The big WHY

Disclaimer: A couple of days ago, I wrote a post about the main I write: I want to be a great writer. Writing daily is the discipline that will form me into one.

But after some thought, there was more incentive than just that. So I thought I’d write a post to document the reasons, but it took too long and got too long – so I hereby declare that this post is a culmination of two days’ worth of posts 😊 (note to self for my record: give myself grace for not posting half of this yesterday x)

For years, I have felt a deep conviction to write and to share my writing with the world, but I resisted. Not because I didn’t have anything to say, but because I didn’t think anyone would be interested in reading about my life.

The world teaches that if one wants to attract readers, to avoid using ‘I’ language. Instead, ‘we’ language should be used to create a sense of inclusivity. Alternatively, ‘you’ language – to speak directly to the readers.

I understood the logic. People want to feel seen, heard, and included. The last thing I want is to come across as self-centred, making everything about me, myself, and I.

But the same time, I struggled with that advice. I struggled to use ‘we’ or ‘you’ because I’m not writing to give advice or impart any great wisdom. All I want to do was write about life – the one thing we ALL have in common – and the truth that surrounds most of life; that is, the mundane day to day things that happen that VERY slowly transform us into the people we are becoming.

I want to share my experiences, reflections, emotions, struggles, and ultimately my growth (when it finally does happen!). I want others to know that this IS life; more so than the 5 min story of overcoming adversity that are more commonly written about. That there is more to the story than just the adversity and the victory, and that these times MATTER …. despite how ‘little’ we think happens.

Eventually, I came to realize that the only way I can share authentically is to embrace the ‘I’ language. These are my experiences, my mistakes, my moments of growth, and my encounters with God’s grace. I cannot assume that you, dear reader, have struggled with the same doubts, choices, feelings or fears. But what I can do is share my truth, and maybe (just maybe) my experiences, feelings and emotions can act as a mirror to your experiences, feelings and emotions. Perhaps my writing can resonate with my readers in ways I never expected.

 So, I made a decision: to ignore the wisdom of the world and to follow what I believe to be something God has laid in my heart. My writings, by worldly standards, seem ‘selfish’ to me. They are about me, my life, my walk with God, my struggles, and my victories. However, my hope is that as you, dear reader, read these words, that you won’t just see my story, but pieces of your own reflected in them.

So WHY do I write?

1. Firstly, let’s cover what it’s NOT about: I’m not writing to convince

My goal isn’t to persuade you or convince you of anything. Of course, if my words resonate with you and you choose to connect with me and it creates a good change in your life, I’d be absolutely honored (and I’d love to hear from you!). But more than anything else, I sincerely hope my words are a blessing. I hope it sparks something – whether that’s reflection, encouragement, or simply the reassurance that you’re not alone in your life journey.

2. To share my testimony.

I’m writing to bear witness to what God has done in my life. John 20:31 says, “These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” I believe that sharing testimony isn’t just about recounting past experiences – it’s about declaring that God is still moving, still active, still transforming lives today. In Hebrew, the word ‘testimony’ (aydooth) means to “do it again with the same power and authority.” Every time I share or read a testimony, I’m inviting God to move again, in my life and in the lives of others. THAT is what I aim to do with my writings – to invite God to do it again, and again, and again. And again. And again. You get the idea.

3. To keep a record of my experiences.

I suffer from forgetfulness. I can’t even remember what I had for lunch two days ago, much less what happened two weeks ago. Life moves fast, particularly in the world and culture we currently live in. It’s extremely easy for me to forget the lessons I learn, the prayers God answers, and the moments that shape me. My writings are therefore intended as a record – both for me, ad dare I hope, also for you, my dear reader. Perhaps my experiences will trigger a memory of how God has worked in your life!

4. To reveal and be the real me.

‘Being authentic’ is a phrase that is widely shared these days. It’s cliché but it rings true. Trust is built through authenticity. So if I want to truly connect with others, I simply cannot hide behind polished, curated content. The thing I’m passionate about – writing – deserves input from the real me: flaws, failures, terrible writing, and everything in between.

A friend once told me that one of the most critical, soul-building disciplines is confession. There is nothing as soul-baring as shining a light on the dark areas of my life, the areas that I want to keep hidden because of embarrassment or shame. I’m not saying that I share it all – some things are meant to stay between just God and myself – but I’m saying that I try to share stories of triumph and failures and mundane in equal measure, without the what-will-be-a-sensational-story censorship filter. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God often chooses to work through the normal, ordinary day-to-day things rather than loud, big, miraculous acts.

5. To issue you – my reader – an invitation.

While this blog is about my journey, I hope that it serves as a mirror for you – that as you read my experiences, you’ll reflect on your own. That you’ll find moments where you nod and think, I know what that feels like. Or maybe you’ll feel something stir in your spirit, a nudge from the Spirit to pay attention. My prayer is that my writings will become a tool for your self-reflection as well; an opportunity for you to ask yourself: What is God’s invitation to me through this?

Allow me to make some suggestions:

While all my writings tend to be about me, it isn’t really just about me. It’s about the human experience, about the way God moves in each of our lives. It’s about you.

So with that, I suggest that you read every single word with yourself in mind. These writings are about my journey, but they can stir something in you. Let them be a starting point for your own reflections and insights.

Ask yourself these questions: What about this resonates with me? What emotions or memories does this stir in my heart? Where do I see God’s fingerprints in my own journey? Where and what is the Spirit convicting me about?

I recommend you take what resonates with you and leave what doesn’t, but be open to what the Spirit might be whispering through these words. May these words be a prompt for your own growth, healing, and deeper connection with God.

One final suggestion: I once heard it said that ‘Resonance is not obedience’.

Don’t just resonate with the stories and then forget about them as you move on. Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is this: Am I being obedient to God’s call in my life?

Thank you for reading, reflecting, and being part of this journey with me. I pray that God will use this blog as a tool to encourage and bless your life.

I am so grateful for you. May the good Lord be with you and yours always.

Amy ♥️