And the Truth Will Set you Free

I didn’t mean to let an entire month pass.

I am currently participating in a 90-day novel writing challenge. I am technically on day 29.

This is me in my favorite writing spot. I clock out of work and plant myself at this picnic table a couple days a week. The weather has been beautiful and I have quite enjoyed myself.

90 days to write a book? Not quite true.

To clarify, I had been working on project “Captain Sasha” for 3 years before I decided to participate in this “90-day challenge”. To say “I am writing a first, completed and edited draft in 90 days” is a flat out lie.

I am stating this, because I recently ran an application on my draft of Captain Sasha. This application shows words I use too/most frequently. I expected it to say that I had overused words like “that” or “from”. What was generated was “truth”.

“Truth”

Sure enough. I had used the word “truth” at least 8 times in less than 2 chapters. (and just an fyi, I counted..I use the word at least 10 times here)

Good grief!

I am a firm believer that a good work of fiction is only believable when grounded in truth. But this was ridiculous.

I wondered what underlying theme I was subconsciously wrestling with.

Project Sasha is a story of a precocious 12-year-old girl and her peers who become child pirates as they evade a feared civilian militia.

A way for me to write the stories of undocumented minors/justice department kiddos/refugees and former gang members that I have befriended over the years. Stories I am not at liberty to share.

Stories that humanize those we marginalize.

Stories I can tell in a fictionalized, environmentally-devastated future, with pirates. Who doesn’t like a good pirate story?

Truth.

As I did a little more soul searching, I kept wondering why truth is so important to me?

As a domestic violence survivor, I realize that truth is important to me because finally owning my truth, has cost me much.

After years of simultaneously being gaslighted and choosing denial, I finally owned my reality.

I spoke truth to those who asked. I kept quiet as a host of untruths, attacks against my character and downright crazy rumors, came my way.

I owned my mistakes.

Recognizing the reality of my circumstances made people uncomfortable. Speaking honestly when asked made people uncomfortable. Sometimes, the truth isn’t comfortable.

 Speaking truth labeled me as “too” (excitable, dramatic, sensitive, imaginative, fill in blank here). It led to an entire community and some family believing incredulous stories about me. It led to the realization that people I thought knew me, didn’t know me at all.

Speaking truth labeled me “a liar.” (the irony here)

It cost me relationships I still value.

Yet, despite the costs, recognizing and speaking my truth set me free. Free from living in denial. Free to breathe without fear. Free to remember who I am and WHOSE I am.  (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 1:4)

I turn to scripture often. Whenever I am worried, stressed, tired, or anxious. I turn to the Word.

 Why? Because even though Dr. Google is convenient. Dr. Google doesn’t help. Dr. Google? Isn’t truth…and I really do value honesty.

Dr.Google tells me to cut people off, or to abandon myself and make peace.  Dr. Google tries to sell me healing books, remedies, strategies and courses on family healing.

The word of God says  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

God reminds me that I have been gifted with faith, mercy, love and a sound mind. I am grateful for those gifts.

The word of God is truth (John 17:17)

Our news stations, our social media, our internet are full of noise. I encourage you, dear reader, to give your heart and soul a breather. If you crave truth?  Turn to the Word.

Jesus answered’I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6)

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. (Psalm 119:160)

The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy (Proverbs 12:22)

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

Go ahead and take a read. I dare you;)