From Thoughts of Dreams to the pages of History

From Thoughts of Dreams to the Pages Of History

The words of inspiration are not ours to savor.  We must always acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s input when we pick up the pen or type the letters on our computer.  See what Scripture says regarding the emphasis of depending on his Spirit:  Moses, however, said to the Lord, “If you please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past, nor recently, nor now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and tongue.”  The Lord said to him, “Who gives one man speech and makes another deaf and dumb?”  Or who gives sight to one and makes another blind?  Is it not I, the Lord?  Go then!  It is I who will assist you in speaking and will teach you what you are to say.”  (Ex 4: 10 - 12).

“I know not how to speak:  I am too young.”  Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying;  “See, I place my words in your mouth!  This day I set you over kingdoms, to root up and tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant.”  (Jer 1: 6a, 9 - 10).  

Who among us, no matter the lack of speaking to an audience or having a delivery of a Billy Graham, without the grace that only comes from God our efforts will become like sound falling to the ground before it penetrates the hearing of even one person.  

Preaching to a live audience can be stressful for the first several times but with practice and faith that might just become a past intimidation.  There are periods of trial and error that even well-trained speakers might find a loss of confidence until they realize that the listeners are looking to you for inspiration as well.  You have them in your power as one who can hand them meaning and sustenance to the message they may need to improve their learning on any subject. 

When I began as a lector standing at the lectern with the congregation a safe distance away there was not any intimidation to be felt.  Then my first assignment in our chapel, the first row was close enough that they could almost reach out and touch me.  It was like facing a firing squad and there was no place to hide.  So it can be for many who are novices in standing before a live audience.  I read about one writer who also preaches at parish missions who says  there are times when the audience may have an effect on his nerves.  Most speakers will adhere to the same scenario.  

So writing is like preaching but to an audience that cannot be an intimidation.  However, we still should treat the words we place on paper as if the reading audience is sitting before you and may become a judging group that you hold in your hands.  Be Assured that whether you speak to a live audience or send your thoughts via ink on paper, depending on the Holy Spirit for your relating your thoughts must become a mandate for doing God’s work for the kingdom.

There is a difference between writing or speaking verbally.  You don’t need a voice that can hold a person’s attention on paper.  But when speaking to a live audience, having a voice that is like a radio commentator will make a whole different way of getting people’s attention and keep them sitting with eagerness to hear the speaker’s presentation.

As with Moses, God sent his brother along to be the voice before Pharaoh.   A writer does not need someone to speak for them.  A speaker must have a commanding voice that will hold the attention of the listening audience.  That type of presentation will always be the secret of keeping your listeners coming back to hear you.  

Ralph B. Hathaway