Posted on by Jo Ann Fore

Good Writing Comes From a Healthy Soul

Maybe God wants to use my story to help someone else? Perhaps that’s the purpose for the painful life experiences I’ve walked through.

We women feel the need to share story, don’t we? To offer insight and hope, to let others know they are not alone, to debate God’s redeeming hand with Oprah (okay, maybe that’s just me on the last one).

It’s true, though. The sound of story resonates from the caves of ancient culture into the modern storytelling centers of today. Since we could speak, we’ve used our personal experiences to influence, educate, and encourage.

The need for story is primal. It’s part of a selfishly Divine design. God created us for community; we are designed to serve vulnerable slices of our lives, heartrending wedges of emotional pain garnished with sweet slabs of healing. As we do, we nurture the raw places nestled inside of every woman. As others witness God’s transformation in our lives, they want to know more about the Transformer.

Early on I uncovered the need to weave my tale, tragic as it was. Like countless others my back-story is steeped in dysfunction, but it’s also a hope-filled story where God’s grace and mercy run deep. I felt compelled to share that hope and encouragement on a wide scale.

Problem was, as a soul-wounded woman I didn’t have a voice. My own language. I simply regurgitated the style of others, imitating what I imagined my voice should sound like on the other side of emotional wholeness.  Marry that writing style with a need to purge bubbling anger and my early readers cleaned a lot of (emotional) vomit from their computer screens.

Sometimes God calls us to write for publication; other times He simply calls us to write. I had confused the two—telling my story, and selling my story hailed from two different worlds.

I sought the validation of publication while what I desperately needed instead was voice lessons. As a novice writer, I heard much about the importance of voice. My. Own. Unique. Voice. Yet my voice was shadowed by the influence of others; my perspective skewed, buried in pain and not mature enough to be out on its own yet.

But God, in His grace, led me to write through that pain. Sort through the fallout of hurtful life experiences. Cut through the hard stuff. As I wrote I discovered His truth and redeeming principles, while uncovering my voice—my authentic personality. The raw journaling from that journey may never meet publication, but the voice that emerged has since been published nationally and internationally.

Our stories need to be dialogued, written out. An emotionally-expensive tutor, their words often light the path to a whole new perspective of Jesus. One wall of my office holds a well-worn sign to daily remind me, “Good writing comes from a healthy soul.”

What do you want to write about? What story is so important that you must share it?

 

 

Jo Ann Fore is an author, speaker, book-freak, and fun friend. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of women. Most noted for her authentic vulnerability, Jo Ann captivates her audience with faith-filled messages caramelized with a powerful promise of hope. Visit Jo Ann at Write Where It Hurts, a virtual community where women gather for support, encouragement, and practical tools to live a joyful, purpose-filled life. 

51 Replies to “Good Writing Comes From a Healthy Soul”

  1. Really great post! I love the reminder that we might feel the urge to write but it might just be to write and not just for publication. I can relate to that.

    I had a powerful experience tonight as I was chatting with my friend tonight online who is having a tough time. I recalled to her some really tough stuff I went through last year that was very personal and in telling her about it I was reminded so much of how far I’ve come and just how amazing God is. Writing it out in just a regular chat box impacted me.

    Thanks for sharing Jo Ann!

    1. Thank you for sharing Amanda. Isn’t it great how writing through it helps organize our thoughts, often bringing much-need clarity or Aha moments 🙂

  3. Jo Ann… Really beautiful piece. I guess what I must be really wanting to write about is the nature of God’s sacrificial love since it is woven so much in my fiction stories.

    1. Hi Jordyn,

      Thanks so much for your kind words. And oh that we would allow God’s sacrificial love to permeate our day, our world. Love to see that tucked within the pages of entertaining story. Keep it up, for all of us!

  4. I love your transparency! This sums up me and my soul purpose. Thank you for articulating and for being the beautiful writer and woman of God you are. I am beyond motivated.

  5. Thank you for the reminder, Jo Ann, that we must allow God to heal our hearts and refine our words to the point that they glorify Him and not the pain and tragedy we have experienced. When we do that, our words will go forth to heal and restore with the power of the Holy Spirit ministering them to those who read/hear them!
    Wishing you a most blessed & beautiful day~
    Katheen

  6. Jo Ann… Love your beautiful heart and transparency. Thanks for sharing how your voice emerged through pain. God doesn’t waste any of it, does he? It’s only because we’ve progressively walked this journey to soul health that we can use our words to help guide others. Thanks for being led by the Word.

    Simply a joy to meet you here. Keep lighting the way!
    Cheryl

    1. Cheryl,

      Genuine joy to connect! Oh that He keeps our feet firmly planted on the journey to soul health…

      Honored to be traveling with you 🙂

  8. Jo Ann,
    Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom about your emotional and writing journey, they are inspiring!

    Kate

  9. Beautiful post, Jo Ann! Thank you for sharing!

    Every time I sit down to write, I find myself somewhat surprised by the end result. The writing process helps me to organize my thoughts, bringing more focused clarity, and often, healing.

    I never know for sure where I’ll end up, when I start writing…

  10. Jo Ann, what a beautiful story, and so inspiring! You truly have a gift and we are blessed when you share it. God is so good, and He is using you to heal others in a very powerful way. Thank you for sharing your heart and your wisdom!

  11. It’s not easy serving those “vulnerable slices of life,” telling those painful stories. But as we learn to take that risk, we – and others – will be set free by God’s healing grace. Thanks for being so transparent and sharing your story with others, Jo Ann – your writing is such a blessing.

    1. Hi Beth,

      Thank you for spending a few minutes of your morning with us. And that we would always take the risk, for without the risk there can be no reward. Your story is powerful my friend…start serving.

  12. Love your honesty and your invitation to share our voice. Your words are so powerful. I think at times we lock ourselves in our own invisible prison for fear of judgement, criticism, etc. Sometimes we place ourselves in there, and sometimes other people place us in there. Yet, we’re shaking the bars longing to come out, longing to be heard. Our voices and stories are worth sharing. God wants us to have freedom and wholeness, not imprisonment. Thanks for your thoughts.

    1. Doreen,

      Thank you for sharing! Shake those bars long enough and God WILL bring them down, right? Can’t you just taste the emotional wholeness with me? Freedom! Praise His name.

  13. Great post, Jo Ann! I love how God helps us heal so we can help others heal.

    Abundant blessings to you, sweet friend! You are a blessing to the soul-wounded as you point them to God’s tender touch.

  14. Love how you write from a place of authenticity. It’s fun how God lines this up, because living from a place of authenticity is what has been on my heart for my next article. Writing from your source of pain or experience is where you connect with those who need that lesson or need to heal and are able to do that through your healing and experience.

    1. Yes…we often connect at our point of pain. We women love knowing someone else understands us, right? That we “get” it. May God continue to grant us those divine connections. Thanks for stopping by!

  15. Loved this article…The enemy would choose us to not use our stories as they so often point to the redemptive power of the Cross, so blessed to see your authenticity. As women we all need to pay attention to our stories and move forward for the glory of the One who created us so that we could be a part of His greater story.

    1. So glad you enjoyed it. And yes, so thankful we are all part of His greater story. Praise Him for His willingness to redeem all that we surrender to Him …

  16. Jo Ann, love the post and your innate ability to weave a story! You are truly a gifted writer and thank you for encouraging others to heal through use of the most powerful tool we have “words”.

  17. Wonderful article! I can remember when I first started writing in my journal I was scared to write what I really felt for fear someone might find my journal and expose me for not being as “perfect” as I tried to present myself on the outside. I have since come to value transparency because it is the only way others can truly learn from our experiences. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Oh how true, Summer. It’s often the only way we ourselves learn, isn’t it? Recovering perfectionist here that had to learn the hard way.

      Thank you!

  18. Wow! Such powerful words here, Jo Ann. I love your thoughts on finding your voice–and the quest to get there. Keep the encouragement flowing, my friend. We all need the kindness you weave into your wordings. Love you!

    1. Hi Lisa,

      Love that you visited us here. And thanks so much for your kind words, thrilled you enjoyed the article. It is sort of your passion, though, isn’t it? 🙂

  19. Jo Ann this is great! As I read it and get to the part about using your ‘VOICE’ that is key. When we as women understand the power in our ‘voice’ to save, empower, lift-up other women… we also do the same for ourselves. That is why we all have a message to deliver with our voices.

    1. Hi Dorris,

      Thanks for reading. And you said it, “when we understand the power in our voice,” and “we all have a message to deliver.” Oh, that we would fight for that voice!

  20. Such encouraging posts and comments. Thank you!

    I wanted to share a music video by a friend of mine Kelita Haverland that fits with some of the things we’ve discussed. I imagine you may enjoy the premise of the song as much as I do.

  21. I love this article Jo and love that you are my “voice coach” as I learn to write more from the deep dark places! As I walked through my divorce this last year, you were coaching me to write, and keep writing. I know that my story is meant to be told and, in the telling, will give another woman HOPE to keep walking one more step. I love you!

    Diane Cunningham, Founder and President
    National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs

  22. I totally agree! Sometimes when we are at a loss for words God speaks gently in our minds. In additon, when I get an ‘idea’ to write that WILL NOT GO AWAY until I sit down and start writing I know that is God using me to deliver the message. Thanks for a great article!

  23. You are right about finding your voice and not writing for publication. As I re-write my memoir 25 years later it is vastly different from the emotional dump of the previous manuscript. The difference: God. The first time I tried to pen my story I was heavily in the occult and wanted nothing to do with God, the MS had no focus and just raw pain. Now, healed by God, the time came to try again. Still raw at first, as I continued writing my voice emerged and when I revise it will be a better story, a healing journey.

    My hope is that people reading my memoir will know the pain of abuse, the confusion of the occult and the healing mercy of God who restores and creates beauty from ashes.

    I suspect your current writings will be a blessing to your readings. I pray God continues to refine your voice and develop your writing. This post touched my heart today.

    1. Heather,

      So thankful for God’s healing in your life, and your willingness to use your story to pour into the lives of others. I pray God richly blesses that! Thank you for your prayers–much appreciated.

      Rich blessings,
      Jo Ann

  25. Beautifully written!! I think there is still one portion of my life that I am not ready to write about publicly, so I don’t. I write about the areas that God has done a healing in.

    1. Cheryl,

      I’m thrilled that you are sharing publicly about the areas of restoration. And I pray that God continues to restore the hidden places; oh how He longs to redeem the pain!

  26. I know you are right in this. My question, however, is about how to consider those who may share a part of our past? I recently wrote something that I felt was a tremendous testimony. Of course, there is no resurrection without first considering the gruesomeness of the cross – literally and metaphorically speaking. My sister, in particular, was extremely upset. Called me distasteful and like “lot’s wife” who turned to salt for looking back at the sinful city. (I certainly understand this to be taken out of context.) However, the words still hurt and have me jarred. I certainly wouldn’t want to bring disrespect to my mom or sister. However, my article did receive some comments from those who felt it brought them hope. I feel the Lord urging me to “lift back the veil” so that others can be healed through His overcoming acts of glory in my life. But, where is the line? – grappling.

    1. Dear Grappling (Kelly 🙂

      Powerful thought-starter. Where is the line, indeed? I imagine only you and God could determine that. And no, sweet friend, that’s not intended any sort of pat answer. I simply can’t stomach those.

      I can speak from my personal experience, and should God choose to use that to encourage you in any way I would be honored.

      I hail from a tumultuous background. Dark family secrets. loneliness, and confusion. Shamed into silence, I carried the fallout of that into other life choices. After finding Christ, I felt pressed that God wanted to redeem that pain. And part of that redemption was my willingness to surrender the pain of the past to Him to use as He saw(sees) fit.

      I knew that pieces of my backstory would be revealed. Ugly as they were. After telling God they were His to do with as He would, I felt led to launch my first website. In that website were distasteful bites of childhood sexual abuse, a 20-year eating disorder, and a later marriage to a professing “Christian” who was abusive.

      I felt I needed to talk to my two brothers, my teenage daughter, and my mom–to share my plans. The flesh side of me longed for their support, their approval if not understanding. The one I never imagined having a problem with it resisted, but agreed that it was my choice to make. Not a believer, he didn’t grasp the potential for redemption, but trusted that my motives were pure and left the decision to me. I moved forward and have been honored to pour my life into the hearts of hurting women nationally and internationally since that decision.

      However, truth be told, even if all had not gone well with the family, I would still have followed God’s leading. I long, as much as possible, to remain in communion with my loved ones, but it is Christ who I must follow. His opinion has to reign supreme.

      Now, please hear me. I do not necessarily believe that gruesome details are always a part of the story. Often, my saying that I was sexually abused as a child is enough of a connection point for me to reach a woman’s heart. However, there are other times when some of the details do help. My article in this month’s Guideposts is a prime example of addressing domestic violence. (http://www.guideposts.org/inspirational-stories/revealed-secrets-begin-healing).

      When I default the boundaries of the line to you and God, I hope you will agree it is one decision that only can be made after much prayer, I prayerfully join in seeking the right answer for you.

      Warmly,
      Jo Ann

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