Dear, Writer, I hope you had a beautiful week and considered how God wants to bring more of your uniqueness into the message He’s given you to share! This week, I want to encourage those who may have had difficulty getting their writing started. (Or perhaps restarted!)
I want to remind you of the benefit of short-form writing to hone your craft and jumpstart your creativity. You see, sometimes we put undue pressure on ourselves to tackle a whole book. When we don’t, it can feel like we’re not really writing. But there is so much power in short-form work.
Whether a blog, article, short story, or devotion, short-form writing allows us to play while sharpening our story-telling skills. And those bite-size messages can still pack a powerful punch when it comes to impacting the lives of readers.
But before we jump in, let’s look at some others whose short-form messages had a big impact on those they reached…
Short-Form in History
Brother Lawrence is an example of a man who powerfully employed short-form writing. When he was nearly 50, Brother Lawrence dedicated his life to serving Christ as Carmelite monk. In his own eyes, he was a terribly clumsy, awkward fellow and felt he could best serve God through simple menial labor. However, whether washing dishes or repairing sandals, Lawrence did every task as unto God and in partnership with God.
This habit developed a robust inward joy. So much so, that others noticed and began to seek out the humble monk’s wisdom. Brother Lawrence began counsel and write letters to men and women from all walks and stations of life. All those seeking to find the joy and peace he had.
Fifteen of those letters have survived, as well as the content of four conversations, and are in gathered in The Practice of the Presence of God. These short letters continue to change lives and challenge countless believers today to enjoy a closer walk with God.
Short-Form in the Bible
Jonah is another powerful example of a man who employed a short-form message. Though initially resistant, when Jonah finally reached Nineveh, he preached the shortest sermon ever. “In forty days the city of Nineveh will be destroyed!” In fact, Jonah didn’t even include an option of repentance. But Jonah’s message was God’s word to the right audience at the right time. And God’s word always has an impact.
Jonah’s one-sentence message sparked complete nation-wide repentance and one of the most powerful displays of the mercy of God every recorded. You see, writer, we cannot underestimate the power of God to work through the smallest of the words He gives us to share!
Short-Form in Life
I engaged in short-form writing after I returned from living three-and-a-half months in Uganda. After sharing some of the lessons God taught us and how we planned to live them out in the States, two different people said, “You should blog about this journey!” I took their words to heart and began to write about trying to live with “Ugandan simplicity” in a US context.
I’ve been writing a short blog post weekly for over three years now. Though the number of followers isn’t astronomical, it’s amazing how many people share how the blog has impacted them. Some have said it helped them make key life decisions at the right time. All because of simple faithfulness to share a bit of what God’s teaching me about living simply with Him each week. And here’s the thing…
Short-Form in Your Life
The power of God is not measured out especially to those who create works of great length of majesty. It’s measured out to those who are obedient. Because here’s the deal…
Whenever we are willing to simply share what He gives, in the way He gives it, no matter how small, we allow Him to speak His love, light, and truth into the life of another. And there will never be anything more powerful than that. Let me prove it to you…
- For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:10-11
- For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:12-13
- Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar – Proverbs 30:5-6
- The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. – Isaiah 40:8
- But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4
You see, writer, every single word of God is filled with power, regardless of the size of the package. And when we allow Him to spread His word through us like seeds, we never know what might take root in the heart of another!
Where to Start with Short-Form…
So are you interested in using some short-form work to jumpstart or perfect your writing? Here are some things to keep in mind…
- Embrace Freedom. Short-form writing is a wonderful way to explore the themes and messages God has given you to write about. It can also provide an opportunity to try something outside your comfort zone. But here’s the deal: Creative play and rest are key ways God refreshes and fits us for our work with Him. Allowing yourself to play through short-form writing can help un-stick or unlock parts of your voice and His call for you.
- Embrace Excellence. Once you’ve begun to play, choose an idea that really captures your heart and make it as excellent as you can. If it’s an article, make sure the message is clear and compelling and pulls the reader to you main point. If it’s a short story, make sure you have a captivating character with a strong goal, motive, and conflict. Learning how to convey a powerful message with a few words can really sharpen your writing skills!
- Embrace Sharing. Once you’ve done your best, I strongly encourage you to share your work. Consider submitting your article or devotional to a magazine or your short story to a contest. Not only is sharing fun, but writing for an audience helps bring out our best. Plus, the feedback you receive will be invaluable to your growth and learning.
- Embrace God. Ask God to guide and fill your words, whether you are writing something small or large. Then simply trust that He is. Inviting God to breathe His life into you work doesn’t have to be long or laborious. I’ve found He often likes to play with us just as much as work with us. And here’s the thing…
Part of using short-form content to enhance your writing and creativity lies in recognizing that all parts of life are equally valuable to God and equally in His hands. In God’s economy, there is no such thing as sacred versus secular. It all belongs to Him. And He wants us to enjoy every part of the life He’s created for us with Him, from the mundane to the magnificent. And here’s the thing…
When we honor God with every action we take, we have no idea how the impact will redound throughout the annals of history. After all, Brother Lawrence’s letters still deepen the lives of believers across the globe today. Jonah’s story still instructs generation after generation about the merciful love of God. The story of my journey toward Kingdom simplicity is now clarifying the journeys of others. And God can do the same with your bite-size writings, too.
So if you’ve been struggling to write a book or “something important,” I encourage you to prayerfully consider taking a step back to write something small. As you ask God to meet you where you are and wholeheartedly move forward, no matter the size of the step, you may be amazed at the ways He uses the smallest of seeds to cause you and others to grow.
#smallsteps #bigimpact #obedience #EveryWriterWriting
