More Than Everything by Emily Owen

Back in February, my MTW blog (here) fell at the start of Lent, 22^nd, and I rejoiced that for once I had a pre-chosen topic.

Fast forward to May, and I’m asking myself, how could I have forgotten May 22^nd?

You see, May 22^nd carries a pre-chosen topic for me.

NF2 is the name of a medical condition I have and live with, and today – May 22^nd -  is NF2 day.

For the past few May 22nds, I have written (not for MTW) articles about NF2, I have written as NF2 – writing from an unusual perspective is great fun; do give it a go – I have written rhyme, and haiku about NF2. This year, I have written Limericks about NF2.

So why did I rejoice, back in February, that for once I had a pre-chosen topic?

I have one every year!

The only thing I can think is that it’s not a generic reason.

Lent is generic. Lots of people mark Lent.

NF2 Day is specific. I hazard a guess that few – if any – other ACW-ers would claim NF2 Day personally.

Specific was eclipsed by generic.

Personal was hidden by crowds.

Photo by alex bracken on Unsplash

I wonder if similar can be true in writing?

There are certainly crowds in writing. Good crowds. But crowds we can get lost in, nonetheless.

‘I am seeing lots of new books (other peoples’)’ crowds.

‘I am doing my best at marketing (hats off to those for whom marketing comes easily)’ crowds.

‘I am hosting a book launch (and I’m terrified)’ crowds.

‘I am editing (trying to convince myself that every word I’ve written is not complete rubbish)’ crowds.

‘I am looking for inspiration (which, no matter how much chocolate I eat, is not forthcoming)’ crowds.

‘I am facing a looming deadline (which I’ve known about for ages but here we are)’ crowds.

‘I got a review (which, after 100+ readings – all mine – is still there, so it must be real)’ crowds.

I am-

Yes, I am.

I can be recognised for who I am, not only for who I am in the crowds that surround me.

As Christian writers, we are daily reminded, in the title of our blog, that we are More Than Writers.

How many of us have stopped noticing the title, much less taking it on board.

The fact that God chose us to write, to enter the above-mentioned crowds, is an incredible privilege.

The fact that He chose us, before we did a single thing, just because we are, is More Than Everything.

Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I chose you...

Jeremiah 1:5