Writing Emotions – Part 2
Writing emotional pain is challenging. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote while my latest rejection was fresh and raw. This week, I thought I’d try something different. How would you write about your greatest joy? How would I? Hmmmm. I think I’ll have to think about that. And give it a try.
Can you feel it?
My greatest joy is knowing Jesus. I won’t get all preachy on you. But when I feel God’s presence like a blanket of love surrounding me, tears come to my eyes. That’s how I first felt Him. I was reading a book and I was actually reading about someone’s experience at giving God their life, when all of a sudden, I started to cry. I knew it was happening to me. I had no grid for this. I was raised in a United Methodist Church, and I had no real teaching about a salvation experience. It was more of a decision, made with the will. I’m writing about emotion. I don’t think I’d ever cried for joy before that. I’d only ever cried when something hurt, but this was different.
I did however, have a young man ask me whether I’d had an experience with God or not. The best I could do – say that God answered a little girl’s prayer (mine) to not have nightmares. And for years, I prayed that every night. I was afraid not to. I didn’t have any more nightmares after that.
Sometimes, I know I have felt the touch of angels’ wings. At others, it’s almost like an invisible hand is on the back and top of my head, and I feel approval. I regularly feel the touch of God during worship in my church service.
What does joy mean to you? We’re coming up on the holiday season soon. One of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World.
Joy to the World, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room.
And heaven and nature sing.
And wouldn’t you like to know how the Virgin Mary felt when she was “overcome” by the Holy Spirit and became pregnant? Wow. I have an idea, but God only did it that way one time, and only one time. But His presence can touch us.
Joy. Sometimes, when I’m actually hit with joy, I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to shout. All at the same time! It’s amazing. For some, joy is a quiet peacefulness, but deep and intense. Sometimes I feel it that way. But for me, nothing compares to the unfathomable, powerful way I feel God’s presence. How about you? Even if you’ve never felt the power of God in that way, what has been, or is, your greatest joy? Leave a comment and let me know.
How do you go about writing what you feel? Can you find the words? You’ve seen my frustration. You’ve read about my hurt. Now here’s what makes my world go around.
Donna L.H. Smith 