You made me think

Last week I wrote about the writer’s dilemma. In summary, we dance this line between writing what’s on our heart and writing what someone will read. I concluded in the piece that we should just write for an “Audience of One” and ignore the applause, dismiss the comments, and not listen to the praise.

This principle, I thought, could be applied to preachers and teachers, singers and poets, sculptors and dancers. It could apply to housework, homework or yardwork. The feedback I got via comment and e-mail was varied. And I learned some things.  


My friend and High Calling Editor Marcus Goodyear, admitted that he needs an audience. “Maybe I just have trouble justifying the time without any kind of tangible affirmation.”  He likens it to acting. What good is an actor who performs on an empty stage?”

For Michelle DeRusha, writing and her faith go hand in hand. One is a natural extension of the other. She doesn’t think much about audience. “I think I write mostly for myself,” she admits. 

Karen Eck said this. “If we share our (art) publicly, then it had better be with the intention of touching hearts and souls. If we ignore that element, then we might as well journal beneath lock and key,” she said. “It is less myself stepping forward to be seen, as stepping back behind him while telling as many people as will listen about the incredible things he’s been up to.” 

Just A Pen says in a post the key is to “Love God. Love your Neighbor. Love yourself.” Laura Boggess admits that she desires affirmation, “but it makes a difference to know that there are others on this journey with me.” 

And for some of us, we have to write. Just like painters must paint and singers must sing. It’s something ingrained — so it’s an imperative. Brock Henning said this. “It’s a passion ingrained into their soul. Something feels empty when days have passed without a single word hitting the page.”  But couldn’t we do that just letter to paper and never show a soul?
 
My son told me this. “Dad, everyone likes to hear something nice from someone. It’s human nature.” Others have told me it’s a sign of character deficiency to live for that affirmation and praise.  In fact, this tendency has led to destruction in my life. 


So — the dilemma continues. Whatever you do — in your part time or your profession, does it matter what others think? Leave your thoughts here.