For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

— II Timothy 1:7 NLT

For much of my life
I’ve lived
as a book on the shelf —
stashed between popular volumes, and
randomly read.

I say this not to elicit pity. To the contrary,

I have liked my quiet spot on the shelf.
Somewhat hidden and protected.
Seeing everything, yet voicing little.
Sitting still and collecting dust is a safe, cozy place.
I’d like to stay here, please.

But then, there’s God.
……….

God calls me to fulfill His purposes for my life. He’s writing my story to be shared, not to remain safely stored away, even though part of me would rather stay on the shelf and watch. He calls me to step off the shelf.

He calls me to make His Words known. To speak up. To let my voice be heard. I can influence the world He’s placed me in for good. When He gives me a word to share, He’ll give me the power, love and self-discipline to share it. I may not get it perfectly right, but He’ll be with me, helping me and growing me stronger.

Maybe my life will be opened, read, and placed back on the shelf. Maybe I’ll be re-shelved under categories like: hysterical nonfiction, too religious, poetic wanna-be. But maybe, just maybe someone will read my life and be encouraged to seek the Lord. Maybe they’ll hear my words — spoken or read — and be changed. Maybe they’ll walk away a little more whole.

I pray that when I do write and/or speak it will be for His glory and His purposes. I pray for words that encourage, heal and bring hope.

We are all desperate for Jesus, just not everyone knows it. He is THE answer. I am His to speak through.

Lord, write me Yours. Oh, that You would deem me Your open book for the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.