The Bravery to Try

Every Friday, I link up with a fun group of writers over at Lisa-Jo’s. We spill our hearts on the page (screen) for the love of the craft and because even virtual community untied by a love of language and purpose matters. Today’s word…

WRITE

It’s ironic to me that on a week where I wanted to take a break from this very thing, the prompt beckons to keep at it. So here I go once again, braving the keys to share something real in a very emotional week.

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My first book, Shaken, hit shelves this week! In the midst of the excitement came fear, fear of being known by those I’ve never met, fear of criticism, fear of rejection, fear that someone will hate what I wrote.

So this week the excitement battled the fear, and I think it won. I’m still excited to share this story, still excited to see what God does with it, still excited to move forward with the sequel. Despite the occasional insecurity, I see the bigger picture.

Ironically, I wrote a book about a woman who has to fight fear with faith. I wrote about a Navy SEAL, a warrior for his country, who discovers that the true warrior is the woman who never received the training but somehow rises above her circumstances to conquer pain and loss.

I can’t help but think that I can’t just write strong characters, I better live that as well. What fills the pages must come from a heart that is practicing bravery. Bravery in this writing gig the Lord has called me to, bravery in sharing the message He has laid on my heart, bravery in serving past my exhaustion, bravery in loving past my insecurity.

And so I write for the one who may need to read something meaningful and know that the words on a page can become action if only they have the courage to get up and try. I write because to make a difference, I must become vulnerable.

Kariss Blog 11 Comments

Comments 11

  1. Beautifully said! Vulnerability is such an incredibly important yet extremely hard emotion to have. It is essential to our growth as people and as daughters in the Lord. Thank you so much for being brave and sharing your talents and gifts. It is an incredible example to see women of great courage! I’m thankful you were my FMF neighbor. Such an amazing community of talented and wonderful women 🙂

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  2. Amazing. I love that I chose your link to click on because it is inspiring. I am terrified of what would happen if strangers really read what I write. What if they are cruel, what if I get discouraged. You inspire me to keep writing. Congratulations on your book.

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      Casey, that used to be me! Still can be sometimes. Four years ago, a mentor challenged me to start writing for others to read, just to practice. In reality, every person has an opinion. They won’t all like your writing. I’ve had some down moments over that. I’ve been discouraged. But I have to remember to look at the big picture and that I’m not called to write for those who choose to be loud in their complaints, but I’m called to write for the one who needs to hear a story like mine. Keep writing, friend! That in and of itself is brave!

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