Dear Heather. Thanks for being so honest about your misgivings. Please be assured that your writing is very much appreciated. It is vital that a voice like yours is heard amidst the cacophony of falsehoods and half-truths that crowd the public arena. Much of what fills the media is destructive of well-being while purporting to offer simple solutions to complex modern problems. Giving practical help for those in need is a laudable ambition - but it is something that any person of good will can achieve. What you offer (a distinctively Christian voice in debate with modern life) is much rarer and therefore much needed. Few have the ability to provide this, but you do. So please continue going for it! Prayers and good wishes.
Thank you Paul, your support is much appreciated :) Perhaps I should have said that for most of my career, post-conversion anyway, I have shared writing with pastoral work. More recently I decided to write full time. If I was to return to caring roles, I would still write but it wouldn't be my priority. It's good to know that you value this work!
Heather, I was really encouraged by this article. I have recently started writing my own Substack, which also has a Christian slant, and you perfectly articulated my own motivation - "Spiritually, my goal is to let go of inner desires for attention, money or success and to completely surrender my work to God." God bless you and your writing.
Thanks Rob! I think there's more to be said about the spirituality of writing or being 'public' in any sense - especially the potential pitfalls. It's great that you're bringing your Christian perspective to Substack :)
I can relate to what you're saying about pride. It is definitely a pitfall of writing. I was trying this morning to reframe it, to think that it feels good to do something for God, like a servant, because of course it's silly to take pride when we are the creation not the creator.
I think what you're doing is very important, and while there are many writers out there, not all of them are such thoughtful reflectors on the culture and politics of our time. I think we can all find our unique place.
One thing that's helped me is adding a 'buy me a coffee' link to my posts. I've been quite surprised to get support that way. I think it's easier for some people to give a one off donation rather than add another subscription. God bless you and keep writing!
Dear Heather. Thanks for being so honest about your misgivings. Please be assured that your writing is very much appreciated. It is vital that a voice like yours is heard amidst the cacophony of falsehoods and half-truths that crowd the public arena. Much of what fills the media is destructive of well-being while purporting to offer simple solutions to complex modern problems. Giving practical help for those in need is a laudable ambition - but it is something that any person of good will can achieve. What you offer (a distinctively Christian voice in debate with modern life) is much rarer and therefore much needed. Few have the ability to provide this, but you do. So please continue going for it! Prayers and good wishes.
Thank you Paul, your support is much appreciated :) Perhaps I should have said that for most of my career, post-conversion anyway, I have shared writing with pastoral work. More recently I decided to write full time. If I was to return to caring roles, I would still write but it wouldn't be my priority. It's good to know that you value this work!
Heather, I was really encouraged by this article. I have recently started writing my own Substack, which also has a Christian slant, and you perfectly articulated my own motivation - "Spiritually, my goal is to let go of inner desires for attention, money or success and to completely surrender my work to God." God bless you and your writing.
Thanks Rob! I think there's more to be said about the spirituality of writing or being 'public' in any sense - especially the potential pitfalls. It's great that you're bringing your Christian perspective to Substack :)
I really appreciate your honest reflection 💜
Thanks Anna :)
I can relate to what you're saying about pride. It is definitely a pitfall of writing. I was trying this morning to reframe it, to think that it feels good to do something for God, like a servant, because of course it's silly to take pride when we are the creation not the creator.
I think what you're doing is very important, and while there are many writers out there, not all of them are such thoughtful reflectors on the culture and politics of our time. I think we can all find our unique place.
One thing that's helped me is adding a 'buy me a coffee' link to my posts. I've been quite surprised to get support that way. I think it's easier for some people to give a one off donation rather than add another subscription. God bless you and keep writing!
Ah I've seen that link many times but not thought of trying it out - good idea. Thank you for your encouragement! :)
You are very welcome!