What if I challenged you to think outside the box and consider new ways to wield your pen—or keyboard—for good?
A few years ago, I stumbled on an exciting revelation about freelancing. It wasn’t only about churning out articles or snagging bylines—it was about using my words to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes in my community, the ones making a real difference. By 2017 I found myself with a regular column in Military Spouse magazine. It wasn’t only about me anymore; it was about using my platform to amplify the voices of those who deserved to be heard.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, it’s simple: Writing isn’t just a solitary pursuit or a means to an end. It’s a gift—a powerful tool that can be wielded for the greater good. And trust me when I say, there are countless ways to put that gift to work in service of others.
Here are a few questions to ponder:
- Who can you highlight or champion? Take a look around you. Are there individuals or organizations in your community doing remarkable things? Maybe it’s a local charity, a grassroots movement, or an inspiring individual with a heart of gold. Consider using your platform—whether it’s a blog, social media, or even a local newspaper—to shine a spotlight on their work and spread a little positivity.
- Where can you lend a helping hand? Let’s face it—writing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But for those of us who have a knack for crafting compelling prose, there’s a world of opportunity to lend a hand. Maybe your church needs help with content creation, social-media management, or crafting prayer letters. These may seem like small tasks; but to someone else, they could be a lifeline. Don’t underestimate the power of your words to make a difference.
- How can you serve the Kingdom well? Lastly, consider how you can use your writing talents to serve God and His people. Is there a ministry in need of your skills? Perhaps your church’s communications team could use some extra support, or maybe there’s an opportunity to contribute to the weekly newsletter or pastor’s pen. Think outside the box, and explore fresh ways to use your gift for the Kingdom.
At the end of the day, writing isn’t only about self-expression or personal gain. It’s about connection, community, and using our gifts to uplift and inspire others. So, fellow writers, I challenge you to look beyond your own ambitions and consider how you can use your words to serve and encourage those around you. Who knows? You might change lives in the process.
Blog Posts I Decided Not to Write
I hope that I’ve inspired you,
or at least have made you laugh.
This long run may be nearly through,
so let that be epitaph.
My words become unruly sheep,
now running hither, yon,
but I guess I will try to keep
them herded ’till I’m gone
to that place where poets dwell
when rhyme-scheme has run dry,
something like teetotalers’ hell,
a pub upon the sky
where I’ll forget this cancer’s pain
and with my mates, p*** down the rain.
For anyone who may have need of the information, instant rice boiled with orange juice and a bit of butter provides nutrition when you can’t handle anything else. Even better with tangerine juice, if you can get it!
((hugs)) and prayers …
Pam, thanks so much…and thanks to Steve and the dudes and gals for keeping this community thriving. It’s my last human contact with a wider world, and I have been given, through manifold kindnesses, the feeling that I yet can make a contribution.
The days are unutterably hard, and the nights worse (Barb could attest to this, scant hours ago), but I count myself blessed beyond measure.
I share local people and things on FB. And I highlight authors and books on my blog … although, I need to take time to do that more often. It makes me feel good. Plus, Scripture says to rejoice with those who rejoice! Don’t know about anyone else, but rejoicing feels great! And who really wants to rejoice alone? Ya know?
This is excellent! It really encouraged me today!
I love featuring book reviews for awesome YA author on my email list! A lot of my readers are in the YA age range so I try to read clean books in that genre that I can review later. As someone who doesn’t touch the secular YA section with a ten-foot pole, I want to help others find clean YA authors without having to worry about sloughing through miles of dirt to find them. I also like championing books that are hidden gems, like Extension Squad by R.M. Scheller. I like being a productive fangirl.
Thank you for sharing, Megan. In my novels, I always put a gospel message, with the goal of writing a compelling story, while also sharing my faith. The idea is to have a completely clean story that ladies can share with the grandmother, mother, or daughter without embarrassment, while also giving them a page-turner. It seems to be working well, so far!
This was very inspiring! Thank you for the reminders 🙂
Megan, Thank you for sharing a broader view of ways to use our gifts in service.
I needed to hear this perspective! Thank you!
Beautiful post. Enjoyed this. Poetry for me helps with self expression, inspiring, kingdom writing and the art of it. Lovely idea you raised about writing on specific people,as well. Dead or living!
Thanks and God bless you.