The Grace of Inspiration

The Grace of Inspiration   

I believe we need to inspire others who have a desire to use their God-given talents in a way that God expects them to share his love.  Have you ever been put down even by close relatives or friends when the attempt to write or use another gift and the words are; “there are already many people already doing the same thing and who will read or listen to your words?”  The words of discouragement that have allowed a future treasure to disappear from the world.  St. Paul did not write 13 letters to gain money or notoriety but to teach and encourage sinners to seek Jesus Christ and change their lives.

How do some get the words that they write?  Are there hours upon hours of sitting and dreaming of something to put into print and dropping page after page of a word or thought into the trash can and starting over again?  If you saw the film “The Shining” with Jack Nicholson and out of boredom he typed hundreds of pages with the same message.  Of course he was going through a period of mental exhaustion but the same could affect a would-be author who believes success doesn’t come from simply a knowledge of an item, but needs the presence of the Holy Spirit in secular issues as well as spiritual.

To share my own experiences when starting an article most of the material comes from current activities viewed on TV, newspapers, or questions from others regarding church and theological concerns.  Now, I am not a theologian or profess to be one, but know where to search for answers regarding this.  Strangely, a lot of my thoughts on an issue originate while in the shower and the process of a theme begins as the words of a subject appear in my mind.  Usually, I try to get a pencil and begin to jot the thoughts as soon as possible.  The last article “Five Steps to reach out and find God” began when my thoughts about the Ascension were how many particular steps were present in the humanity of Jesus.  Immediately the Incarnation was the first and the others came to mind, from Incarnation to Ascension.

As with all of my articles I acknowledged the Holy Spirit as the impetus of planting a thought and using his guidance as a way to continue writing the article.  It is my words that I write, but his grace that I must give credence to.  A lot of my belief is from the time I forgot my homily and after a successful deliverance asked the Lord what he was doing to me,”he said you’re always talking about faith, today I tested yours.”  Words that I continue to live by.

A sure manner for would-be writers, do not be concerned to the point of fear when beginning.  Sit down and begin to write.  Seems too simple?  The longer you agonize without a word on your mind, pick up the pencil and start to put the first thought on paper.  Usually, the pattern will suddenly appear as words will come.  At least try it and through trial and error a document will take shape.

Edit your work and make corrections where necessary.  If you believe it is worth a trial submission don’t discard it.  The best written stories or movies were not a total success on the first attempts made.  Do not give up.  You have something to say, so let others read your thoughts.

Ralph B. Hathaway, An encouragement to aspiring writers.