Words That Heal

Writing Encouragement

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5b,9

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

Before I share a few words for Writers’ Corner, I want to start with an update from yesterday’s prayer blog. We’ve been praying for Courtney, a young mother battling a cancerous brain tumor. She’s had brain surgery, gamma knife radiation surgery after the cancer showed new growth, and chemotherapy all in the last year. She has MRIs every two months to check treatment progress. July’s MRI was very encouraging as it showed the tumor was responding to treatment.

After yesterday’s MRI and appointment with her oncologist, this is an update from Courtney’s Caring Bridge site written by her sister Lauren:

“So Dr. Peters came in the room carrying 2 images. One was from previous MRI and other from today's. She had a huge smile on her face and excitement in her voice! She said Courtney's scan looked BEAUTIFUL! There was no enhancement shown on today's MRI which means there is no active tumor that can be seen! Chemo and radiation have killed the tumor that was left behind after surgery! Awesome news! She will continue her chemo regimen for a year in an attempt to keep any new growths from appearing. We will repeat the MRI in November. Basically, today the scan could not have looked any better. Our prayers have been answered! Thank you for praying with us! :)” 

Again, I say, Praise God! Thank you to everyone who has been faithful in lifting up Courtney (and others) in prayer through our weekly prayer blog. As a reminder, the prayer list is accessible all the time on the page above.

Now to Writers’ Corner.

I’ve nursed a migraine for the past twenty-four hours, so I’m behind on a few things—this blog post being one. So I'll share a simple word of encouragement.

We all experience periods of discouragement, whether from sickness, writer’s block, or doors that just don’t seem to be opening in our careers. This is when it’s most important to remind ourselves of why we write. We’re Christian writers because God gave us a talent and then a calling to share His message with others.

My good friend and colleague, Cindy Sproles, co-founder of Christian Devotions and Writers Advance! Bootcamp, shared this final thought at this year’s bootcamp held at The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center) in North Carolina.

“When you are discouraged—write; because in discouragement there is strength to be found. When you are joyous—write; because in joy there is encouragement. When you are broken—write; because in brokenness there is growth…Your words will break through barriers, heal wounds, and guide the lost. Your words are fueled by the whispers of God.” 

I’ll share more about 2013 Writer’s Advance! Bootcamp in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, check out the website for more information.

Now, it’s your turn. I want to hear about your writing successes or hurdles you’ve overcome this week.

God bless,

Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole