Inspired

I am inspired ...

The power of inspiration, I believe, is akin to compassion in that it creates in us the potential to act. For instance, Jesus was moved with compassion to heal the sick and raise the dead. While compassion was not necessary for Him to perform miracles, it speaks of His humanity as a high priest, who can identify with us. Inspiration like compassion moves us at our core. It provides the fuel that is vital for over performance; with it we can become herculean, such that no situation is so dire as to justify loosing hope. When we are inspired, the process for whatever challenges we face become more bearable. It increases the likelihood we will continue or do again what needs to be done to overcome any obstacle. Inspiration propels us to a place where growth is revealed, and our lives, and lives of those around us are enriched.

The Writers' Workshop inspired me to write again with passion. I am still struggling as a writer, but I see breakthrough. I feel a momentum for writing that I have not felt for some time. Without a doubt, writing is a discipline. Sometimes, however, getting to the discipline requires encouragement and inspiration. I needed the experience of the Writers' Workshop. The demand of getting weekly assignments done distracted me from the painful aspect of the writing. Yet, it was more than the demand that propelled me. I felt was a strong sense that I was contributing to somebody’s break-through. I write for myself, but with the understanding that I am writing for others.

Although, Joy is a fruit to be eaten and shared, I would guess that for most people writing is personal. For example, we write emails, we text, and most of that communication is directed a specific other person or to a selected group. In light of the Writers' Workshop, I am rethinking the perspective that I write for myself. If I am a tree, then my words are the fruits that hang from my branches. If one person can eat and be satisfied then I have served my purpose. Moreover, since I have neither silver nor gold, what better gift to give than words that inspire, words that bring peace, word that restore hope. The words I write also satisfy me.

Moreover, writing is a wonderful act of self affirmation. It does not have to be self-congratulatory, or horn-tooting. Instead, by writing we can challenge ourselves to be more honest, first with ourselves and then then with others. As we persevere down this path of self evaluation and assign the proper value of our contribution in the lives of others, we will perhaps write more. We will find a new freedom of expression that could show itself as a galloping horse, wild, but rhythmic or as the purposeful harmonious moments of swans.

Finally, I will write because I can.