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#AtoZchallenge Blogging challenges Christianity Writing

26 lessons from God’s metaphors: #1

I think I was born with a book in my hand. I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. The joy of opening a front cover for the first time; the anticipation, not knowing where it would take me; the thrill of discovery that a favourite author had written a sequel – or better yet, a series!Β And woe betide anyone getting in between me and that final page…

Recently though, I’ve started looking at novels from the other side of the cover. I’ve been writing. The change of perspective has brought with it a far deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of the story.

It’s crucial to know where the story I’m writing is heading. Equally important, where the story should start. And to craft it well, I must know my characters intimately. But I can’t inhabit my characters’ world with them. Rather, I sit apart, outside their time dimension.

Likewise with God. The book of Revelation, chapter 1 verse 8 says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. Β “I am the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.”

If I was writing a letter to my characters in my novel, I think those words above, is exactly what I would say. I existed before them, and will continue to exist after them. They have ‘life’ only because of me. To them, I am all mighty.

And that’s what God is, for me.

God is the one who wrote me into being. He created me. He knew at exactly what point I would enter the story, and at exactly what point I will also leave it.

How then, could I do anything other than trust Him?

FullSizeRender (2)And that’s my takeaway lesson for Day 1 of this A to Z blogging challenge. God is the Alpha and Omega. So I’m going to trust Him.

Have a great day, dear reader!

-KRidwyn

10 replies on “26 lessons from God’s metaphors: #1”

Thanks, Sean! It’s been a while since I’ve done a blogging challenge; this one should be fun! Thanks for including your link; it makes it easier to go visit πŸ™‚

At the beginning of the school year I have AP Lit and Comp students complete a search for biblical allusions. They balk. Yet they can’t understand American or British lit w/out knowing the reference points.

Thinking about metaphoric, allegorical, symbolic, literary language in the bible enriches our understanding of its “metaphoric lessons,” yes?

Thanks for finding me this morning. And now I’m trying the signature for the first time. Hope it works! [Glenda] from
Evolving English Teacher

Hi Glenda! Yes, thinking about the language certainly does enrich our understanding. As for finding you, you’re welcome πŸ™‚ And the link worked! *high five*

Thanks, Kristina, for stopping by – and for your lovely comment! It’s also very handy that you’ve used the linky thing; I’ll go check your blog out now πŸ™‚

I daresay there are some writers who relish the opportunity to play God. For me, writing underscores how finite I am. After all, our novels usually concern a few plot strands and the events of a handful of lives. God’s sovereignty extends to all however-many billion people there are, have been and will be. “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4).

Hi Colin! Thanks for stopping by, and for commenting πŸ™‚ Yes, I agree with you; writing for ME makes me realise afresh each day how finite my life-span is. In the post however, I was referring to how my characters – were they alive – might view me as their author; just as I view God as mine πŸ™‚

I love this and it’s so true. I’m glad you’re participating in this so I can get a better glimpse into your world. I also love that you are unabashedly Christian. You go!

Thank you so much, Julie – what a lovely comment!
Actually, I almost didn’t participate in the A-Z challenge. I had been really inspired by Colin, and had planned a 26-part fiction… but it ended up heading in a direction that I was NOT happy about publishing here (you know your disclaimer about ‘Buttons’ being ‘graphic’? I would have needed to post the story as ‘M+ Adult Content’ – for EVERY post!) and it was not until a friend suggested I use the A – Z cross-stitch my mum made for me that I changed theme. On March 30!!! Now, I feel a LOT more comfortable with the new topic; although a little ‘preachy’, even though I’m trying not to be. So thank you for your comments! They mean so much πŸ™‚

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