The battle is on!
My mind’s enemy is coming at me with a new weapon, and my first defense is to pull out my trusted light-saber and protect myself! But, I don’t want to face the enemy alone, because if I have learned anything over the years, it is that my enemy won’t fight fair–and I need all the help I can get.
I call for help from a couple of young men that I trust–Huckleberry Finn and Spiderman. They are filled with youthful glee as they take on the challenge to act as my allies. We move through the streets of District 12, slide under the fence and into the wilderness toward the evil castle in Transylvania.
The enemy has been coming at me with new and unfamiliar lies.
I have decided to stretch myself and my writing skills by attempting my hand at a fictional piece. The idea is filled with themes of longing and sacrifice and it has been brewing inside of me for years. In some ways, the things that I’ve always wanted to say are finally finding a voice through other people. My work so far has been to build strong characters and to get to know them for who they are. I am creating a world where they can make choices that will reflect things on my heart.
THIS IS WHERE THE ENEMY ATTACKS ME!
But, suddenly, Harry Potter jumps out from behind a tree, “Expelliarmus” he shouts, waving his Elder Wand in my defense!
I spin around and I see Cujo, his furry hide matted with blood, sweat and saliva, backing away from the young wizard’s wand. I know that I am safe for a moment, but I must move quickly.
I continue my pursuit through the wooded hills trying to learn more about the characters I am creating. But, the enemy is relentless and he whispers in my ear, “Are you really spending your free time, sitting at a keyboard making up stories about people that do not exist? Are you really giving a past to a character that will never really exist. Do you have any idea how weird that is?”
Is it weird? Am I strange? Suddenly, I lose momentum to write fiction and I feel myself retreating back to the safety of what I know and where I feel safe. I look around the dirt path which is strewn with dead leaves and pine needles. I cannot stay in this place that doesn’t really exist. I am searching for the Yellow Brick Road that will take me someplace familiar–someplace real.
Then up ahead, I see someone who I know to be authentic. He is real and He is alive in me. I run to my Savior and I tell Him of the battle I am in. I whisper to him, “I am fearful that spending my time making up fictional characters may serve no purpose in the lives of others.” He smiles at me, and I feel his smile deep in my soul.
He reminds me that He also made up stories–and He loved to tell them to his followers.
We sit together for a while and he asks me if I have time for one of His favorites. Jesus tells me a story I’ve treasured for years. He tells me the tale of a master who left his servants with talents according to their abilities. Each servant had to make a choice and take a risk with their talent. At the end of my time with the Lord, I am renewed. I am even inspired.
I gather my light-saber and I return to the path that leads to discovery. As I persevere, perhaps I will encounter Frankenstein, or even Darth Maul, but I will strive to keep my sights set on the truth of what I am attempting.
I turn to call out to the young men who have chosen to accompany me through my fictional journey, and much to my surprise, I see a few more familiar faces who believe in this cause. With the likes of Zorro, Aladdin and a cheerful pup, called Lassie, we arm ourselves for battle as we make our way through Mordor to return to the Shire.
In all seriousness, it would mean so much to me if you would PRAY FOR ME.
In many ways, as I attempt the unknown I feel like I am being thrown back into 1978 and I am once again just a 13-year-old girl wearing the wrong brand of jeans on the first day of school. Thank you my friends.
8 comments
Dan M.
March 5, 2012 at 3:25 pm (UTC -7)
I will absolutely pray for you, Jackie. You can do this.
Beth Zimmerman
March 5, 2012 at 7:20 pm (UTC -7)
I would be delighted to join you in prayer. Please do the same for me. I have finally acknowledged that God has gifted and called me to write. Just not sure what. I’m drawn to fiction but I’m afraid of unwitting plagiarism because I have read so much. For now I’m just focusing on quality content on my blogs. We’ll see where it goes!
Beth Zimmerman recently posted..Comments (not) Closed
Dave Benedict
March 6, 2012 at 5:39 pm (UTC -7)
Heck, yeah, Jackie Sill– write that fiction! And let folks see how He makes your characters’ lives different. Effort done in His strength and for His glory is rewarding. My prayers for your path.
Scarlett
March 7, 2012 at 1:22 am (UTC -7)
Praying my friend <3
Jen Morgan
March 7, 2012 at 10:35 pm (UTC -7)
I decided to venture on to a professional bloggers page (YOU)
to see what one day may be for the possibilities of my new call to blog with my sad 1 comment and 1 follower. 
Its a real test of my calling, if I would do it if I truly had only one reader. LOL!
Jackie,you are gifted and called. However, the Lord calls you to serve it…go for it! I am excited for you. Look at C.S. Lewis & Francine Rivers! The great ones that have gone before you. God is just raising up new blood!
Poppy
March 9, 2012 at 4:10 pm (UTC -7)
Surely not as bad as the wrong brand on the 1st day? Really? Wow, you are in my thoughts!
Poppy recently posted..Watch Cable TV Online
Rick Mayhew
March 10, 2012 at 8:50 am (UTC -7)
God has given you the gift to write. It seems He has now given you a story to write. When that happens, its not about getting published, its about following God’s will. Don’t write to get published…just write and let God display your talent in the fashion that He sees best
If you can look at it in that manner, then it can’t be a waste of time…
Dee Wood
March 12, 2012 at 1:36 pm (UTC -7)
I personally am on pins & needles awaiting the “release” of your fictional story. Blog it, publish it but please dont forget to share it with those who love you and your writing…in any and all forms.
Dee