It’s often hard to analyse the creative process.
There are probably as many reasons to write as there are writers.
In thinking about why I write, several ideas sprang to mind.
The most important one for me is that I sense God is asking me to express myself this way, and all the more the longer I live.
Other reasons?
Well… here are a few…in no particular order of importance.
1) I just can’t help myself ~ It’s an urge deep within that cries out to be addressed and cannot be ignored.
2) I love to make connection points with others ~ soul to soul ~ to offer encouragement, support and hope.
3) It makes me come alive on the inside ~ enables me to feel free in a life that’s otherwise limited and constrained by illness.
4) To leave a heritage ~ a footprint in the sands of time with memories and memoir.
5) To communicate my voice and viewpoint ~ to hear and be heard.
6) In the process I discover more of who I am and what makes me tick ~ it reveals all that previously lay hidden.
7) It makes me listen more closely to God and observe the world around me with greater clarity.
8) To share my story as part of God’s greater narrative ~ give testimony to His goodness and grace.
9) I get to make friends with like-minded people in the supportive writing and blogging community in which I move.
10) Because it is a world of beauty, love and joy I can share in and be a small part of.
No more ado..here’s a poem to express much of what I feel about making a connection through the medium of words…
“Tears are words that need to be written” ~ Paul Coelho
‘I write’
I write..
mainly poetry
because of its great ability
to connect succinctly
communicating deep and whole
engaging soul to soul
and because, for better or for worse,
my life has been circumscribed by verse
I write..
because I cannot
resist the tug and urge
of emotions pressing to be heard
as they flood and surge within me
to spill and splurge their way
upon the printed page
with passion, joy or rage
I write..
for an audience of One
who gifts me from above
courtesy of His grace and love
with a calling to reveal and share
memories, life and story
threaded with hope and mercy
to encourage those in need
I write..
because I desire
to express myself like this
be it creative agony or bliss
and find catharsis in release
of feelings that are healing
in enabling seeds of recognition to be sown
to show others they are not alone
©JoyLenton2013
“Always be a poet, even in prose” ~ Charles Baudelaire
I am grateful to Jeff Goins and Bryan Hutchinson for inspiring this post.
You can stop by Jeff’s blog to find out why others like to write too.
Poetry Joy 
Joy I love your reasons why you write… So many of your thoughts resonate with me:) totally love your heartfelt poem at the end … Thanks for sharing Joy 🙂
Thanks, Lorna. It’s lovely to have common ground for why we write! I’m so pleased you could relate to the poem too. Blessings 🙂 x
Beautiful Joy,
Thank you for your post. I have to say I agree :). I am compelled to write too. It has become a large part of who I am. I want to share God’s glory, to encourage, and comfort.
Dear Anita, I know you can relate to having a compulsion to write. And a ministry has developed from it for you too! In the sharing you touch other lives with God’s goodness and grace. I really hope to be able to bless others like that too and offer encouragement and comfort. Blessings 🙂 xx
Dear Joy, Thank you for sharing your heart thoughts on your reasons for writing! I echo so many if not all, but I love this reason…”
“feelings that are healing
in enabling seeds of recognition to be sown
to show others they are not alone” Thank you for this! When I read your words of encouragement I feel so blessed and united with another friend~author of Christ’s LOVE. You are a blessing! I always say, “May a heart be blessed & a soul refries” 🙂 xx P.S sorry this is in two parts, hit the post button by mistake 🙂
Dear Kathy, I always love your comments ~ whether they come solo or otherwise! Thank you so much for this encouraging and supportive word. I’m really pleased this resonated with you. Blessings 🙂 xx
Reblogged this on Pebbles and Blessings Weekly Blog and commented:
What are your reasons for writing ~ sharing your heart words? Be blessed and encouraged by these reasons of one of Christ’s faithful followers. God bless!
How kind you are, Kathy!! Thanks very much for this generous gesture. I am deeply honoured to be featured on your site! God bless your sweet heart, my friend 🙂 xx
I love sharing words that have encouraged my heart & soul. 🙂
Loved all of these reasons you have quoted here Joy – and many are similar to mine; this one means much to me , as its why I write …To leave a heritage ~ a footprint in the sands of time with memories and memoir. Many blessings I pray for you, and yes it’s a great way to connect with others who we may never meet yet have a way and a means gifted to us from above to reach and touch hearts.
Maxine
Hi Maxine.Thanks very much for stopping by. It’s lovely to see you here! I agree that we long to make a difference while we’re here and leave a positive heritage and legacy for our loved ones at least, all courtesy of the “means gifted to us from above to reach and touch hearts” as you so beautifully put it.
The writing world is indeed rich in connection and support. We may never have met one another otherwise! Many blessings to you too on your life and writing, my friend. Xx 🙂
Hi Joy, It’s Carol…I could relate to every one of your reasons…I love: ‘I just can’t help myself!’ I think the Lord must just love you to pieces!
And the poetry is so beautifully written! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Blessings, Carol
Hi Carol. Thanks very much for stopping by! I’m so pleased you could relate to this poem. And I’m deeply touched by your kind words. Blessings 🙂 xx
Great post Joy – inspiring and thought provoking as ever. Love it!
Thanks, James! It’s lovely to see you here, my friend. I really appreciate you stopping by to encourage me. Blessings 🙂