Finding Your Worth In Print

Let’s face it, as writers, we all struggle from time to time with self-doubt. No, scrap that. We writers struggle daily with self-doubt!

What fuels these thoughts, this knack to go down a rabbit hole within our thinking, is that we believe only real writers have their names printed on the cover of a book. Over and over, I fell for this lie, believing that my worth would only be found when I finally see my name in print, rather than feeling the print on the hands of Jesus within my writing.

In John 20:24-29, we read about Thomas. Known as doubting Thomas because he did not trust the report that Jesus had risen from the dead, he told the other disciples that until he saw the print of the nails in Jesus’ hands he would not believe. ‘So, he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” We tend to scorn Thomas’ mistrust by wanting proof that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead and make the mistake of thinking his reluctance was doubt. However, what if his reaction was because he needed some validation? What if Thomas needed to see and feel his worth in the print of the nails on Jesus’ hands because he didn’t believe his gifts would or could make a difference?

So, the question is, as a writer, are you going to find your worth in the print of your name, or in the print of the nails of the One whose outstretched arms remind you every day of who you are? Are you going to allow the lies of the enemy to discourage and limit you in your writing and make you believe that your worth is only found when you see your name on the cover of a book? Writing is a tough gig, and especially tough when you’re a Christian writer because you are breaking boxes and stepping on new ground.

Whether you’re published or unpublished there are times when the dreaded writer’s block rears its ugly head, and you lose inspiration. These are the times when people will ask you when you’re going to get a “real job”. And there will be other moments you’ll accomplish your word count for the day and lean back in your office chair and marvel at the sheer brilliance of your sentence structure. Don’t worry, keep pressing into those nail prints and reach into the hands of Jesus and feel your worth in the print of the scars because you’ll find that all those limitations that surround your writing endeavours are an invitation to trust Jesus more.

Of course, as writers, we want to be successful and see our names in print because we want to share the good news of Jesus with a lost and broken world. Whether we write Christian fiction or non-fiction we are sharing the truth of the gospel creatively, and just like the first disciples, we are pioneers stepping into new territory that is yet to be discovered in books that are yet to been written. Nonetheless, if we keep searching for our worth as a writer in the print of our name instead of the print of the nails on Jesus’ hands, then we’ve missed the mark completely. We will forever be chasing our tails by putting our value into something temporal rather than eternal. (Matthew 6:19-21)

So, take my advice, as a writer become intentional in finding your worth in the print of the nails rather than the print of your name on a book cover. Reach into Jesus’ hands and feel the print that lets you know how much you are loved. Leave doubt behind and write boldly, because no matter where your writing takes you, you’ll know that your value, validation and you’re worth are found in Him and nothing else.

Wendy xo

Has there been a time in your writing where you’ve looked for your worth in seeing your name in print rather than the print of the nails on Jesus’ hands?