(Reprints)
How I started writing to the world…
(Writer’s Note: I started my Blog on WordPress in February of 2026. Now, as I have started also posting on Substack, let me take this opportunity to reintroduce myself to people who really don’t know who I am, or what I am about. So, here is the first of my “Reprints”, essays/articles I wrote, but you may have missed! Think of this as reruns of a beloved TV show that you never got a chance to watch the first time. Enjoy, and get inspired.)
From February 7th, 2026:
I sat here some two years ago, really. I was trying to learn to use WordPress. They say it’s easy–but it’s not, at least not to me. I thought I was pretty tech savvy–but this is not as easy as it seems. Eventually I figured it out–then started building this ‘space’, this place where I will reveal my thoughts to the world–and maybe somebody, somewhere, will care. Then another pause. Work things, and Church things, Life things, a myriad of things–and the months slipped by. No blame on any of those things, mind you, all of them are what they are. We all get busy.
Then it’s me and this MacBook, and a desk, and Arvo Part serenading me. Here we are (again). This is scary. I write it, hope it makes sense, and hit ‘send’ and away it goes. There are myriads of others who do this, write books, speak, do all the things I think I want to do, and do them so much better. (I imagine. ) But they too had to start just like this: write it down and hit send.
I know the Voice that spoke to me as a boy–that whispered that I came here to earth to do this–to write. Not that I am so special, or clever, but I am called, as religious folks, as Christians say, to do this. This is the time. This is the place. This is the moment-the now.
Every creative person, or not-so creative person has this moment. They paint that first brush stoke, write that first word, take that first step, smile, extend that hand, or whatever. A “job” I did is coming to an end. There’s no more ‘extra’ things to hide behind. There is no more, “I have to do this and this AND this, AND that–and then (then) I can write publicly.
It’s time–the Voice whispers: “Go–I am with you. Teach what I have taught you-teach what you have learned to any who will listen. Go forward. Go forth.”
Like the experience of the Prophet Elijah, in the Jewish Scriptures, there is only the Gentle Whisper: “Tell them this: YOU are my Beloved Son or Daughter, in whom I am well pleased. Peace be with you.”
If you know the New Testament Scriptures in the Bible–these are words God spoke over Jesus, and words Jesus spoke over His Disciples after his resurrection. You may not believe them because you think it is religious mumbo-jumbo, or you believe it was said and happened, but it is not for you. It can’t be believed, and surely there is no peace with the Almighty!
I am here to tell you that what was said over Jesus is being said over you: You are God’s beloved child–and He is not against you, but for you. He (They) is for you, no matter what is going on. No matter if you are not quite sure about Him/Her, even if you are not sure if such a Being could exist. Even if you are not sure, as you see “religious people”, (some of whom are doing all manner of crazy things), have horribly warped the path to God, filling it with landmines and barbed wire.
God is not just for you, but is at peace with you–has made peace with you, already. As Eugene Peterson wrote in his “Message” Translation of Paul’s Letter to the Romans: “And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand – out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.” (The Message, Romans 5:2-12, bold text my own)
Don’t “check out” as I quote the Bible, see that Peterson translates as we “throw open our doors to God”–as we open ourselves to God, we come to experience that peace, that Greater Reality.
Later next week, I will explain more about me, in a Reprint called “What’s it all about?” But first, we will have Part 2 of “The 4 Components of Life, that one one really told you about”. Coming Monday/Tuesday.
-Eric, the Wordsmith
BP47-R3
Have thoughts or comments? You can click on the comment link below, or you can email me at the address provided. Have ideas you want me to write about, or questions? Want to tell me how much you enjoy (or don’t enjoy) my content? All are acceptable, but be nice, please. Thanks! alignwithlove85@gmail.com.