If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8-9
During a conversation with some other Christian writers today, a young writer gave an impassioned speech about the importance of writing about the terrible things in the world because they exist, and we have a responsibility to write about the Godly way of dealing with them.
I don’t disagree; in fact, at her age I probably made the exact same speech. There’s a place for writing stories that shine light into the darkness, revealing uncomfortable realities to people living comfortable lives, modeling Godly examples of how to respond to the horrors in this life when we face them, and demonstrating the power of God in bringing good out of that which the enemy intended for evil.
Personal experiences facing uncomfortable realities can change one’s perspective, though. After *coughcough* years of living in this dark and fallen world, I’m tired. Tired of gratuitous violence and smut pervading TV, movies, advertising, and even kids' entertainment. Tired of reading stories so gritty that they leave me with second-hand trauma. Tired of my emotions being manipulated by everything from TV to novels to ad campaigns. I'm weary.
So much of our environment is designed to make us lose our focus and our peace. We read the news, get on social media, watch a movie or TV show, see constant advertising, and very rarely do we encounter messaging that directs our gaze towards what is excellent and praiseworthy. Even stories that tackle real and important issues can miss the mark when the writer focuses on celebrating the darkness in the world instead of the light that God brings into it.
And that’s why I started writing the kind of stories that I wanted to read. Relatable characters who walk with the Lord, and deal with life’s ups and downs in relationship with Him, and with each other. A small-town community peopled with characters that love and support one another in spite of their differences, led by a pastor with a shepherd’s heart. Stories that kept Philippians 4:8-9 at their centre, to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, even in the midst of challenges.
So, if you’re tired, too, and want to read God-honouring stories that bring rest, and not stress, you’re in the right place; I'm glad that you found me, friend.
If we haven't met before, I write sweet & clean Christian fiction filled with faith, hope, and love set in small-town Australia, with four books and counting in my Cedar River series of stand-alone novels. You can read samples and find out more here (and save 10% when you subscribe to my fortnightly newsletter).