Another Writer Speaks to My Insecurities
2013
I recently came across this post by Sally Lloyd-Jones, so I copied a portion here. Her words spoke to me and I hope they speak to you as well.
I used to think my self-doubt and insecurity about writing were signs of my profound humility. It felt noble and heroic to be this full of agonizing self-doubt. It felt lowly and meek to be so tortured about whether or not I could write. I could almost hear the soundtrack and the violins. If there’d been open, windswept moors nearby, I’d have been on them.
But that’s the thing about pride. It hides itself.
The more I go on, the more I realize, it’s entirely the other way round. Our self-doubt and insecurity don’t reveal our humility; they mask our pride.
When you’re doubting whether you can do it, whether you’re a good writer, you’re looking to yourself, what you can do, what resources you have. You’re focused entirely inwardly, on yourself.
It’s pride because it means you think it’s all about you.
But if you realize it’s not about you — that whatever you have is a gift from God — if, in other words, you get out of the way — then you can be fearless. There is no vision too great, nothing too outrageous to dream, nothing too impossible to dare.
–Sally Lloyd-Jones
You can read her entire post on John Piper’s website, desiringgod.org.
Blessings to you this Monday. I press on, writing away, reminded it’s not about me. Whew.
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Amen!!! To those of us who have no visible signs of talent. This reminds me that we all have talent just in different ways. Thanks for reminding me that God HAS gifted me with talent. It might not be writing or singing or preaching but He has given me something unique. Thank you Lord. Thank you Angela.
This was really good for me to read today. I keep wondering if I am to explore writing and I feel so inadequate and so scared. It is not about me, it is about God. Huh?
I so NEEDED this today. Just tonight I was asked to speak at Living Free Ministries in May. All the way home I was asking, “How am I going to give the right words?” – It’s not about what “I” can do!! Thanks for sharing.
This spoke to my inner being … stop being afraid. The Lord created me to not be shaken when the waves of life rush forth. I serve a purpose His!
I’m the mom in a newly “blended” family. I was single for 12 years before making the leap back into marriage with my pre-teen kiddos. I am now fortunate enough to be able to quit both previously necessary jobs/sources of income to focus on my life long dream. {Amen! WaaHooo!} While my family is 100% supportive…..at the mere thought of this new venture – that I have prayed over without ceasing for a lifetime — I nearly collapse from fear. My little family’s entire journey has been a “God thing”; how silly that NOW – I would even stop to think this new venture has so much to do with ME! Have the vision – dream & dare. Thanks for taking the time to post these thoughts from Sally Lloyd-Jones.
I have talent. Yay! God-given. I’m ready to be used, to go. Angela, my friend just gave me “Do you think I’m beautiful?” yesterday and I’m almost done reading it. I love this book. I just knew it was for me. I’m going to look for an audio version to give my daughter. There are some other relationships God needs to sort out for me but I know He loves me today. He sings to me through secular songs. The first time that happened…I was floored. Taylor Dane – Honey I’ll be your shelter.
And most recently…George Harrison I got my mind set on you. Wow.
I know just what you mean. I feel like He speaks to me thru many secular songs also – most recently You’ve Got A Friend. Also through secular movies. I’ve blogged about a couple of movie insights if you’d care to visit and read them. http://www.1john414.com
Blessings to you!