I met an artist named this past weekend named Casey Lynch that sometimes doubts his ability when he sits down to create—even though he has massive talent.
Sometimes he hears a voice that shouts, “Who do you think you’re fooling? You can’t do this!”
I told him I know that voice. It’s the same one that whispers to my heart, “Pretty soon they’re all going to find out you can’t write, Jim.”
I know none of you reading this post hear that voice. Ever. You take the gifts God has given you and with utter confidence offer back to Him an expression of those talents.
But in case you have a microscopic sliver of doubt sometime in the future, I wanted you to know you’re not alone.
Thank you, Jim. I hear that voice in my head daily and must drive it away by faith. Despite the fact that my first novel launched October 1st, I sometimes wonder if I will wake up one morning and realize that people have “found me out” and tell me that I shouldn’t ever write another word. My doubts are more than a sliver, they’re hewn oak–weatherized to withstand the most determined showers of praise.
It’s good to know that even you feel those twinges of doubt; and it’s even better to know that despite the whispered voice of uncertainty you have stretched to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you. God bless.
Hi,
My name is Joyce and I live in Chelan Wa.
I have read “Rooms” And “Book of Days” and am now reading “The Chair”. A woman from Woodinville who has a place here loaned me “Rooms”. Her kids go to school with yours. So I read the book and LOVED it . Got Book of Days and loved it to…SO am half way through “The Chair” and already worried that I am running out of your books!!
Thank you for your writing. You really do change lives. I hope you know that.
P.S. I have never written to an Author before,but I really wanted you to know what a difference you make.
Thank you
Thank you Jim! It is so great to hear that I am not alone when it comes to being creative. God has given us so many wonderful gifts but some times it is easy to get bogged down and not believe.
Blessings to you!
Hey Jim, Wow…the timing of this is perfect for me to hear today! After years (and years!) of saying “I’ll write when I feel so inspired that I cannot!” I finally started something almost two months ago. I’m about 10,000 words in now and am hearing those “voices” get increasingly louder and louder. But you know what? I always end up getting re-inspired out of the blue from places I never expect…just like this blog. ;-] Thanks so much!!
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Thank you, Jim. I hear that voice in my head daily and must drive it away by faith. Despite the fact that my first novel launched October 1st, I sometimes wonder if I will wake up one morning and realize that people have “found me out” and tell me that I shouldn’t ever write another word. My doubts are more than a sliver, they’re hewn oak–weatherized to withstand the most determined showers of praise.
It’s good to know that even you feel those twinges of doubt; and it’s even better to know that despite the whispered voice of uncertainty you have stretched to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you. God bless.
Go strong, Michael! Love it!
Hi,
My name is Joyce and I live in Chelan Wa.
I have read “Rooms” And “Book of Days” and am now reading “The Chair”. A woman from Woodinville who has a place here loaned me “Rooms”. Her kids go to school with yours. So I read the book and LOVED it . Got Book of Days and loved it to…SO am half way through “The Chair” and already worried that I am running out of your books!!
Thank you for your writing. You really do change lives. I hope you know that.
P.S. I have never written to an Author before,but I really wanted you to know what a difference you make.
Thank you
Joyce,
So cool!
Your note means so much. Thank you for taking the time to write.
I’m working on my fourth book now!
BTW, my family and I spend a lot of time in Chelan,
Jim
What encouragement it is to know you struggle with doubt too. Thanks for sharing from the heart. Blessings!
Thank you Jim! It is so great to hear that I am not alone when it comes to being creative. God has given us so many wonderful gifts but some times it is easy to get bogged down and not believe.
Blessings to you!
Great post, Jim! I sent the link to share with Fliterary’s Facebook page. We all need those reminders we are not alone.
God bless you!
At least your voice only whispers… mine shouts at me. All the time. Thanks for the encouragement Jim!
Hey Jim, Wow…the timing of this is perfect for me to hear today! After years (and years!) of saying “I’ll write when I feel so inspired that I cannot!” I finally started something almost two months ago. I’m about 10,000 words in now and am hearing those “voices” get increasingly louder and louder. But you know what? I always end up getting re-inspired out of the blue from places I never expect…just like this blog. ;-] Thanks so much!!
Have doubts about my writing? Why would that happen–especially since I can’t even figure out how to set up my own blog?
Isn’t that cool? The distraction of trying to set up your blog keeps you from the doubts.