On Faith And Writing
He was laid out on creamy velvet inside the bronze, 18-gauge steel box at the front of the Baptist church. The air was heavy with the perfume of roses and gladiolas.
My writing changed that day.
He was only 14. 
A woman wearing a wide-brimmed yellow hat played the organ. I shuffled down the aisle in the procession toward the casket, with my reporter’s notebook tucked discreetly in my purse.
Knees weak, I reached casket’s edge. They say news reporters aren’t supposed to cry, but grief tumbled wet down these cheeks.
My writing changed that day.
AND ON THIS DAY, 15 years later, I’m telling the rest of the story over at Graceful. Michelle DeRusha — a gifted and witty writer from Nebraska — asked me to guest-post there on the topic of faith and writing. Will you join me over there?
PHOTO ONE: Row of stones in our country cemetery.
PHOTO TWO: I had the opportunity to meet Deidra of Jumping Tandem (at left) and Michelle of Graceful (at right) in early May in Lincoln, Nebraska. Through their terrific writing, these women make me think, make me laugh, and make me a better me.
I, too am blessed to follow and read your blog. God uses you in a profound way.
Blessings,
andrea
J…loved that post over at Graceful — which one of my favorite blogs after yours of course:) Your post is great insight into great writing. "PASSION!"
Love this part, "I wrote from the same place that held my tears."
It's so true. Great post!
…and you miss Jennifer, you make me think and laugh and become a better "me."
Blessings.
I loved, loved your story today. Thank you so much for guest posting on my blog — you are the best!
So true–I cried a lot as a teenager and young married woman–but it was over silly things. Now? I cry tears that touch the core of me–more for others and less for me. It may sound awful to say because of the sadness of his death, but his death had meaning. I'm glad you allowed God to change you that day, to take your writing and infuse it with emotion.
This is how you turn that conflict on its ear. You don't create the story — you see it and you tell it and you do something good with it.
Thanks for that.
heading over!