The power of our words

 by Jo-Anne Berthelsen

In my various occupations over the years, I have seen again and again the power our words can have. As a high school teacher way back, as an office secretary interacting with clients of our church’s family support program, then later as part of our church’s pastoral team, I experienced the extra impact my words could carry because of the power of my public position. Now as a writer and speaker and at a different stage in my life, I still see so often the effect the words I say and those I write can have.

Yet, whatever our occupation, our words have the power to touch others’ lives for good or for ill each day – our families, friends, work colleagues or anyone else we meet or contact in some way. And each day, the words of others have the power to impact us in return. Sometimes, they may lift us up and encourage us, but at others, they may discourage and even hurt deeply.

In January this year, my third non-fiction book, Swansong: Start creating your legacy of life-giving words, was published by Authentic Media UK. In the course of promoting it, I recorded two radio interviews and a podcast with organisations based in the UK while sitting right here in my study in front of my laptop. During one for Trans World Radio, my lovely interviewer mentioned something that happened to him when he was growing up. If he ever made a mistake, he told me, a ‘close family member’ would say to him, ‘Oh, you’re so useless!’ Then he hastily added, ‘They probably didn’t mean anything by it – it was probably just a throw-away line. However, it took me many, many years to undo the harm those words did to me.’

My heart went out to him all the way to the UK. However, I also remembered how easy it can be for any of us to speak or write similar ‘throw-away lines’ to others and how hard it can be, as James warns us in his letter, to tame our tongues – or our fingers as we write (James 3). Yet, as Paul reminds us, we can choose whether our words will indeed benefit others or otherwise:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

What a challenge for us, not only as we speak but also as we write! What sort of legacy will our many thousands of words leave behind when we are no longer here? Will they affirm, encourage or comfort? Will they bring peace and blessing to our readers? Will they perhaps challenge, yet also express empathy, mercy and forgiveness?

Whenever I personally sell one of my own books, I always ask if I can write ‘God bless’ as well as sign my name inside. For me, these are not two glib, meaningless words but, instead, a fervent prayer that God will truly benefit my reader in some way and draw them closer to God. May this always be our aim as Christian authors, in whatever genre we write. May we always remember the power our words can have and seek to use them so wisely and well.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and three non-fiction works. She holds
degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word and is a keen blogger.

www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

www.joanneberthelsen.wordpress.com

In for the long haul

 

I began my writing journey in earnest almost twenty years ago now. Back then, if you had told me I would have ten books published by 2024, I would not have believed you. I thought I had one novel burning inside me, but that turned out to be seven in the end. I also remember declaring back then that I could never see myself writing non-fiction. Yet, just last week, my third non-fiction book, Swansong, was released.

Some have asked me why – and how – I keep going with all my writing and speaking. I usually respond by saying that I still feel I have things to say that I hope will encourage and draw others closer to God. Also, I still enjoy both – so why stop? As to the ‘how’ question, I can honestly say I would not still be writing if it were not for God’s guidance and strengthening over the years through the words of Scripture, through others and directly into my spirit. While I did not know I would still be writing all these years later, God knew and has constantly given me the impetus to keep going and the opportunities to be published.

I remember with gratitude how, when I was struggling to find a traditional publisher for my first novel, a young mum in a group I was part of prayed earnestly that my novel would indeed see the light of day. Later, she told me she thought she had seen a new Christian publisher advertised in a magazine at her mother’s place. She promised to email me the relevant information and I thanked her – but, in my heart, I was sure she would forget. A few days later, however, her email arrived – and, eventually, this was the publisher who released my first manuscript.

Fast forward to around eighteen years later when I was again looking for a publisher, this time for my third non-fiction book, Swansong. In October 2022 at the Omega Christian Writers’ Conference in Kingscliff, at what I believe was God’s prompting, I booked a Zoom interview with a representative of an overseas non-fiction publisher, Authentic Media UK. A wonderful online meeting ensued – and, soon after, I was offered a contract with Authentic.

When I started my writing journey, I did not fully believe those who told me writing is a ‘long haul’ undertaking. Yet, they were right. After all, it can take months or years for one book to emerge – and it can take even longer to build up any significant body of writing and gain a wide readership. But God of course knows that – and God also knows what shape our writing journeys will take. Perhaps God has just one book for you to write – and that is absolutely fine. But perhaps God wants you in for the long haul too and has given you many ideas that are waiting to see the light of day. In this case, I want to encourage you to keep trusting and walking with God, who is more than able to strengthen and guide and bring the right publishing opportunities your way. Our role is to listen, to obey, to persevere and to give of our best, whatever shape our writing journey may take.

May God enable us all to do exactly that in 2024.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and lives through the written and spoken word. She is the author of seven published novels and three non-fiction works, ‘Soul Friend’,  ‘Becoming Me’ and ‘Swansong’.. Jo-Anne is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and four grandchildren. For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.