On one reality show with ‘wanna-be’ fashion designers, entrants are judged to be either ‘in’ or ‘out’ and those deemed ‘out’ are dismissed. This is nothing new as the proliferation of media information makes us aware that much of today’s culture seems to be fueled by popular trends. In fact, it seems some of today’s ‘so-called’ icons have little to bring to table other than the ability to capture the interest of the media long enough to develop a pop following.
In the midst of it all though, God’s word says, we are to be ‘the salt of the world’, and I think this a good focus for Christian writers. From my perspective, that means our message, and our method of creativity should add a different ‘flavor’ to the literary stew. And, the result may be that everybody in ‘pop culture’ might not ‘get’, understand or LIKE what we’re trying to do. It is said, “Let he that has an ear, listen” and I believe as writers, it is our greatest desire that what we say, along with HOW we say it may reach the ear, penetrating the heart of one who will hear. What an awesome blessing to know that though some can’t hear the message now, later they may, and our offerings will be available for them and I believe they’ll be glad the choice is there.
As Christian writers we must be prepared that some might find our offerings too lame, tame, convicting or unrealistic. It’s no secret that when we are involved in certain lifestyle choices we believe everyone else is too. In fact, it's only once we move away from some behaviors do we realize how many others don’t participate. We are afforded tremendous power through our writings. Through our stories we can create characters making choices that readers may reflect on while fashioning their own lives. This may allow some to make choices they may not have otherwise realized available to them. And so, through ‘cleaning up our act’ and thinking in a new way, our literary offerings might put us on the ‘outs’ with some folks, but I think that’s okay. Because, the truth is what’s ‘out’ in the world is often ‘in’ with God and it’s being in His clique that matters most….
Note: I hope this is ‘my’ day to post. Didn’t write down my Tuesdays! So I apologize if I’ve posted on someone else’s day and please feel free to ‘cyber’-slap my hand!! - Cheri
Cheri Paris Edwards is the first-time author of “Plenty Good Room”, published in hardcover by Walk Worthy/Warner Books in Spring, 2005. She is 49-years old and the mother of two boys. She lives in East-Central Illinois. Her website is www.cheriparisedwards.com