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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

3. 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.