When I was considering to blog, I had this difficulty: I wondered if I had anything to say, or whether I had anything to add to the conversation.
There are so many incredible writers publishing books and blogs, and my voice is so very small in the grand scheme of things.
To help me decide what I’d have anything to say about, I wrote a question on a sticky note and posted it on my desk: What is the message that I am bringing? What I landed on was this – I want you to know that you matter. I want my friends to know that although they may feel small or insignificant in the grand scheme of things that they have purpose, that they are important, intelligent, beautiful, inspiring, brave and strong.
Really, I want you to know that there is a reason you’re in this world, and you make it better.
I have been so very blessed to have the encouragement and support of people who believed that there was a purpose for me in each step of my journey. They’ve told me in many different ways that I was created with purpose and that it is worth pursuing. Their voices have been clear and consistent and enormously influential.
There have been detractors, for sure. Mean Girls don’t always quit their campaigns to cut others down when they leave high school. Those voices have sometimes seemed the loudest, and often come from the most hurtful and unlikely of people and places.
But there is a still, small Voice that reminds me that you and I have been designed as masterpieces. That we have been gifted in unique and beautiful ways. And that because His eye is on the sparrow, He has not forgotten us, and we matter.
And you know what? We small people work better together. Some of my favourite flowers are those on cherry trees in the springtime. Riotous clusters of bravely pink flowers covering what appeared to be a barren tree just weeks before. Just one tiny flower would be pretty, but not quite as stunning – together, they’re spectacular.
If you feel small, know this – we have been called to be salt and light in this world.
Most recipes call for the tiniest amount of salt in comparison to other ingredients – it is small and enormously powerful. The nightlight in Sweet Girl’s bedroom, though insignificant in comparison to other lights, is amazingly effective in dispelling darkness and fear.
You matter, friend. Though you are small, you are mighty. And you make a difference. Truly.
Ellen
Beautiful words Ellen! I’ve wondered myself if I “had anything worthy to say”, as a matter of fact that’s how my very first blog post begins…
Thank you for your encouraging words and the reminder that we’re never too small to make a big difference!
<3
It has been so good to connect with you here, Lanette – thank YOU for your encouragement!
You don’t know how much I need to hear these words. I have been feeling led to start a blog, but am not sure if anyone wants to hear what I have to say. So I have posted via email some Lenten writings to see if anyone will read and respond. Yes, I am afraid. I am afraid of rejection and failure. I am afraid I don’t have the skills to do it right. I know these are mostly lies, but they still have their grip on me. Thanks for sharing your struggle with starting.
I’m so glad, Mary! Did you see my first post about writing as an act of worship? That was a heart-changing perspective for me! Blessings on you!
It’s interesting that you’d write this post. I’ve been thinking a lot about our voice, whether I bring anything to the literary table, or if I should just quit and call it good. I’m not sure if you’ve read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. He addresses this in his blog and some in that novel – he pretty much believes we don’t make a difference, really in the long run of things. The universe is huge, what kind of long-term impact do I make? His contention is that we don’t really make an impact. There’s a quote be George Eliot that I love that has to do with ordinary lives making all the difference in the world … which one is right? Do we or do we not make a difference? And you’re right – So many people are writing, so many people are blogging, and making videos, and going viral and blah blah blah – what do I bring to the table? Does it really matter? There’s two things that help me with this – one, it’s not really my business. My business is to write, to love, to be a friend, wife, mom, etc… do what I’m called to do and let the rest take care of itself. When I get all introspective about it, I get weirded out. And secondly, what I’m not sure John Green has brought into the equation – we are eternal beings. All that we do today, all that I do tomorrow, if done in love, lasts forever … wood, hay, stubble… or costly stones? The choice is mine.
Keep writing. And Your baby is beautiful.
Much Love,
Tina
Here’s the George Eliot quote … I think you’ll really like it.
“But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts, and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”
~George Eliot’s final sentence in Middlemarch
Love this. Love your thoughts and that you quoted George Eliot & Middlemarch. Pure Awesome. And keep writing, Tina – I love hearing your voice through your writing! Your thoughts below remind me of the butterfly effect – that no matter how small, we have an impact and that we are indeed living with an eternal perspective. In a way it is so strangely encouraging that what we do – day in, day out – normal things – is most likely not about us, but about others, and we may never know (until we see fully) how or why God has worked through the mundane & miserable to impact others.