Calling and Purpose 25—Writers

In the Faith and Work:  Being a Christian in the Workplace blog entry, you read that “humans were made for work and the dignity and purpose it gives us…we can seek work that fits how God has uniquely designed each of us.”  The following writers served a variety of purposes during their lifetimes, using and developing their God-given gifts and talents in ways from which we continue to benefit:

 C.S. Lewis

·        Professor of English at Oxford University and Cambridge.

·        Christian apologist.

·        Author of Mere Christianity, The Chronicles of Narnia, and other major works.

·        Influencer of generations to think deeply about Jesus, Scripture, and the world around them.

·        Friend of J. R. R. Tolkien and participant in The Inklings creative writing group.

 Fanny Crosby

·        Writer of over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, including "Blessed Assurance", "To God Be the Glory.”

·        Poet.

·        Musician.

·        Mission teacher and worker.

·        Was blind but did not live as if that was a limitation to fulfilling her purpose and calling.

 J. R. R. Tolkien

·        Professor of English Language and Literature at Oxford.

·        Author of the epic series Lord of the Rings.

·        Rooted his writing of fantasy in his Christian beliefs, hoping to influence an increasingly secularized world.

·        Friend of C.S. Lewis and participant in The Inklings creative writing group.

 Dorothy Sayers

·        Author of crime fiction.

·        Poet.

·        Translator of Dante’s Divine Comedy.

·        Author of Christian books and essays.

·        Friend of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.

 God’s purpose for each of them was to use their creative gifts and writing skills to serve the human community in redeeming ways.  One way they did that was by performing their very best at each task.  In this way, each one also earned the right to be heard on their deeper values and beliefs.

Is your purpose as a writer—using your creativity and unique expression to elevate truth or faith or invite people into contemplative moments or fantasies that reflect the story of God?

 How can you further develop your gifts and talents?

 Who is your support system (like The Inklings were for each other)—encouraging you, giving you feedback, holding you accountable?

 If you aren’t familiar with your gifts—which help give shape and substance to your purpose and calling, take the free online assessment.

 For more on these subjects, see the Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog.  Check out other resources and a six-week workbook at GodGiftsYou.com.

 Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and law enforcement leadership for over 30 years.  Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999.  She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S.  Contact Shirley