DAY 25, JANUARY 26, 2023 CAUGHT ON THE BLINDSIDE
Any writer that writes to improve the human condition and bring people into relationships that respect the otherness of others will get caught on their blindside. It happens not just once but many times, and you will always be surprised or in a state of shock because it throws you outside of your perimeters. Confronted with a new situation, you must redefine your boundaries, change or not redefine them, and stunt your growth. Choosing the latter can make you sick or even become deadly.
So it was on the morning of February 24, 2022. I went downstairs with a heavy heart. After almost seventy-seven years of peace, there was war in Europe.
Disastrous news kept coming. People were fleeing. Children dying, Women and young females raped, and older people mishandled.
Caught on my blindside, I didn’t know that such barbarian behavior existed, especially in Western Culture, but it does. And I had to learn how to deal with it emotionally.
I now knew what it felt like to wake up while an airplane flew over your house and to be thankful that your home was still standing and no one was running to a bomb shelter.
I could point out other situations, but today that is not my purpose. I want to remind us that we should never take advantage of the ability to write. As writers, we are the eyes of the world regardless of whether we write poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. We are the world’s conscience, and what we say or don’t say will affect the coming generations.
So here’s my open agenda. I will write that letter as soon as I put up my post. Therefore, I have taken it off the list.
- Revising the first 10K of my new novel. It usually takes me at least four to six days to fix 10K. I like to send her my final draft so that she understands the direction I’m moving in.
- Answering emails and text messages, Daily
- Finishing the last revision of my first novel.
Have a lovely Thursday.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
When Russia attacked Ukraine, I was shocked and couldn’t believe the pictures on Twitter. I slowly began to accept the reality of another monster like Hitler having too much power. This time, instead of turning to my writing, I stopped writing. Between the war and Covid, I felt empty that I had nothing to contribute. I’m making my way back to writing, and this challenge is helping me.
Hi Susanne,
You have a lot to contribute, and I hope you keep on writing.
Shalom aleichem
Hi, Pat. Along with death and taxes, change is inevitable, and we must either adapt or break when it comes. Adaptation doesn’t mean acceptance of evil like wars and division. Instead, we must find new ways to fight as we grow in our faith in the only One who knows all the answers. I see you doing that. Writing is our weapon against evil, whether in non-fiction or fiction. We write to mold reality and the perception of it. We write to provide escape and promote dreaming and encourage independent thinking and growth. It’s our calling, and because it is, it is also our duty. Kudos for taking that letter off your list.
Blessings!
Patty
Hi Pat! The war truly is disheartening. I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve participated in, where the direction of where our world is headed, was discussed at great length. To be honest, I know a lot of people who fear that we may be in the End Times. I agree with your assessment. It’s important that writers speak out about these things. Great post!
Best wishes,
Donna M Atwood
D M Atwood
https://www.dmatwood.com
I believe there will always be a war in some area of our world. How terrible is that. Man’s inhumanity to man I fail to understand. Or how any individual can be unkind to another. I try each day to stay away from conflict and think the best of people,not always easy.I also believe when reading the horrors that greet us on a daily basis to consider the goodness of those who do care for their fellow man and put their beliefs into practice.
That list is getting smaller, Pat! Kudos to you! I know your heart is heavy with all that is happening over there. Sending you hugs…
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
HI Pat, the war between Ukraine and Russia was a shock to everyone. The Europeans have always been a war-like lot, that is how the First and Second World Wars occurred in the first place. It seems that people have forgotten the horrors of war now, two to three generations later.
I believe you are referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the early past of your post. One of our missionary friends, an American who ministers to children and families in the Kiev area, is still in Ukraine. In spite of the danger, she has stayed because she believes God has called her there.
Here’s to writing, re-writing, and publishing, Persistent Pat! 😀
Although your list is getting shorter, I am glad that writing remains a large part of it. You are a good writer, Pat! I’m looking forward to your novel.