Why write?

Why am I compelled to write about one of the most painful times in my life? Why would I transcribe events that rocked my very foundations? Why would I dwell on what still brings me to tears?

I ask these questions because of a talk I just watched. A few events led me to stay home and watch a sermon on line. My favorite pastor is Andy Stanley from Atlanta, GA. The message I watched was about investigating Jesus. He does a tremendous job explaining why the first century doctor, Luke, would write and did write a detailed account of the life of Jesus and those who followed Him. You can watch message HERE.

At the end of his messages, Andy usually writes three questions for people to answer as a continuation of the talk. Here is the first question: “Have you ever felt compelled to document the life of someone you know or knew personally? If so, why? If not, why not?” Well, I have. If you haven’t read the blogs before this one, then please feel free to start at the beginning HERE. There I started to document my memories of walking my son, Josiah, through thirteen months of impossible.

I have felt compelled to document a portion of the life of my son. Why?

First, I believe I was compelled. I believe God is real and active in each of our lives. I believe God placed a burden on my heart that could not be lifted until I wrote about my son. And I still feel that burden so I believe I need to continue to write… maybe until I put it into a book.

Second, I knew that God had taught me many important lessons from Josiah that I did not want lost. I needed to remember those truths. I needed to live in those truths. God was not absent during Josiah’s struggle against death.

Third, I knew that I wanted to share the truths with others. If the truth I learned was beneficial for me, then it could be beneficial for others. Truth is a powerful gift. I believe when we have truth, we need to share it with others.

Fourth, I am a father of two other children. We still grieve. Writing these accounts of their brother will help them, God willing, as they continue to walk in their grief. They were so young. Memories fade but our love remains. I write about their brother that they may be warmed as they remember.

Lastly, I write because it helps me. I will not “just” leave Josiah in the past. I believe the act of writing helps me grieve (as writing your own story may help you). I will never comprehend why God allowed my son to pass. I also will never comprehend the impact my son had and will have in the lives of others. Through writing I have seen glimpses of His ways and plans, but I do not seek to explain what is beyond any of us.

May God bless these words. May God bless those who read them. God has blessed me in writing. Praise be to God.