Wading through Weeds of Challenge🌻
Fun Fact: C.S. Lewis was instrumental in inspiring J.R.R. Tolkien to complete "The Lord of the Rings.".
Happy Fun Fact Friday! Grab your favorite hot beverage, and let's chat about challenges.
In the 1920s, Tolkien showed Lewis his ideas about Middle Earth. When he finally began writing his "new Hobbit," which became The Lord of the Rings, he suffered from bouts of writer's block that could last for several years at a time. Lewis provided the encouragement and prodding that Tolkien needed to get through these dry spells. You can read more on C.S. Lewis here.
Creators face many challenges. As Tolkien struggled with writer's block, Leonardo da Vinci struggled to finish projects due to an attention disorder. Pablo Picasso was diagnosed with dyslexia.
Yet, these creators went on to be prolific artists of history. What helped them overcome their challenges?
I submit that Picasso took inspiration from life, da Vinci had an insatiable curiosity, and Tolkien had a friend who wouldn't let him quit.
When challenges arise, what keeps you going?
In Revealed Mercy, I was stuck. Maddie's character arc was not progressing as I'd hoped. A conversation with my editor revealed that the conflict she faced fell flat. It wasn't believable for the arc I was attempting to relay. So, I had to rewrite four chapters to bring it back into order.
One conversation pulled me out of the weeds I waded through for a month, and the edits brought everything back into focus.
The lives of Tolkien, da Vinci, and Picasso revealed that it would take more than a pen and a paintbrush to keep them going. They needed friends who encouraged, inspiration found in life experience, and an insatiable curiosity to propel them through the challenges they faced.
Perhaps the most significant lesson these artists share is that challenges serve as instruments in the Hands of the One who walks with us through every one.
Do you need encouragement in your challenge? Let me know how I can pray for you.
And don't forget to check out today's free download! Today's FREEmium is a challenge template. Download this simple template and create an action plan to counter the challenges you face.
PS—The Image shared is not one of weeds but one of beautiful sea oats reflecting the beauty of the sun. This week, I was reminded of the beauty of sitting in the Presence of the Son—challenge and all.
I said not said down. Stupid word corrector.
Great encouragement! If my college Professor hadn't pointed out my ADHD I would have not made it. I used to have to read things up to 10 times over. I say down and said"Lord I do not accept this." I ended up with a 3.6 GPS and now I do not have to read things over and over