Is What I Write About Making a Difference - Even Jesus knew only One out of Four Would Listen
Posted: Saturday, April 04, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
I awoke this morning thinking about Robert Malaccio's farewell article. As I read his response to my comment and a comment that Gary Halsey left for him, my heart was saddened - angered really.
Although this is more of a personal rant, I do hope to make a few points that would encourage all who desire to write - whatever the reason, to continue moving forward.
I understand the need and desire to affect change in our world; it is my desire. However, each of us has different gifts and callings. Some have a more direct-in your face kind of approach. Others have a style that provides information giving the reader something else to consider. Still others merely share their personal testimony of what works for them. Each style is equally powerful and touches the reader in personal ways. Some need to be "preached" to, others receive by gaining new information, and others relate to personal experience.
Please understand, I am not only referring to religious information, but all aspects of life from the best techniques on how to fish, to how to fix a leaky faucet, to dealing with depression and abuse, to just needing a break and a good laugh.
Each of us has something different to offer and let's face it, some styles and subjects are more popular than others.
Because my passions are the Bible and humor, I will use these as my examples.
Whatever happened to making a difference one heart at a time? Maybe 20 people read our work and those 20 are changed. Awesome, but what if only one person was affected, does that mean we are failures. Respectively, what if we had 1500 readers and only one person had a real change of heart. How is it that we measure success?
Who led Billy Graham to the Lord? What does the world know of this person? Only what Billy Graham has shared. What do we know of the one who shared Christ with D.L. Moody? My point is maybe we will only touch one or two, but without our faithfulness to do as God called, Billy would not have shared Jesus with the masses.
Jesus himself knew he would not affect the masses in comparison to what his disciples would do. Jesus made a direct, distinct, and powerful change in the hearts of 11 men. Everyone knows the affect those 11 men had on the world. Not too long after that, Saul of Tarsus, who later became Paul, was used in a powerful way. Nevertheless, there were men who nurtured Paul while he was blind for three days; we have the two men that held the arms of Moses up in the air so he could accomplish the task God gave Him.
All this to say, one is not more important than the other is and we should not let ratings or numbers discourage us from sharing. I understand sometimes we are in a new place in life and there are valid reasons we leave a place of "work" behind. Nevertheless, to leave just because we don't see what is happening, doesn't mean we are not being effective and it is no reason to move on.
What if Jesus was discouraged because of numbers and changed his mind about getting up on that cross? Thankfully, Jesus thought that one person was worth it.
As for humor, this is a difficult area as well. Seriously, what makes something funny? I have written stories that had many readers say I made their day, and other readers say that was the dumbest thing they had ever heard and did not find it funny at all. Others say, that I compromise my message, or I merely "mean well" in my Christianity because I write about things that "do not matter" in the grand scheme of things. If I were to have let this discourage me, I would have stopped writing a long time ago. But you know, it is who I am and I use what God gives me to use. Can I help it if I am clumsy? So why not incorporate who I am into the message I share, after all the message is what makes me. Why does that make me a person of compromise? Well, it doesn't - and I will not allow discouragement, lack of comments, or ratings keep me from making a difference in just one life. Anymore than one is a bonus.
I guess I am done rambling; I do hope this was more about encouraging others than about me being upset that one of our Searchwarp family member's is moving on.
There have been many articles written about the ratings and numbers on SW lately; I sincerely hope this does not have them thinking about doing away with this system. I believe it help us see what the internet world wants to read, and I believe it can help us become better writers. However, I do not believe it will ever reflect the real change, help, or laughter we offer another person. And this my friends, "is the rest of the story."
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Although this is more of a personal rant, I do hope to make a few points that would encourage all who desire to write - whatever the reason, to continue moving forward.
Please understand, I am not only referring to religious information, but all aspects of life from the best techniques on how to fish, to how to fix a leaky faucet, to dealing with depression and abuse, to just needing a break and a good laugh.
Each of us has something different to offer and let's face it, some styles and subjects are more popular than others.
Because my passions are the Bible and humor, I will use these as my examples.
Whatever happened to making a difference one heart at a time? Maybe 20 people read our work and those 20 are changed. Awesome, but what if only one person was affected, does that mean we are failures. Respectively, what if we had 1500 readers and only one person had a real change of heart. How is it that we measure success?
Who led Billy Graham to the Lord? What does the world know of this person? Only what Billy Graham has shared. What do we know of the one who shared Christ with D.L. Moody? My point is maybe we will only touch one or two, but without our faithfulness to do as God called, Billy would not have shared Jesus with the masses.
Jesus himself knew he would not affect the masses in comparison to what his disciples would do. Jesus made a direct, distinct, and powerful change in the hearts of 11 men. Everyone knows the affect those 11 men had on the world. Not too long after that, Saul of Tarsus, who later became Paul, was used in a powerful way. Nevertheless, there were men who nurtured Paul while he was blind for three days; we have the two men that held the arms of Moses up in the air so he could accomplish the task God gave Him.
All this to say, one is not more important than the other is and we should not let ratings or numbers discourage us from sharing. I understand sometimes we are in a new place in life and there are valid reasons we leave a place of "work" behind. Nevertheless, to leave just because we don't see what is happening, doesn't mean we are not being effective and it is no reason to move on.
What if Jesus was discouraged because of numbers and changed his mind about getting up on that cross? Thankfully, Jesus thought that one person was worth it.
As for humor, this is a difficult area as well. Seriously, what makes something funny? I have written stories that had many readers say I made their day, and other readers say that was the dumbest thing they had ever heard and did not find it funny at all. Others say, that I compromise my message, or I merely "mean well" in my Christianity because I write about things that "do not matter" in the grand scheme of things. If I were to have let this discourage me, I would have stopped writing a long time ago. But you know, it is who I am and I use what God gives me to use. Can I help it if I am clumsy? So why not incorporate who I am into the message I share, after all the message is what makes me. Why does that make me a person of compromise? Well, it doesn't - and I will not allow discouragement, lack of comments, or ratings keep me from making a difference in just one life. Anymore than one is a bonus.
I guess I am done rambling; I do hope this was more about encouraging others than about me being upset that one of our Searchwarp family member's is moving on.
There have been many articles written about the ratings and numbers on SW lately; I sincerely hope this does not have them thinking about doing away with this system. I believe it help us see what the internet world wants to read, and I believe it can help us become better writers. However, I do not believe it will ever reflect the real change, help, or laughter we offer another person. And this my friends, "is the rest of the story."
(C) Teresa Ortiz
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More commentsTeresa, did you ever read my poem called, "The Rocks Cry Out"? It may not refer exactly to what you are talking about, but it is about how God speaks in many forms, yet very few people listen. It is perhaps the same here, there are many voices, but only a few get the message.But like you said, Jesus didn't give up and neither should we.Hi David, I don't recall that one, I will go read it.Jesus said did say, wide is the road that leads to destruction and many go that way and narrow is that gate that leads to life and few there are that enter in.It doesn't mean we stop trying. But I understand if some feel they are not in the place they should be. Blessings to you! Teresa
TeresaAnother great article. In general every person has there likes and dis-likes and it would be boring any other way, but everyone should respect other peoples views and respect a good quality article, like so many of yours are.SamuelHi Samuel, thanks for reading. I appreciate your input. You are correct. Respect and courtesy. And I agree about respecting a good quality article even if we don't agree with the content. Very well said Samuel. And thanks for the kind words about my articles :-) I strive to write well and I appreciate all the feedback I can get.Blessings to you! Teresa
Few questions for you Teresa...1. DO I ever give you under FIVE? May be intially.2. Does it matter when people discourage us while serving God & human being? No way.3. Do we care about readers with no-need tag? No! Not at all! We want to reach the needy. Not poor but needy mentally & spiritually.4. Do we need comments & feedbacks? No! we need transformed heart & valuable inputs.5. Are we here to get sympathy? No! not at all! We are here to show emapthy to different people in need.That's all...Very good article Teresa. Once I was discouraged and wrote a article titled as, "Are The Writers at The Mercy of Readers". After that I have never felt discouraged in fact I changed my style all for God's glory.We should think of PERCENTAGE not NUMBERS. You rightly said 20 out 20, which is 100% - is success. Not 1 out 0f 1000 which is only 0.1%.God bless you abundantly.Hey Teresa this was posted by me. I didnt know that I was offline.Hi Chiradeep.Good questions for all writers to ponder. Steady on!I don't even look at percentages, dear brother. I look at one heart at a time. My sucess is not based on anything other than my obedience to do as God calls me to do. I am not responsible for who I touch, or do not touch, only that I attempted with a sincere heart.Blessings to you! TeresaPS, why don't you give me 5 stars :-) ha, just kiddin'
I have been published, and, when I viewed the final galley, I was shocked. It only vaguely resembled my original work. I received mixed reviews and, when I mentioned my disappointment at the writer's club I'd joined, one of the veteran writers told me, "If you can't stand criticism, don't write." As difficult as that was to hear, I knew she was right. I've read things that I thought were amazing that weren't received well, and things I considered trash that received rave reviews. We all have different tastes and, some people may suffer from professional jealousy and thus unfairly rate an article. I don't really care that much how someone else rates me. I think we just have to have a thick skin and, if we feel led to write something, just go for it. It will reach the right hearts and have the desired effect. I will have to read the farewell article as I don't know the particulars of this specific situation; however, I'm glad you addressed the issue that distressed you. I believe that writing is a gift and a craft, so I hope you continue to use yours.Hi Anon, I appreciate your input and I agree. I actually welcome criticism and suggestions. I have since the day I started writing and will continue do to so. It is extremely benefical. I don't think we could ever learn enough. Thank you for the encouragement, I will continue writing and Lord willing, I will continue growing. I don't think I could ever stop writing, it is too much in my blood now :-) I love to teach, first and foremost. There is nothing like being face to face with a group of people, but writing is quickly closing the gap! Who knows where it will a lead, I am just learning to be content and enjoy the ride and I hope I can continue to give someone a good laugh, and a few encouraging words along life's path.I guess my heart just breaks for those who feel discouraged. But everyone needs to do what they feel is best for them and what they believe God is calling them to do, and I know that is why Robert is chosing a different path for now.Blessings to you - Congrats on being published, keep it up! Blessings to you! Teresa
Wonderful article. Full of truth, love, and concern for another's destiny. I'm one who really didn't join Searchwarp for the ratings. I read straight over them in the terms agreement. On the other day I thought about how hard it was for me to go through critique after critique for the preparation of getting my first book published, and in the midst of that I began to revisit my intentions of why I wrote it in the first place. Was it just for the royality checks? That's all good. Or, was it to get a message out filled with hope. Sometimes focus so hard on others opinions we miss the real reason why we've been given such great gifts and talents. They've never been for us personally, but to bring elightenment to others. Some have even been resuced, encouraged, and challenged. I have not read Walter's article yet, but maybe some where he'll revisit his intentions and have a change of heart.DeborahHi Deborah, Thanks for your input. I think anyone who writes for whatever reason is a blessing; for themselves and others.I do understand though, if a person writes for the explicit reason of spuring people on to action, then I can see how it would be discouraging.Blessings to you! Teresa
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you if we just touch one person's life then it is all worth while. I'm not sure why I write except my daughter got me started and I just seem to keep going. I read a lot of articles without commenting such as the one you talked about written by Gary.Linda DHi Linda, thanks for the input. Whatever the reason, I'm so glad you listened to Michelle! You have blessed me with laughter and deep thought.Keep it up! Teresa
amen!i agree.this was nicely written.keep writing,my best,sueHi Sue, how are you? Thanks! I will keep writing. Blessings to you! Teresa
You want FIVE again...then I am giving one more time Five...lol...Hey I am feeling better for last two days. Prayer & water are doing wonders...ha ha ha...Thanks for all your concerns and prayers... Oh mygoodness now I came to know that I've already commented so I wont get the opportunity to give Five again...Anyway I have some plans to give Five. Wait and watch...lol... I am feeling better thats why I am becoming mad.Your spirit sounds lifted! Praise the Lord, I am smiling :-)
I went offline...and now I can give FIVE....ha ha ha...ChiradeepYou are very funny. Its sooooo gooooood to sense your happiness for feeling better physically.Bless you!
Hi Teresa, nice work as usual. As you already know I have been posting on Webgazine. I have not been able to get my PW to work so I am entering my articles on SW and then posting them to Webgazine. My other site Choicescom.blogspot has a few postings already and I am working with another fellow to link then all together with my podcast. This is not a money making venture yet God knows I could use the financial help. I actually lose money writing on my own yet I feel compelled to speak out for average people and about my religious beliefs. Hopefully those who asked me to continue to write follow me on the new site as well. Hopefully those interested in religious articles will migrate to the new site without forsaking Webgazine or SW which never was the intent. In fact I plug the them both in every article. Now I will admit reaching as many people with my messages is important to me. Evidently and sadly that was not happening to the audience I was writing to on SW. A different ideology and location by fact. So I'm glad your over your anger and hopefully you will understand my zeal for what i trying to accomplish. Respectfully, Robert.Hi Robert, I was just thinking, I wonder if Robert will see this article? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I completely respect and honor your feelings on this, and frankly, I would expect any less from you. I appreciate and admire your passion and convictions, I stick to mine, I would not expect you not to stick to yours. I just had to get my saddness of my chest and also encourage others along the way.I will be watching you :-)Love and blessings my friend and brother in Christ.Teresa
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