Saturday Brunch Meeting

Saturday, December 2, 10a-12p

Expect to enjoy a delicious brunch that will include our usual writing fare:

• A Focus Point
• A writing exercise 
• Time for critiques

Regular members, if you did not yet RSVP, please email Susan at njcwgroup@gmail.com and tell her what you're bringing. Guests, you are welcome! We're eager to meet you. Last month's Focus Point is below.

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Just Do It

During an advertising agency meeting in 1988, Nike coined the slogan JUST DO IT. According to Wikipedia, “one of the campaign's objectives was to target all Americans regardless of age, gender or physical fitness level which led to Nike becoming worn as a fashion statement, not just as fitness gear. (Nearly 80% of Nike’s running shoes are not worn for their intended purpose.) In other words, you don’t have to be a pro to play.

I suggest that the “It” we’re supposed to “just do” is whatever is in your heart to do. Don’t think about perfection or scoring or fans, just put on the sneakers and play. You don’t need to be on a court or a field, JUST DO IT.

In writing, we don’t need to be professional, perfect or popular; we just need to do it—we need to write. Sure, it’s more fun with the roar of a crowd, but we can’t let silence rob us of the joy of using our gift. We write for the pleasure of the Giver of that gift.

I told you about my disappointment when the editor who wanted to see “everything” I write told me he was now too busy to consider new authors. I thought my book was a shoo-in and now I felt like a failure—until I realized I didn’t fail God. I did what He put on my heart to do, I wrote H-O-P-E for the Journey. I succeeded.

However, the silence that meets me at my keyboard these days is discouraging. The only way to continue writing is to JUST DO IT—because it is mine to do. I write for the Creator, not the crowd.

I want to echo the words of the servant in Matthew 25:20, “Master, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.” Our talents, financial and spiritual, will only increase with investment.

Take home thought: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “Fan into flame the gift of God… For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Write, and write some more.