True to One

True to One, by Denise Pass

Sometimes this writing journey can begin to feel like a grind. And I am not talking about coffee, but oh I wish I were. 

Have you ever felt discouraged in your writing journey? Maybe it was rejection letters, poor engagement on social media or unfulfilled writing dreams that begin to jade our calling to write. Oh, these all too familiar realities of being in the writing world can steal our joy or be a reminder that we have forgotten our “why,” but more than that, it can be a reminder that we have shifted from the original joy of why we write. 

Somehow the wonder of writing can get lost as expectations, failed goals or comparison have taken us off of the path we used to find joy in. What was once simple becomes complex when we forget to be true to the one ultimate “why.”

 

Writing for an Audience of One

The inspiration behind all I do is for God’s glory. I relish God’s precious Word — His sweet promises and truths — and long to write of them. It is one of the things He has created me to do. I write for Him before I write for anybody else. His pleasure. His glory. Even though my book proposal is written for the publisher to read, the reason there is a book forming in my heart is not for them, but for the One who my heart beats wildly for. This centers me in my perspective and purpose.

Writing for One Purpose

When I shift my purpose to be merely goals oriented, I lose my joy, true purpose and calling. A publishing deal is not my joy. It enables me to do what I love, but I can still write whether I have a deal or not. And when I write for God’s glory to reach people with His incredible grace and healing, this purpose alone will stand the test of time.

Write for One Result

Penning words that move a human soul to love and know God is the highest pleasure. As Paul passionately sought to persuade King Agrippa to know God in Acts 26, we need to have our results oriented around persuading people to come and know God. All other results are temporary. Can we help one person to heal and find the grace they desperately need? When we don’t see the results, can we trust God with them? Maybe it might even be our own heart that is moved, resulting in praise of God.

Writing for One Person

When I write for more than one, I write for none. Going beyond the one does not expand my audience. It changes my focus and I lose the point of it all. Gearing our content toward one reader helps us to reach many more. It makes our writing personal and helps us to keep in mind who we are trying to reach — real people, not numbers or influencers.  

When our writing life is a little lackluster, or we are spread too thin, writing for one helps us to regroup and get back on track. And oh, that companion of coffee is savored when we simply bask in being able to write for one person.

“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’  — Revelation 21:5 (NLT)