It’s been a silent year for writing.

I was so excited last year to get some feedback on my novel by entering it in a writing contest. Three people critiqued my work (after my critique group reviewed it several times), and two critiques were encouraging and helpful. It was the third person’s critique that silenced my writing for the last year. The critique was demeaning, almost hateful, and I could feel the disdain in the words said. It snuffed out the spark of creativity in me, and silence has been my companion since last summer.

It was a surprise letter that I received from “The Secret Place” saying that a devotion I submitted two years ago was selected for the Fall 2024 issue that struck a match to the fumes of desire to write, lighting my pilot light of creativity again. I am reminded that God has not forgotten me and I have words to share, so I should keep writing and ‘…recite my verses for the King’ (Psalm 45:1).

Our words are powerful, especially when someone asks for advice or is sharing their pain or joy with you. Friend, be careful with the words you say and the tone of voice in which they are shared. We are called to encourage one another when we are offering advice, not silence them.

This sounds like a devotion. Guess I’ll write it up and submit it. :)