As the blog coordinator for Write2Ignite, I am thankful for every writer who gives his or her time and energy to share godly inspiration, writing tips, and encouragement. I am sad to see bloggers leave us, but I understand that blogging is a big commitment. I am ALWAYS amazed at how the Lord fills up our empty spots. Today, I am happy to bring you Marci Whitehurst's first blog. In the coming weeks, you'll meet Pam Halter and Sandy Quandt. I hope you will welcome them to the Write2Ignite blog.

Carol Baldwin

Hello writing friends! I’m honored to share with you as a new contributor—thank you for having me! 

Recently, I picked up a middle grade novel at the library after reading its fantastic book blurb. It’s a coming-of-age, family story with a gorgeous cover. The first chapter hooked me! I couldn’t put it down! Then I hit chapter four and there was a hint of something unsavory. By chapter five, the story took an entirely different turn—and it wasn’t one I wanted to take. I skimmed through the book, realized that a hidden theme was present throughout, and I quit reading. 

It broke my heart. 

How many kids will pick up this story and be surprised by the turn it takes? Will they put it down? Keep reading? Will it change their world view? I honestly don’t know the answers to these questions, but I do know one thing:

Our values are seen in what we write. 

Whether we write for the Christian market specifically or for the mainstream market, what is in our hearts will weave itself into our pages. 

So how do we make sure our writing honors God? How do we really know if God wants us to write this? Or draw that? 

Simply put, we spend time with Him. That way, what’s on His heart beats into our hearts. 

If we take our thoughts captive, align our steps with God’s, and fill ourselves with His Life, then what we dream, think, and imagine, unites with what He is dreaming, thinking, and imagining. (Psalm 37:4) Good ideas are a gift from God and are meant to be shared. 

This means that universal topics are available to us as Christian writers when we approach them with His heart. 

A universal topic is anything that is relatable to a wide audience. In other words, a topic that bridges culture and experience. A quick online search will yield a plethora of topics considered universal. Here is a short list:

Family

Friends/friendships

Bravery

Kindness 

Loneliness

Hope

Imagination

Growing Up

School

Holidays

Life/Death

These topics may spark memories as we read them. My experience with family is different from yours, but there are common threads that help us identify with and comprehend our world through a shared understanding of family. 

As writers, if we pick one of these topics and write a story about it, then who we are will be evident through our words. When we write with a heart that belongs to God, then what we write will naturally honor Him. Writing with God happens inside a relationship. 

Sometimes as a writer, I’ve separated my writing from worship or devotion. As in, first I read my Bible, second, I worship, third I write. I follow this practice and believe worship and Bible reading are paramount. However, when my writing becomes an act I’m doing, separate of God, then it becomes an obligation. YET, when my writing is form of worship, then it isn’t really a separation of secular and sacred. It’s all sacred. And if it’s all sacred, then we won’t be catching unsavory turns in our own writing, like I was when reading that middle grade novel, because nothing that’s of God is unsavory. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that whatever we do, do it for the glory of God. Therefore, all universal topics can honor God when they are seen as a part of our relationship with Him.

So, what do you want to write about? Pray, worship, and go for it! 

Marci Whitehurst is a former educator, theater and speech coach, children's author, rancher's wife, and mother of three who lives on a cattle ranch in Montana. Her passion is sharing His Light and Life with a wounded world through stories, poems, and blog posts. She blogs about connecting with the kid inside all of us at www.marciwhitehurst.subtack.com. She can also be reached through her website at www.marciwhitehurst.com. Find her on X(Twitter) at @marciwhitehurst and on Instagram @marci_whitehurst.