Image by reenablack from Pixabay
In North America we are blessed with freedom of speech as long as we are not spouting forth hate and defamation. Still for people of faith, it is hard to speak of God. For some, the practice of outward symbols gives us a voice. Whether we wear a cross, a hijab, a turban or more, these symbols speak of our faith. Living out the teachings of our faith is easy compared to expressing the motivation behind what we do.
When we are young we name the difficulty, peer pressure. As adults the designation widens to societal pressure. An age old belief is summed up with, “Good conversation leaves out politics and religion”. Certainly, claiming our political viewpoint with passion can alienate others. Claiming that our faith is the motivation behind the goodness in our thoughts and actions can also alienate others. I know that labelling my books as inspirational will scare some people away. Yet, the inspiration behind all of my writing comes from my faith whether or not I talk about God.
At the moment, I am working on three books at once. I know that makes no sense but then much of the time faith is not logical. Waiting on my computer untouched for several months is novel number three. At the moment, I’m doing some research for it. At least I’m trying. Contacting people for interviews is not easy in the summer. My second edition of Dipping Your Toes is marching along. It’s about 2/3 done and hopefully will be at the printers in the spring. And then there is my next children’s picture book, Will I Belong. For at least three years I’ve been thinking about publishing that story. I believe that Will I Belong, is inspired by God. It’s intended as a resource for parents and teachers to introduce an understanding of Remembrance Day to young children. Although there is no mention of God in the story, it speaks of the history of our willingness to give our lives as a nation in order that people everywhere can live in peace. It teaches that we can all be peace makers. For me that is a God inspired story. Yet it sure is taking a great deal of faith to prepare it for publication. I’m wondering, is this project truly in line with what God wants.
Maybe one of the reasons we struggle to claim God as the motivation for our actions is that we aren’t sure ourselves what our true motivation is. I know I often wonder, “Is this God’s will or mine?” In the Hebrew Bible stories, it seems that people actually hear God speak. I often think that would help a great deal. Decisions about projects, book or otherwise, would be so much simpler if God would just tap me on the shoulder and say, “Write this book, Jan. Take on this project. This is what I think needs doing and I know you can do it. I ‘m with you in this. “Years ago a comedian did a whole sequence on “The devil made me do it.” I’d like to do a sequel on God made me do it. Still I stumble along. I read my Bible with my heart open listening. I talk with others, again, with my heart open listening. I check things out on the internet. I research. Through It all I’m hoping my ego, or my needs are not getting in the way. Hearing God is not easy. No wonder it’s hard to speak out about God as the motivation for what we do.
Still, it’s important to remember, that on that Easter morning two thousand years ago, Jesus didn’t say to Mary, “Just go and do. They’ll figure it out.” His words were then and still today, “Go and tell.” Please remember I’m not talking about turning every conversation to Christianity. I’m talking about claiming the motives for my actions, even offering invitations occasionally. Mostly sharing the joy I feel knowing that God is with me and you and everyone always.