YOUR GIFT IS FOR THE WORLD

I do a lot of things in the world, but at the heart of everything I am, I am a writer.
This might be a little “inside ball” for many of my readers, but I want to share the essence of a keynote that I delivered at the annual Catholic Writers Guild Live Conference in Chicago earlier this week. One of the attendees asked for my “speech” and I froze, because I scribbled it out on my iPhone and the Holy Spirit took over the rest. I prayed much in advance of this conference and knew that God wanted to bring new projects to life, resurrect dead dreams and dust off shelved manuscripts. Speaking to fellow artists, writers and all around creators is always a little intimidating. I never feel fully qualified. A holy man of God who prays with me occasionally via my own spiritual director called me Saturday prior to this event. He knew nothing of my upcoming appearance and as he was praying with me said that the Lord showed him I would be before a group of business professionals and to prepare, but “don’t prepare too much because the Holy Spirit would take over and and touch the hardest hearts in the room.”
Can confirm.
I asked God for the points he wanted me to address and drew from my own experience.
I was shocked to receive a standing ovation and so much personal feedback that confirmed that during these Pentecost days, the Holy Spirit is operative for humanity. The reactions were highly emotional in recognition of the pain of the creative process. He was speaking through me for those who are called at this moment in history to transform the culture and create a renaissance that lifts hearts and minds to the Divine. This is urgent.
ICYMI or if you just want to hear this message, here are my words. I hope they bless and inspire you!
To my fellow Catholic writers…
When I think of writers, I think of artists. Aside from women who get to literally co-create with the Holy Spirit to bring about a new life, there are artists, writers, those who, when they invite Him in, co-create with the Holy Spirit to be apostles of this age by bringing the words of LIFE in a story, a testimony, a book, film, whatever the platform is. Some of you are out in front and the main messenger and others are forming words and messages behind the scenes and putting big, beautiful words in the mouths of others.
There is a demonic narrative and a God narrative and you are heralds of His narrative. The line has been drawn in the sand. There can be no compromise and no tangling with the spirit of the world anymore. To write to change the culture, we need to have God’s law, God’s love, God’s truth written on our hearts never to be blotted out, then he can entrust to us the great work of writing to change the culture in order to infuse it with His love, His goodness, and the reality of God.
I asked the Holy Spirit to guide this talk today to just inspire in the ways I have been inspired. I don’t have slides or any preset graphics because I believe by way of this talk, He wants to inspire you, resurrect your dreams, the old pages, the manuscripts on the shelf and to open new doors for such a time as this!
I jotted down a few aspects that have encouraged and helped me along my path. The things inside me, the things of Heaven and the things in the body of Christ that remind me of who I am as a writer- and that my gift, YOUR gift, is not for you alone. It’s always for another, even if it’s just one person.
I am a writer. You are a writer.
Here it goes….
1. Remember your first love.
Artists, creators, and writers can get banged up and discouraged. As I was preparing to deliver this message, God began to flood me with vivid memories of my very earliest days of writing – as a school girl, a college student, an aspiring journalist and beyond. I flashed back to colorful cover letters, school papers, the dreaded computer lab, electric typewriters, old school journals, and witty poems about waitressing, and the drudgery of life. I flashed back to think about my favorite writers and teachers and the memory of my parents who would recall that I was “quiet” because I was an observer of life. “She’s taking notice of everything.”
Why is it important to remember?
I am a writer. I do a lot of things in the world, but the core essence of who I am is a writer.
I was reminded of the Scripture, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” (Psalm 143)
It’s important to remember to reclaim your zeal, and then to deliver that zeal into the world. We need to remember who we are in Christ. We need do remember how he pilots us and know that He hasn’t stopped. Even if we are on a pause.
I challenge you to recall the things of old in your writing. Do you remember your earliest days of writing and the impact that your writing had on those around you? There may have been emotions of joy, surprise, truth and beauty? Do you remember the first seed of an idea and then bringing that to life?
Through your writing you have the ability to take people places they never could go on their own and to bring them the truth of Christ which they otherwise may not receive if you didn’t write. Be it an uplifting story, some needed comic relief that breaks through pain and suffering or a testimony that provides hope where hope was lost – your words have power.
I recall one of my most important early writing assignments. I was studying at American University during my Washington Semester in Journalism and everyone in my class was assigned to write a story about President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration. It wasn’t all about what I would write, but also my vantage point and position to tell others about this period of history as I experienced it.
As a highly competitive and blossoming journalist, I didn’t want my story to be a cookie cutter repeat or just like everyone else. My story had to be different, colorful, unique and unlike anything a regular American would experience. I was searching for a way to topple my classmates with the absolute best story. I didn’t know a lot about inaugurations or the political landscape. I was a junior in college and still learning. The general public would show up or have access to the public swearing in. As a poor college student, I didn’t have the money or connections to gain access to one of the inaugural balls which is where I wanted to be! I was feeling defeated and began to pray. I would get on my knees daily leading up to this pinnacle moment ask Jesus to direct this assignment. Will you help me? Can you help me? Where should I go? I need an amazingly surprising story. Lord, make it happen.
It became comedic as my roommate and partner in crime had a birds-eye view of my prayer posture (hitting the floor) and my silent but serious supplications which prompted unabashed curiosity. I had to come clean with her. My roommate was the most fun and it all become funny and adventuresome.
I was reading the papers and read about a rumored report of an impromptu Clinton stop at a jazz bar for an unofficial “ball stop” where the next president would play his saxophone. My gut was intent on following this lead. I told my roommate that we would get decked out (as decked as college gals could) and set out for this off the grid mystery ball.
After the day’s events we slipped into our evening wear and headed for the Metro to follow the information trail. We were having such a good time chatting it up on the train that we missed our stop for the “jazz ball” and had to get off at Union Station and get back on the train in the opposite direction.
As we sheepishly exited at our “wrong” stop at Union Station, it was as though time stood still. I looked up at the escalator and I saw, descending in the most glamorous gown and tuxedo, a couple holding two giant green official Inaugural Ball tickets that seemed larger than life. My eyes bugged out as we looked on in silence, the couple shouted down to us, “have you attended the ball yet?” At that moment it was a burst of joy, hilarity and a ticket handoff that was the astounding answer to my prayers on my knees for the best story and a vantage point as history unfolded.
The DC Fire Marshall was about to close off all access to the gala but the Holy Spirit led us to the line that would gain us access. As we walked into the stunning venue just in the nick of time, the classic musical arrangement “Someone to Watch Over Me” serenaded everyone and the newly sworn in President and First Lady had their dance…..and I had my story.
God can take you by the hand and lead you where you need to be to capture history. Make Him your agent, way-maker and co-writer. The big things He’s done, He will do again. We remember to be reminded of His power working through us.
Where is God calling you now, to record or capture history?
Another instance worthy of remembering, I recall writing a simple cover letter attached to a resume that I sent to NBC Nightly News that changed the course of my life and really doubled down on the power of the word to get the attention of a news executive who would be an instrument of grace in shaping my path.
When you are 21, you are fearless. I fearlessly sent resumes to 60 Minutes, ABC, CBS and NBC Nightly News. My mom always said “aim high” and I took it to heart 🙂
I was on my day off around the pool before my waitressing shift when I heard the phone ring and the answering machine go off. I didn’t pick up because of the shame of my idleness at the pool haunted me and so I listened intensely to the message in real time through the summer screen window.
I thought my dad had his secretary play a practical joke on me, but it was no joke: Tom Brokaw’s office really called and really wanted me to get myself to 30 Rock to meet with the executive producer. When I finally returned the call I had some questions.
“What is the job?” I abruptly asked.
“Just get yourself here if you can,” said Rachel the secretary.
It turns out my colorful letter leaped off the page and attracted the highest level to little inexperienced me. God was about to take my worldly desires and purify them, right on the spot.
I was dressed to kill for the “big time” and felt like I was walking on sunshine. I sat down with the EP who, before he asked me what I wanted to do in this business, told me that my letter captivated him so much that he wanted to help me establish myself in the industry. I told him I wanted to be on air and he gently and firmly shook his head, “No, no. That’s not for you. You have the look, but you are smart and the real power of influence in this business is behind the scenes shaping whole newscasts and whole newsrooms. I would like you to consider that track.”
God was inviting me to crucify my own will to do things His way to have a wider influence over the culture of newsrooms. My response needed to be “yes.”
Go back to the beginning with Christ and be reminded of how He has led you and know He can do it again.
2. Get yourself a tribe of intercessors, in heaven and on earth.
The life of a writer can feel like path of lonliness. Not everyone in your life is going to understand your path, your process or your calling. They don’t need to. You are a creative being. You need the special friends in heaven (and here on earth) who can pray you into your destiny for His glory.
After a decade working in TV news, I went to work for the Diocese of Palm Beach as spokeswoman to the Bishop. There was no manual for this. How could I write and communicate to change the culture of the Church under assault amid so many scandals? I was alone in this and only saw a blank page. What do you say? What did God want to say?
My spiritual director at the time was a layman from Massachusetts who was insistent that I call on the intercession of Saint Francis de Sales. I wasn’t totally feeling it and I already had my saint crew. I formed a clique and de Sales was on the outside, so I thought. My spiritual director insisted that de Sales was important to my bishop.
Writing for a bishop was scary. No one told me how to do this. It was scary to put words in someone else’s mouth. Every word mattered and meant something. I didn’t want to miss.
At the time of the annual appeal I had no choice but to sincerely call on Saint Francis de Sales. I cut out all flowery prayers and plainly said “you have to write this appeal script.”
I began to write and write, and the inspiration flowed like a divine download. When I turned the script in the bishop loved it, and had no changes. I quipped that Francis de Sales wrote it. With a massive smile on his face, he asked if I loved de Sales too and I said “well, no. You do and he’s helping at every level.” I didn’t realize until then that this bishop was wholeheartedly Salesian, ordained on the feast of Saint John Bosco and had within his coat of arms reference to de Sales.
Look, writing can be a lonely and misunderstood path, but you are not alone. The saints, the proclaimers, who went before you, want to walk with you and open doors for you and help you pull down the words that need do he written, spoken, and crafted for such a time as this.
I have formidable and holy laywomen in my life who are writers and true intercessors and mentors. Pat Gohn and Jaymie Stuart Wolfe are the type of women every novice needs to stay the course. Thank you from the depths of my heart for your gentle, loving and firm encouragement. These selfless women have helped me chart a path and have taught me to write, write, write at all times and to not give up on my dreams and my mission.
Ask the Lord for these types of companions on the journey who understand your gift, will help you foster that gift, nurture it, push you to be vulnerable and to share your words.
3) Know Christ, know WHO you are in Christ and know that this world needs His light, truth and the Gospel more than ever
To write to change the culture for His glory requires sacrifice and the ability to be His student. You will need to have the capacity to listen to the Master’s voice and invite him into your work and mission. You can live the Acts of the Apostles and write NEW chapters in a new way through a proclamation that demonstrates His power and glory to the world.
Your words have life. The culture today wants us to devolve and not ascend. I don’t need to spell out the full barrage of content dominating our feeds, phones and TVs that oppose the Gospel and present secularism, individualism, and false powers.
God wants to use your gift and mine to help the world ascend and remind the world that we are part of a human family that belongs to God, the author and ruler of life.
I believe every single man and woman in this room today is being called in a NEW way to boldly infuse our culture with God’s goodness, truth and beauty.
This is not Pollyanna. This is living our Baptismal call to the fullest extent and using the written word as a vehicle of grace to reclaim Judeo-Christian values and a renaissance of beauty to contemplate higher things.
This may seem impossible. This may seem too tall a task. You may feel defeated. You may feel exhausted. You may feel rejected.
You may feel that you have timed out.
God right now is calling each and every one of you to use your hands, heart and artistic gift to deliver a message to the world, our very broken and confused world.
There will be a battle, but the words He downloads to you will reach the finish line and their destination. I believe there are new works and visions emerging from this very gathering.
Never has it been more urgent for Catholic writers of fiction, non-fiction, history, film, TV, music, comedy, and even social media to take their position on the front lines and infuse every aspect of artistic channels and flood them with grace.
Our baptism necessitates that we break out of the safe Catholicy Catholic bubble and become leaven in the world.
You are God’s artists, his writers, his messengers. You have been called here today to receive an impartation and a commission to let your light, His light of grace, shine in the world.
4. Invite Christ deeply into your writing
You can’t do it alone. You may feel very alone in your craft and giftedness, but the Divine Artist who created you to co-create with Him is operative in you. He wants to work with you.
Ask Him for a divine download. Ask Him for the divine distribution. Ask Him for the message. Ask Him for the audience. Ask Him for lives to be changed. Ask Him for the unexpected pathway and for supernatural wisdom and innovation Ask Him for patience in the process and for the perfect timing for a DIVINE impact.
We have to lay our wills and egos on His altar, the altar of God’s own artist heart, and offer and exchange. This surrender ensures that our gifts will be purified by the Author of Life.
We just had Pentecost. Writers, invite the Holy Spirit into your work each day and your pages will be illuminated. You will write to change our culture, for God’s children, for families, for the Church and the whole world. The world craves truth. The world is craving a divine touch and your job, your gift, is to bring that light of God to the nations.
5. Come out of the world to change it
This is a total contradiction, but artists and writers need silence. I am not saying stay in a Catholic bubble. However, we need a lot of alone time in order to contemplate, vision, create and hear. You, my brothers and sisters, are called to be in the world but not of it. Be set apart with Him and let Him cook.
To have the greatest impact with your writing, let Him set you apart to have the air, the space, the silence and the focus to create. Further, we cannot be molded and formed by the world and think we are going to transform it.
As a young woman who always wanted to live in Los Angeles, and never imagined God would lead me there, I dreamed of writing books and movies in an artist’s cottage. As it turned out, I wrote two works in my dream location – a beautiful LA back house which was the entire embodiment of what every writer should have in an artist’s hideaway. My compilation on Fulton Sheen was published five years ago from that nest and a second more personal manuscript, working title, Valley Girl (coming soon), was also penned there. So much was birthed in that space and given flight. Dreams were also delayed and attacked. As Christian artists, we risk all and do not count the cost.
My friends, there is a grace of a place to create and when you are giving birth, it’s sacred and reserved for a select few. It’s holy ground when you invite the Master to write and create through you.
Protect your blessing, the created written word, and come out of the noisy world to give birth to your next work.
6. Form The Next Generation of Writers
Write to change the culture by coming out of yourself and helping to raise up the younger generation. Mentorship is critical in order to form the next generation of writers and likely someone invested time in you along the way, so you should want to be generous with your time.
Sacrifice your time and when you are doing this work for the glory of God, they will just find you and seek you out. Be generous. Remember those who have been generous with you and remember that you are paying it forward for a permanent and lasting imprint. You will be a spiritual son or daughter to some and a a spiritual mother or father to others.
You may not think you have the time or the gifts. God will lead you in this – it will be part of your legacy and what you leave behind.
Final thoughts…
You may not know when your next book will be finished, discovered or published. As the artist, you don’t need to know. Immerse in the Spirit of God and let Him write through you and He will direct your path, the timing, the release, the audience, the impact and the graces.
He is great and we are small pencils in His hand. Let Him write the greatest stories through you so the Gospel will reign in our world and usher in a renaissance for men and women who are desperate for a touch of light, love, hope, and healing that only God can provide.
It’s a high call. It’s the call on your life. So write, write, write!
My prayers go with you. I can’t wait to see what he does next with each and every one of you!
God bless you!
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Praying for you,
Lexi