"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
I wrote this post a few years back, but I thought it bore repeating. At the time, I had founded a non-profit and was running it mostly by myself, with a few loyal volunteers. (Avaney, I'm looking at you. )
Here were my thoughts on that solitary journey.
I woke up at 4:35am. Nature called. More than that, the words called. I went back to bed, warm and cozy. But the words wouldn't stop. I had to see where they'd take me - and write them down.
They started with birds on a wire.
Where does that come from in the wee hours of the morning? Rested, but not yet fully awake, this is where a writer's mind goes. Writers are strange birds.
After dragging myself out of bed to write, it became clear this poem was not about birds plural, but a single bird - all alone up there.
How often I feel that way. Writing is solitary. I can't afford an assistant, and I don't have a team to collaborate with - or even to argue with. It's just me.
In addition to writing, I'm building a nonprofit, SOUL. This I didn't see coming. Like words at 4am, SOUL called me and wouldn't let me rest. Like writing, leading a nonprofit is solitary. Isolating.
You're on a mission from God, but no Blues Brothers are singing in the background. Alas, deafening silence can be defeating and discouraging. You're out there alone - a bird on a wire.
So here's my poem . Read the first column and let it sink in before reading the second column.
Now go back and read across each line from one column to the other. I don't know how this happened. I'm as amazed as you are. (Although I did make some minor adjustments when I noticed this phenomenon.)
After I wrote the first column, I thought I was done. It spoke my heart. Then a still, small voice reminded me. I'm not alone.
And neither are you.
God's blessings to you as you fly in faith, feed your family, fellowship with friends, and fight the good fight with your Savior at your side.
Blessings,
Dianne
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
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To learn more about SOUL, visit www.sanctuaryofunbornlife.org.
We appreciate your support of SOUL Sisters and our mission to provide maternity housing
for pregnant women in need.
For more of Dianne's writing, visit www.diannemiley.com.
A portion of all book proceeds benefit SOUL.
This is awesome! Just where I am in my journey. Thank you!
Lovely!
Anyone else feel this way at times?