Show. Don't Tell

The mantra good writers embrace is this: Show. Don’t tell.

It means that in our writing, we strive not to "tell" what happens in the story, or how our character feels. Instead, we desire to engage the reader’s senses and emotions - thereby giving them an experience through a character.

What would happen if we lived our lives by that mantra?

I grew up during a time when the Jesus People movement was going strong. When Christian bumper stickers, large cross necklaces, and buttons with Christian slogans were the “in” thing. It was also a time when zealous Christians knocked on doors and stood at street corners handing out tracts containing the sinner’s prayer.

I look back on those times and cringe.

Being enthusiastic about your beliefs is never wrong – as long as those beliefs don't harm people.

But, I wonder if the method in which we tried to share our faith and love for God was in the end detrimental to what we wanted to accomplish.

I’ve been a strong believer for years that the way to share God’s love is through relationship with people. Not through preaching or handing them tracts that list spiritual laws.

I sincerely believe that caring about people in the work place, in the community, and even in our own homes is the way to spark a desire in hearts to seek God. Actions do speak louder than words.

If you want to share God with someone in your life . . .

Show. Don’t tell.

Dawn