Yesterday a friend emailed me a beautiful prayer she has for her writing. It resonated so strongly that I made the graphic and printed it off. Have you ever thought of that book you’re reading from a favorite author as part of that author’s worship to God? I often tell people that much like Eric Liddell felt God’s smile when he ran, I feel God’s smile when I write.
That’s why it’s so encouraging to have something happen like this: 
When I started pitching this book in 2015 and writing it last year, I was really concerned that the underlying topic would be a dead issue: juvenile immigration. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I wanted to believe that the idea for the “hook” had come from God, but sometimes I wonder if it’s the pizza talking, you know? But the reality is God breaks my heart for kids who are caught in refugee situations. It’s an issue I actively wrestle with as I watch the news. What are we called to do as Christians? What am I called to do?
It’s often the issues or subjects that I’m wrestling with that bleed on to the page.
That’s one reason writing is worship for me. I ask God hard questions and listen for His answers. I gauge my response as I work the issue out on the page. What the characters are learning, I’m learning.
Imperfect Justice has a different underlying issue, but the heart of it is the same. I want God to be pleased. I want my books to be an offering that bring Him joy. That when He sees them, He knows I was faithful to the story and characters. That we partnered in the journey of writing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed something like the prayer above, absolutely desperate for God to show up.
By the way I’m doing a flash giveaway of an ARC of Beyond Justice on my Facebook page. Just click here and leave a comment on the photo to be entered. It ends tomorrow, Friday, February 24th.
What do you do that might surprise others because you do it as worship?
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I love to cook for people in the church. It makes me so happy to be able to deliver a meal to a widow or to a family where someone has had surgery. I pray over the meal as well.
I Iove that, Kelly! Such an important ministry and gift to families at a time of need.
Loved this post, Cara. And thank you for sharing Beth’s prayer. Beautiful. I pray the same way over my writing. I know I am not a naturally creative person. I’m a left-brained creature. Yet God is so good. When he fed the Israelites with manna, he gave them just enough for the day. He does the same for me. Sometimes I lament that I’m not like other writers who have dozens of ideas flying about in their heads or who have filing cabinets full of inspiration. Then I remember the Israelites. God gives me one idea at a time. It’s my job to collect it, to savor it, and to work with him to make it the best dish of manna it can be. Then when this day is over, I step out in faith and collect the next portion.
I am very left-brained, too. And my writing process is very similar to yours. I usually have one fleshed out historical idea and one contemporary idea, with others percolating in the background. Love the reminder that there’s just enough manna for today. That’s a beautiful thought, Karen.
Beautiful, Cara. I’m working on a project right now that I’ve prayed over so much because I want it to resonate with readers and because I have to tell this character’s story that came to me when I was in a desolate place. God’s timing is always way ahead of our own.
Love your cover!
Praying with you on this story, Lenora! God is so good to partner with us in the process. Thanks on the cover! I love it!
I post a Bible verse that usually comes from my morning devotion on Facebook. Than I add what the verse is saying to me. Sometimes I will give a personal testimony on how the verse speaks to me. Often if you just leave a verse people may scroll right past it. So I like to add something under the verse.
I love that, Shirley. What a great way to bless people from a distance!