I didn’t even know there was a part two to the post I wrote on March 31^st (The Beauty in Differences).  But there is more for me to learn.  It started with a new book for the Easter Season.

Max Lucado’s book “Six Hours One Friday” was recommended for Easter reading.  I ordered a copy.  When the book arrived in the mail.  I started reading it that day.   His writing touched my soul.  After reading chapter one, I prayed:

“Lord I like the way he writes.  So few words, so much meaning.”  I didn’t really sense anything from the Lord except encouragement.  Much like when a friend listens and nods for you to continue the tale.  I felt the Spirit wait.

“I don’t write this way,” I muttered thinking of how I struggle with being too verbose.  In life, I am a talkative sort of person.  English teachers and grammar programs hate it!  Speech professors seemed to love the way I like to weave a story around the boring material.  {I shrug}

Since I am struggling with fixing the grammar in my book, I wondered if by fixing my mistakes in the NaNoWriMo challenge, I was seeing something I needed to learn.  So, I asked.  “Lord, is this I need to learn?  Do I need to tone down the words?”

I sat in silence for a few minutes, just listening.  I felt the ‘no’ more than I heard it.  It was quiet and wound its way into my consciousness like a gentle breeze cools the skin before the brain recognizes the breeze.  Then it is gone.  I thought, is that right?  Or is it what I want to hear.  I’ve made that mistake before.

My soul knew before I did.  You know that feeling.  It’s the “I’ll know it when I see it” feeling.”  I asked again.  Another thought.  You are a different writer.  I won’t take away your voice.

I began putting the pieces together.  Those who write must write as they are.  They must write from their heart, thoughts, and experience.  The singer sings and a sailor sails.  They use their talents to express themselves.  Every singer is different from another singer.  Every sailor has his own way with the water.  A writer writes.  No two can be the same.

Another thought breezed in, All will hear but in different ways.  This is why there are four gospels.  It is so everyone can hear.  

Let me give a little back story.  I don’t think I have ever said this aloud.  I certainly didn’t question it in Sunday school.  I never heard anyone ask the question.  I just shoved the niggling mystery aside and went on with life.  One of the biggest mysteries for me in the Bible is… get this:

Why are there four gospels?

Sounds silly right?  But I haven’t found in the Bible four stories of creation, the parting of the red sea, or how about the conversion of Saul?  But there are four books, back to back in the New Testament.  The obvious thing is the life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God is IMPORTANT!

I heard the still small voice say again:  So everyone can hear.

The Holy Spirit solved the mystery for me.  We are all different.  We all hear the call of God in different ways and with different words.  To believe we need to read or hear it in the way the words resonate with who we are.  God comes to where we are.

God’s Word is the same way.  Most Christians I know have a favorite Gospel.  They may not realize it but they do.  I notice it when they need God.  They are drawn back to the writing of their favorite Gospel writer.  I love the way all the Gospels see things in a different light.  I learn so much about this Jesus way.  However, my favorite Gospel is the Gospel of John.  For me, the Apostle John finds the hidden nuggets of truth and shares the meaning with us.

¹⁷ Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. ¹⁸ But I ask, did they not hear?  Certainly, they did; for “Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” [Romans 10:17-19 NABRE]

The words of  God goes into all the world.  They are there for all to hear, know, and be encouraged.  All the Earth.  Everyone is given a chance to understand.  Four Gospels, because the story is that important:  So everyone can hear.

If I change who I am to be like someone else, even if that someone is the Apostle John (Big Saint dude here!), I will be short-changing God.

Our differences are woven into the fabric of history.  We are beautiful when we fulfill our differences.  I write in my own unique way for the Glory of God.

Glorify the Higher Power by being who you were created to be.

Milly