ya'

1 reply · active 706 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 706 weeks ago

You're exactly right, Lynn. If we hadn't both been writers for the Chronic Illness site, we might not have met! Our friendship is evidence of God's grace, huh?

Yes, my friend, you most definitely are a writer, author, wordsmith, however you want to name it. And while several of us have already reaped the benefits of your gift, I anticipate even more blessings when your book is published. I continue to pray for God's timing with it.

Love you too!
My recent post Want to memorize Bible verses?

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Lynn Severance · 706 weeks ago

Thanks, Lisa! Your prayers mean the world.

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Lindsey van Niekerk · 706 weeks ago

Say it, girl! You ARE a writer!!

I came back from Relevant and was excited, empowered, and then after awhile I felt guilty to want to invest so much time into this "writing-thing" where I am not even making any money, but my husband encouraged me to just do it, just allow the thing I love to breathe.

I was freeing...I pray you daily find that freedom!
My recent post The Journey of Being Found

1 reply · active 706 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 706 weeks ago

I have heard such good things from Relevant. Trying not to be jealous that I wasn't there!

Your husband sounds like such a blessing. My husband also encourages me to write, even though he doesn't quite "get it" because writing is NOT an outlet for him at all. The time factor can still be a sticky issue between us though. I want to learn to write faster. ;-)

I love how you phrased this: "just allow the thing I love to breathe." Ah... I get that.
My recent post When grace doesn’t seem like enough

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