Denise Nevala | The Voice of Zion February 2025 - Column --
I never thought I was a writer. When I thought of writing, I imagined “those types of people,” those who are inspired to be authors someday. I think back to my high school years, many years ago. I remember one teacher that inspired me about writing in my senior English class. We had to keep a journal and write on certain topics either from a chosen list or we could create our own topics weekly. I surprised myself and found that journaling was a task that I enjoyed and excelled at. It peeled a new layer from my inner thoughts.
Over my single years, I kept a journal by my bed. I documented my thoughts when I was in college, my daily life, or when I was traveling. After I got married, my journal was again at my bedside. I poured out my heart of all my joys, sorrows and trials. It was by journaling that I talked through pen and drawings. As the children came, the stories were captured in my journal.
When I read through these journals today, I marvel at some of the children’s stories. I would not remember them today had I not written them down. I also read through my accounts of some of my trials, and I wonder why I was upset about silly things. Clearly, I was growing through life’s experiences. Shedding and regrowing myself as I experienced life.
As the children moved away from home, I turned my focus on hobbies and other things to fill my evenings. We lived in Minnesota at this time, and a friend encouraged me to come to a gathering where people who wrote for the LLC developed their interests and skills. “No strings attached!” she said. “No commitment to write anything for the LLC publications.”
It was a nice way to meet new people and it was fun. We did some writing exercises to get thoughts and ink flowing. One particular exercise was to write for one-minute whatever thoughts came to mind. I was really hesitant to share. These were some experienced writers in the room. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and shared. I thought for sure they would all laugh at my elementary writing. And they did laugh, not at me, but at what I wrote. All I had written about was pens scritch-scratching away and the people around the table who held the pens. The point of the exercise was to get your pen warmed up and your inspiration kicked in.
Over the years, the writing group met monthly in homes, coffee shops, online Zoom, or the LLC office. Sometimes employees from the communications department would join us and feed us some of their thoughts. What if you took that story and flipped the ending to the beginning? What about if you turned that thought into a poem? Have you ever written a memoir? The writing exercises continued, inspiring many forms of writing: poetry, short fiction, articles, blogs, podcasts, novels and children’s books. In addition to this wonderful world of self-expression, the writing group provided me with so many new friends from many congregations.
There are many blessings in serving God’s kingdom. Serving in publications has really touched my heart. I have been served in so many ways when I am asked to do an assignment, or I have raised my hand to say I can help. And yet, the doubts come, and I wonder what have I just done?
I have interviewed believers for articles or podcasts, and I don’t feel like the work is mine. God’s guiding hand leads me to hear this person’s story. Another type of assignment, say a challenging art assignment around a biblical theme or passage also brings blessings. This type of assignment has led me to read, research, and visit with other believers about how they understand it. I continue to learn and be served.
Do not be afraid to put your gifts on the exchange table. We don’t see our own gifts, but other believers see gifts. I encourage you – yes, you – to try joining or forming your own writing or art group. Explore and learn from each other. God will bless as He always does.