Legacy of Faith In My Family

Theresa Johnson ignited a passion to write in my spirit in her recent workshop. I have had to admit I don't have as much trouble with writing as I struggle with the publishing process. I'm not a newbie with publishing. In the early eighties I co-authored a craft, organizing cookbook that was modestly successful. Marketing the book was a mammoth task and the competitiveness of the publishing industry was fierce.

When I first felt God's call to speak and write I was disappointed in things I discovered when I explored the Christian publishing industry. In business you have to make a profit or you're not in business. I had so many responsibilities with my own family and caring for two widowed mothers that I could not see how I could jump into the publishing world and maintain my main responsibilities.

I retreated into teaching and speaking with God's gifting in me. But, now, the writing itch will not let up on me. Publishing will be God's empowerment. I am writing with all that is in me; and this blog and my church's newsletter offer me wonderful outlets. But Theresa showed me the power of my written faith legacy to generations beyond me.

For two weeks I have been recalling my conversations with mine and my husband's grandparents. I shall never forget when my maternal grandmother told me once, "Well, I just don't get it when folks have trouble believing in God's power and the words of the Bible. I'd believe Job swallowed the giant fish if the Bible said so; and folks struggle with the big fish swallowing Job."

Theresa fired me up to write "my story" when she challenged me to think of how much I wish I had the life stories and the Christian testimonies of my ancestors. I especially desire to have the writings of my ancestor who was a scribe/translator of the King James version of the Bible in England.

I'm not sure what God will do with His writing gifts in me; but I know I will write my life journey and who Jesus is to me for my family (especially the ones not even alive when I go home to Heaven) and my friends.

Whenever I am tempted to feel pompous in writing all about me; I will recall how I wish I had the written story of my deceased family members. It's not narcissistic bravado: no, it's all about Christ in me and how I came to know "my way" would never work; and I gave all to Him.

May Theresa and I stir up the gift of writing in you. How about leaving a written "heart print" as Beth wrote in yesterday's comments? Write to your family yet unborn...leave a heartprint for them.

HEARTPRINTS
Whatever our hands touch...

We leave fingerprints.

On walls,

On furniture,

On door knobs, dishes and books.

Smudges, showing we were there!

Oh Lord, please, wherever I go today...

Help me leave Heartprints.

Heartprints of compassion,

Understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness

And genuine concern.

I shall go out today... to leave Heartprints...

And if someone should say, "I felt your touch!"

May that one feeling be

Your loving touch,

Lord, through me!

May my heart touch...

My lonely neighbor, with a smile,

A worried mother, with peace,

A runaway child, with safety,

A homeless person, with warmth,

And my dear friends, with love.
~Author unknown~

Kay adds...

Lord, I pray that my heart will touch...

My family with the love You've given me;

The joy I know through You...

The comfort that I will never be alone;

Oh, God, pour Your story through me.

I pray for a written heartprint,

that shows You in me for my family!!!

Theresa Harvard Johnsons' websites:

http://www.voicesofchrist.org/

http://theresaharvardjohnson.voicesofchrist.org/mytestimony.html.