The Value of Serving in Writing

by Jennifer Noel Wilson

As I sat on the cold cafeteria floor and listened to the young fifth grade girl share about her sister’s surgery with tears in her eyes, my heart broke. The girls next to her wrapped their arms around her and we all began to pray. This moment is forever etched in my mind and inspired the prayer scene in my debut picture book, The Best Trophy. Those young girls inspired me to be more intentional in my prayer life.

Where do you find inspiration for your writing? There are so many wonderful, common ideas—take a walk, read, listen to music, travel, join a writing group. All of these can help inspire our writing. But what about ministry? As Christians God calls us to go and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19) We are to teach others what God has done in our lives and show the love of Christ. I confess, often I want to sit and hide in my basement and just write. No social media, no need to speak in front of a large group of people, no worrying about making a fool of myself or messing up. But when we hide, what do we learn? How do we see God at work? If we don’t make mistakes, get out of our comfort zone, learn, and see God move, then we have nothing to share in our writing.

The children I’ve taught in ministry for over twenty-five years have inspired my writing. Most importantly, they have taught me more about Jesus and helped me grow in my walk with the Lord. They have encouraged me to come out of my comfort zone. They have shown me Christ-like friendship when I see how much they care about their friends. Children have shown me God hears simple prayers.

What or who inspires your writing? Are you in a drought? Then, go. Go volunteer at your church or a local ministry in your community. Not just so you can write about it. Go serve the Lord however you are able so that He can grow you closer to Him and work in your life. You can show the love of Christ to others, share your testimony, and bring others into His kingdom when you are the hands and feet of Jesus.

Volunteering, at least in my area, is declining. Go fill a need and watch what God will do. Then, when God opens the door for you to write about it, share the good news of what He has done. Write to glorify God with your story or someone else’s story, with their permission. Write a fiction story inspired by the people, children, or teens you have met along the way. Write to let others know about a local ministry in need of volunteers. Write to inspire others to serve. Write to bring awareness.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). Let’s not hide behind our laptops. Let’s go out into our communities and serve the Lord. What gap can you help fill? God has already prepared the way. Then go and inspire others with your writing.

Jennifer Noel Wilson is an award-winning author published in Clubhouse Jr., Cadet Quest, Starlight magazines, and Keys for Kids devotional. Her picture book, The Best Trophy, won the Christian Editor’s Choice Award for excellence. With her master’s degree from Wheaton College, she has over 25 years of ministry experience.