In Search of…

In search of.. an original idea.

There was a show years ago that was hosted by someone many of you would know by his character’s name on Star Trek (and one of my favorites) Leonard Nimoy (Mr Spock). It was a “fascinating” show as it covered a wide range of items, individuals and creatures. For example, the Loch Ness monster and Big Foot. 

Something that I struggle with as I aim to write is to find something that is an original idea. Yet, the more I read the more I understand that most of what authors share has already been shared in one context or another over and over again. Not only has that occurred in situation comedies but, books, movies, plays and our own family scenarios. We don’t need to mention mistakes repeated time and again in our collective history. I think you get my drift.

I am not talking about plagiarism but common themes that continue to play out in our hearts and minds. I guess the important thing to realize is that each author is tied to a certain era…within a specific culture and according to their individual circumstances. And, each of us has a specific worldview that includes their view of God themselves and others (or the lack thereof). 

I think I’m coming to understand that I need to know myself very well in order to write clearly. I also need to know who I am writing to even as a public speaker needs to know his audience and a pastor needs to know his congregation. I think as with everyone else I play many roles: husband, father, son chaplain, pastoral caregiver, among others.

There is also the nature of my character that at times includes a quirky, dry sense of humor. But, also a reserved reflective manner which seem at odds with that. I sometimes seem like an introvert and at other times an extrovert.  When I’ve asked for feedback about myself I have been called winsome, smart, funny, well organized. Or, quiet, indecisive and absent minded. Most of us are not one-sided but multi-faceted. At times we are enigmatic or unique at the very least.

My likes and hobbies are captured pretty well in a caricature drawn by a college friend (Jeff Palmberg). He is a wonderful Pastor and gifted artist. A Bible should be added to the “tools” I typically use…and maybe somehow add a golf club as well.

My worldview and faith seem to have always meshed at least ever since I was a teenager. I have always believed that God created the world (and all of us!) and everything in it even down to the last grain of sand. Something that stuck with me from the time I was a child was the phrase “where is it written?” Whenever I found myself in a rough spot (which seemed to be quite often) I would turn to my Bible for the answers. Whether I was involved in a fight at school, struggling with depression, coping with the aftermath of a car accident I have found my answers there. I could, of course, create an exhaustive list but that’s a good summary.

If I look at my initial question of finding an original idea I realize there isn’t one!  The gospel that I find is the same that it’s always been. Jesus is still Jesus.  We might find different ways to contextualize the message. This has happened since Jesus’ disciples began sharing the Good News. 

My goal is not only to be an author but a Christian author. Believing as I do in Jesus being my Lord and Savior I want my writing to reflect my faith and His faithfulness. I need to reframe my desire for an original idea realizing that what God will say through me will be different. He made me to say things in a certain way, with a certain personality and with my own voice.

This should come as no surprise to me as on occasion in Seminary several of us preached on the same text. None of us said exactly the same thing. We did not use the same examples or share the same life experiences. But, Jesus was preached and the Gospel was shared faithfully.

It is written that if we seek God’s Kingdom first- we will be given what we need. And, even further to be granted the desires of our heart. With that in mind I think I have answered my own question.

My re-formulated title now would read: In Search of…what God would say through me!