The Writing Talent

I got to thinking this morning, sometimes we writers need to take a good long look at ourselves. Pretend we're onions and peel back the layers. Will today's writers be looked upon the same we look back at writers of the past? With respect and awe? Will the age of technology hinder that somewhat?

Nobody knows. So I think it's important we understand the kind of writer we are. What is our writing talent, exactly.

Every writer is different. No two are the same. Nor should they be. I can't imagine writing like Barbara Kingsolver or Joyce Carol Oates. I read their books and wish I had a brain like that. To have those kinds of words flow off the ends of my fingers would be like an anointed gift. A divine touch from above. Hemingway and Steinbeck and Fitzgerald, the way they used their words, few writers today can even be compared to them. Pat Conroy just blows me away. His novel, Beach Music, breaks all the rules. I lived in the pages of it for weeks.

Though I've been writing all my life, and have received wonderful reviews, I'm humbled as I read the classics. I may not ever be as prolific, as artistic, as wealthy and well-known.

But I can tell a hell of a story.

I don't think that will ever go out of style.

Blessings to you and yours.

Shame On You, Pastor

My heart goes out to the people of Japan. I'm grateful there are so many who are willing to give time and money to assist these folks in their recovery efforts. If you can, please give to a reputable organization to help the relief over there. The Red Cross is accepting donations at their dot com web site, and I'm sure there are many other organizations being set up for this purpose. I doubt, however, the nation of Japan will ever be the same. The destruction was massive and I can't imagine the horror they're living through. My prayers are with the Japanese people.

But I heard something yesterday that although it didn't surprise me, it disgusted me. A well-loved pastor of a fundamental non-denominational church said, "They're finally getting a piece of what they deserve for the destruction they did at Pearl Harbor."

My first thought: Are you out of your mind?

My second thought: I thought we already won that war when we dropped "the bomb."

My third thought: That's like blaming American children born in the twenty-first century for slavery.

My final thought: Who died and made you God? It would certainly not surprise me that many of our conservative churches are parroting this same ignorant comment. I've sat in church services and have heard crap like this before.

I'm hoping for your sake, PASTOR, that God turned away for a second and didn't hear your comment. Shame on you.

I am a woman of faith. I believe in a compassionate and loving God. And although we do not understand why bad things happen to good people, I believe He aches for us all.

Blessings to you and yours, and the people of Japan this day.