On Writing

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

—Psalm 33:3

My friend Steve leads a junior high ministry. He asked me to come one night so that he could interview me. We talked about being a writer and what that’s like, and after it was over, one girl came up to talk to me.

“I write, too.” She said it like it was a confession or a secret. “Do you have any advice for me?”

“Thank you, and keep going,” I said. “Thank you for writing, for taking the time and spirit and soul to write, because I love to read, and I’m so thankful to writers like you, for writing things for me to read. And keep going, even when people make you feel like it’s not that important. It might be the most important thing you do. Keep going.”

So to all the secret writers, late-night painters, would-be singers, lapsed and scared artists of every stripe, dig out your paintbrush, or your flute, or your dancing shoes. Pull out your camera or your computer or your pottery wheel. Create something particular and honest and beautiful, because we need it. I need it.

Thank you, and keep going.