The Courage to Write

LatterDayAuthors.com's dear Terrie Bittner mentioned in her blog below about the courage it takes to write. I agree. Her post has come during an important time of the world's history. Much is in commotion. Voices clamor for attention. Some of those voices insist on honesty in their verbose declarations. But others couldn't care less for the things of integrity. They seem only interested in elevating their voice above the others.

It is during this cacophony of sound that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a request to its general membership ... and it may be one that interests you as a writer.

Here is an excerpt of that request, coming from Elder M. Russell Ballard:

“We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches,” he said.

“While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time.”

The rest of the information can be found at this link. The important piece of knowledge from this whole statement is that the Lord needs YOU as a writer. He needs your words, He needs your knowledge, He needs your love for Him to shine brighter than ever before.

The Church now requests that the general membership use blogs and other forms of new media to share the joy the gospel brings. Of course, as Elder Ballard stated, "There is no need to become defensive or belligerent" in those communications. As always, we are to be examples of believers and followers of Christ. Our decorum influences others at all times.

So if there were ever a time to shun discouragement or despair regarding your own writing, it is now. The Church needs your voice as a voice of reason during a time of great turmoil and cacophony of sound. You, yes, you are a writer and you are being called forth to share your thoughts, your words, and your testimonies with the world!