Writing at Seventy

Over the years few people have not taken me seriously when I tell them I am a writer. Most people shake their head. Others say everyone needs a hobby. They then tell me their’s is a real manly hobby. Their next words are “My hobby is hunting and fishing.”

I would ache inside when I received this patronizing response. It would get worse.

When I was a first lieutenant I requested release from active duty from the US Army to attend seminary. The commanding officer of Charlie Company asked, “Lieutenant Kepler, what is your plan on going to seminary?”

I replied, “I am going to earn a master’s degree in religious education.”

“What are you going to do with that degree? Are you going to transfer to the Chaplain Corps?” was his follow-up question.

“No. I hope to be a Christian educator and a writer,” I said.

“A writer?” Then he started to laugh. It was a deep belly laugh. He added, “everyone thinks they can be a writer. You haven’t done anything to write about. You don’t have a story to tell.”

“But I do. I will tell about the hope I have in Jesus,” I said.

I then quoted  Jeremiah 31:33 (King James Version), “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

“What?” was his confused reply.

“My writing is going to help people write the word of God in their hearts,” I said mustering all the courage I could.

“You’re crazy?”

“I’m just going to share Bible truth and principles helping people apply them to everyday life,” I said.

I shook his head, told me I was half-crazy and wasting a potentially good military career.

Maybe like me, people have told you writing is crazy. I felt called by God to write and share. What about you?

Maybe you picture a little red devil sitting on your shoulder questioning your worthiness to write about the things of God. He reminds you of every sin you have ever committed or even thought of committing. You don’t feel worthy.

I’m an imperfect sinner save by God’s grace. I know I am not worthy, but I still share. It isn’t me I want them to see. I want others to look to the Creator.

Think about these things:

Why do you want to write? Has God called you to be a Christian writer?

Maybe like me, you are a Christian who includes God and Christian themes in your writing.

Have you ever considered what God may be wanting to say through you?

I feel God wants me to communicate Christian themes in the secular marketplace.