In which Jane gives herself a talking to, by Jane Walters

I learned something new in a sermon the other week. Actually, it wasn’t so much a new thing as something-I-should-probably-have-realised-a-long-time-ago. In fact, I shan’t even mention it here because ALL of you will have known it already. The fresh revelation has the power to change my life significantly if I let it but, until that happens, I thought I would write about some of my reactions.

Those of you who read my blog monthly will know that my writing has been going through a Doldrums experience of late. It’s not that I’m not writing but that there isn’t enough wind in my sails right now. In and of itself, that should be fine – I mean, us writers aren’t machines! – but it’s the questions that spring from such seasons that cause the problems. One that I struggle to bat away with any sense of conviction is, ‘Why should I be writing when there are so many books out there already?’ Closely followed by, ‘What can I possibly add to the pile? (Subtext, ‘when I’m only me.’)

So, I’m writing this blog in order to give myself a talking-to, and anyone to whom this applies is welcome to eavesdrop…

Yes, there are a great many books out there. (I seem to have most of them in my house…) But cultural wisdom changes. Fresh wine is needed. Fresh yeast. Pick your analogy and run with it, so long as you remember the “fresh” bit.

Yes, you may question your ability to reach the entire world with your message. That’s realistic. But never under-estimate the impact that the right word can bring to a situation – even when you’ve never heard of the speaker/writer. Remember that light-bulb moment in the sermon? Probably only 60 people heard that. Maybe you were the only one who caught it. Are you saying it wasn’t worth the speaker bothering?

‘I’m only me.’ Hmm, that’s a harder nut to crack, isn’t it? But what are you saying there? Are you questioning the impact and influence that one person can make? Are you telling Mother Teresa she shouldn't have tried?

Listen. We all have our moments of blinding clarity and of profound silliness. Doubts have to be acknowledged otherwise we never quite press through them into deeper belief. Even when the winds of inspiration have dropped, you’re still afloat, still bobbing along upheld by God’s everlasting arms. So, keep thinking, keep jotting those thoughts down, keep being alert to the voice of God.

*and breathe.

*and keep going.

Jane Walters is vice-chair of ACW and runs two local groups in Norfolk. She leads writing retreats further afield - it's not too late to book in for October or November. Go to www.janewyattwalters.com for more info.