Blogger: Wendy Lawton
The first page of my journal is never cycled out with the addition of new pages for a new year. On it is my mission statement, developed on May 6, 2001 when I was writing and working as a full time artist. It read: “To tell stories with art and to draw pictures with words– all to the glory of God.”
When I became a literary agent more than nine years ago I added a new one: “To live in the land and to serve and love those God loves.”
On May 11, 1998 I chose a paraphrase of 1 John 1:1 as my life verse: “To write what I have heard, and what I have seen with my own eyes; what I have watched and touched with my own hands: the Word who is life– this is my subject.”
As I look back on these writer’s mission statements and verses I’ve often affirmed the importance of having a mission statement– a touchstone on my journey. In the days when it felt like I was pulled by two different careers– art and writing– I would come back to my statement and remember that it was all the same thing. The work of my hands, whether it was porcelain or words, was all about telling stories. And when I became an agent it was just an extension of that. Now I would be serving those God loves to help them tell their stories. My mission statement affirmed that I was on the path God chose for me from the beginning.
I’ve made a point never to study what a mission should or should not be. I don’t want to know that somebody thinks mine is not truly a mission statement in the strictest sense of the word. I don’t want to workshop it into Step One of Goal Setting. I don’t care that it has a childlike quality to it. It has worked for me and been my Ebenezer for many years.
So my question for you is, have you written a writer’s mission statement? If so, would you care to share? What about a life verse? Have your statements changed over the years? If you haven’t done it yet, want to give it a stab and let us see your draft? Why is it important to have these kinds of touchstones?
NOTE: Today I’m in Atlanta at ICRS with wall-to-wall meetings so I won’t get to chime in today but I’ll save the comments to read on the plane home. Play nice, everyone, and encourage each other.
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My mission statement’s always been pretty simple –
To remember that what I do can have a real effect on real people, and that being heard confers a responsibility.
As for a life verse, it’s changed over the years. When I was eighteen it was Yeats’ “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death”, but when I flew a small airplane through a set of 250,000 volt powerlines I thought I might want something else.
Then it became Housman’s “Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries”, which served until some stuff I’d rather not mention happened. But we did save the sum of things for (low) pay so I guess it was worthwhile.
See a pattern? I did. It was time for a change.
After that it was the last line from Tennyson’s “Ulysses”, a better choice – “to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”. I actually DID manage to get a PhD, and the ‘not yielding’ meant not leaving when I was literally begged to quit – UC San Diego never graduated a doctorate with that low a GPA (and never will again!).
Now it’s Henry Lee’s “Fighting On” –
I see no gleam of victory alluring
No chance of splendid booty or of gain
If I endure — I must go on enduring
And my reward for bearing pain — is pain
Yet, though the thrill, the zest, the hope are gone
Something within me keeps me fighting on
I do want to get to a point where my life verse can be something fun.
Say, “Yellow Submarine”?
Andrew,
There is a depth to your soul that is rare these days.
I wrote this prayer last year, based on 1 Thessalonians 1:3:
May my writing be produced by faith, prompted by love and inspired by hope–
–faith that your Word applies to our culture and that you will continue to show me what and how to write;
–love for you, God and for others (those I know and those I don’t), the kind of love you have, Lord;
–hope that you “restore souls” (mine and others) until we look like you!
Shirlee, that’s wonderful!
Beautiful, Shirlee!
Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your mission statement. I have never written mine down, but I have known it since I was a child. God has given me gifts in the areas of music, writing, and art. I have always had a passionate desire to share those gifts with others. When I said that I wanted to become a professional in one of those areas, my ever-practical parents told me that that desire was not realistic. A person cannot make a career by being an artist, they insisted. I answered back that God had given me these talents. My mom gently told me (I was younger than nine) that maybe He had given them to me just to enjoy. I told her (I guess I was a brat) that God doesn’t give us gifts just for ourselves; we’re supposed to share them. I have never changed my mind about that. I want to share with others what God has given me. God is a creative artist and I want to emulate that. I want to entertain God’s children and give them joy so that they may make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion, there is one God and there is a creation story, the story of how God created Middle Earth. He created it through the singing of the angels in harmony. Each angel brings to the song his or her special gifts and those things which make that angel unique. I love that idea and I want to be one of those angels, an instrument of God’s creative artistry as He brings His vision into fullness. That is why I write, draw, paint, and make music. That is why I teach, and that is the reason for all that I do in life. As a child of the King, it is my duty and my joy to spread his Kingdom throughout the world and help to bring all into the reign of His love.
Blessings!
That’s beautiful, Wendy.
My life verse is: “I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'” Psalm 16:2
I’ve never purposely written a mission statement, but I looked back through my prayer journal. I wrote this prayer over my first published article with LifeWay:
Father, please use my feeble words to speak to someone’s heart – to minister to someone hurting. February 2005
I have a feeling that your life is your mission statement, Shelli.
I so hope so, Andrew. I was extra concerned about you yesterday and relieved to see you had commented this morning.
It’s been a horrible 24 hours, and not over yet, but I’m here for the moment – thanks, Shelli.
My mission statement is pretty simple: Helping people find and follow God.
My life verse, which I include when I do book signings (just the address) is:
Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23, 24, NKJV)
My job is faith; God’s job is outcomes. 🙂
Bill, that ending – my job is faith, God’s is outcomes – is just lovely.
That needs to go on a LOT of refrigerator doors.
It can go next to my “God calls us to obey, not necessarily to succeed.”
Thanks, Andy. It’s a truth that comforts me over and over again.
Since I was about 13, my life verse has been Is 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
How these verses apply so directly to the heart of my writing simply blows me away.For those who don’t know my subject matter, Google the Long Walk, and see why.
My mission statement is “Finding God’s mercy when the beauty fades”.
Any ideas to tighten it up and add some punch?
“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.”
That part always stands out to me. Doesn’t that just sum it up?
I love this, too, Jennifer!
Whoa…reading your life verses in light of the Long Walk and your stories kinda gave me chills. And reminded me we have a big God.
I don’t want to workshop it either, Wendy, and I think that’s why I’ve always shied away from formal statements. So I love your post and the freedom it brings. As I began raising my children fourteen years ago, I decided to keep in the forefront of my mind that I want to do God’s will, give Him the glory, and encourage my children to love Him more. As I resumed writing a few years ago, I thought much the same thing. A lot of details fit under those broad categories, depending on the season of life. Thank you for the encouragement to think this through.
First, the writer’s blog I’m a part of has a mission statement.
It is “The Writing Prompts Crew seeks to inspire writers of all ages everywhere through a blog filled with prompts, thoughts and ideas. It is our pledge that the ideas we share will be uplifting and graceful, that they may positively edify your creative aspirations.”
My own is ” To bring hope and encouragement through my words, both written and spoken, to everyone I meet, both online and in person.”
I wrote this in the front of my journal, and I try to live and write by it, though I can’t remember where I got it (could have even been on this blog…lol!):
I am here to serve, not to show off.
I am here to inspire, not to impress.
I am here to make a difference, not to make a name.
Wendy, your mission statement is powerful and focused. I’m so glad that you’re not interested in what ‘a mission should or should not be’; otherwise I would shy away from sharing my ‘mission’ statement in this comment. Here is what I’ve written on my blog:
As a still lake reflects creation, so may our hearts reflect the Creator’s glory.
My children and I memorized ‘A Prayer for the Ephesians'(Eph.3:14-21) several years ago, and since I love to pray it for my family and others, I would choose it for my life verse.
Enjoy your flight home.
Blessings ~ Wendy M. ❀
Wendy,
My two youngest children and I memorized, studied, and learned to live Ephesians 6:10-20.
I was homes schooling them then, one in junior high and the other in high school. Those verses have become my life and writing verses.
What began as a challenge from our then pastor, for the parents to share in Bible memorization with their children, turned into so much more.
Kathy, you chose excellent verses to memorize. I think verses 19 & 20 are especially pertinent to an inspirational writer.
I’m still in the thick of homeschooling my two youngest. We’ve enjoyed novels and art the best, and have learned a lot about the power of simple, believing prayer. What was your favorite aspect of homeschooling? ❀
Wendy,
The three of us began each morning on the sofa with our Bibles for prayer and Bible study time. I never set a time period for that beginning. Sometimes we spent two or three hours with God. I just bumped back the other classes that I did have in my teachers schedule. My children are now 28 and 31, still single, and waiting on the Lord for their spouse.
Treasure your precious time together. I so miss those days!
Subject-wise ~ French, Creative writing, and history were my favorite subjects to teach. I hired a tutor for science and math.
The heading on my blog declares the prayer in my heart: Psalm 19:14: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” I want my words, whether written or spoken, to continually please God. If they don’t, then I’m missing my calling and I’m abusing the gift he’s given me. I also love Psalm 144:1: “Praise be to The Lord my Rock who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” As a writer, much of my ministry comes through my fingers. I love the image this scripture brings to mind.
Psalm 144:1 is a wonderfully relevant verse for our writing.
My mission: to inspire readers while entertaining them with stories of old Alaska.
I can’t tell you how thankful I am for this blog, this is such a beautiful post that moved me.
In so many ways my mission is to show broken people that God truly makes beautiful things from the ashes & shards of our past. The emotional baggage that I used to be ashamed of has become a powerful platform of grace for His glory alone. I stand tall on it because His love has redeemed my tattered places. Love helped me unpack all my bags.
Writing my WIP is cheap therapy. I’m not sure if the completion of it will find me a captive completely set free…or needing more high dollar therapy. The verdict is still out. 😉
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal 5:1 NIV)
What a lovely and thought-provoking post, Wendy. Thank you for sharing your mission statement with us. It’s been very inspiring to read everyone else’s as well!
I don’t think I have an official mission statement yet, but when I was around college age I sensed the Lord impressing on my heart that my life’s purpose would include writing, children, and missions, though not necessarily overseas missions as often thought of. I’ve seen this play out in various ways so far, when I was a staff writer for a children’s missions magazine, for example. Right now I see it in how missions/intercultural relationships tend to play into my writing in different ways, as well as supporting missionaries I know, and the children aspect in getting to volunteer at a transitional house for homeless families. In the future I hope it will include my own children and maybe adoption. But while vaguer than some, this three-fold cord has been a helpful thing to see the Lord weaving through my life.
In my writing, I’ve started to see a real theme of God’s healing weaving through as well, often partly through relationships that bridge cultures. Isn’t it interesting to see how the Lord weaves certain themes and threads through our lives? I’m thankful.
May He bless you all in the callings He’s given you!
I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the Lord’s expertise at weaving theme, and experience, and passion.
“In my writing, I’ve started to see a real theme of God’s healing weaving through as well, often partly through relationships that bridge cultures. Isn’t it interesting to see how the Lord weaves certain themes and threads through our lives?”
All the little things I used to think were just events all seem to be adding up to point toward being useful in my writing.
My mom married a brown skinned man when I was 12 1/2. 46 years later, I can still feel the emotions that surged through me when people would soundly condemn him, and their marriage, as un-Godly and sinful.
God wastes nothing. Not our time, not our experiences. He uses it all. Even the moments when a friend teaches us how to shoot a bow.
Thank you for sharing your mission statements with us, Wendy.
Here are a few ideas that come to mind when I think about the focus of my writing:
-Rapport with others comes when I experience wonder about the world around me, and then share those discoveries through story.
-As I traverse this path I want to give the Lord a place of prominence because He is my “hope and confidence” Jeremiah 17:7.
-I write historical fiction that illuminates “treasures hidden in the darkness”. (taken from Isaiah 45:3)
I so enjoyed reading about the work God has begun in each of you. It’s wonderful to share our hearts and our hopes in the safety of this community.
I love the “treasures hidden in the darkness” idea.
Because one can’t see the treasures, they have to be found, and felt, and one must endure patience while waiting for illumination.
Ohhh, I can’t hardly wait to see what treasures God has in store for you.
All kinds of conflicts can arise, and freedoms can be discovered while the characters, and the reader, search for that treasure.
You’re a wonderful cheerleader, Jennifer. Thank you.
I had a mission statement, originally it was just to produce hypnosis recordings. But I veered way off that path when I started writing my first novel. Now I’m veering way off again, studying and writing epistemology.
The most important job – as a children’s writer – is to be some kid’s friend.
So simply said and so true.
I don’t actually have a mission statement, but my tagline is “Opening eyes, opening hearts.” I guess my mission is to do that because I seem to write things that help people understand and accept others who are different, such as those with Special Needs.
This was a beautiful post, Wendy. I haven’t written a writer’s mission statement because my beliefs are “in transition” as some might say. This is why I am reading so much about different beliefs. I want to discover what I do believe. (Wish I could bold or underline those I’s.)
I think it would be nice to have a writer’s mission statement. I suppose for now mine would be, “Finding my own voice and my own beliefs under God’s covering hand.” By finding my voice, I mean finding my courage to speak.
Though I haven’t had this touchstone before, I think it would be important because it reminds me to extend grace to myself–to allow myself to search, to learn, to make mistakes, and to remind myself that I am moving toward an ever closer relationship with God and into peace, representing who I am to the world (a searcher and questioner).
Thank you for this reminder, Wendy. My mission statement hit me a few years back while I was kneeling in Mount Hermon’s little chapel. My heart broke in two as I wept for my readers. This is my best attempt at interpreting what was going on inside of my heart.
“My mission is to help my reader trust God again.”
I don’t know how it will all play out but I am choosing to believe that God will be able to use me, in spite of me.
This is the verse I cling to:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
Thank you or this post, Wendy. You always call me to reflect to the deep inner places.
I wrote a simple mission statement twenty years ago when I was writing non-fiction.
Tell the truth, remember you are representing the Lord of your life, and live accordingly.
I added another sentence when my focus turned toward fiction a decade later.
Offer His hope through every word you write. Each word is equally important must be measured wisely.
Before home schooling my two youngest children, my life verse was John 15:5
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.
This is still a life verse for me, especially in my writing.
Ephesians 6:10-20 was annexed and remains a reminder that God provides all that I need in every situation he calls me to. If I falter in my human nature, He equips me to stand again and move forward for His glory. I am never alone though many times, as a writer tucked away in my home office, I may feel that way.
Sorry to be late to this. I was out-of-town for a week.
Kathy, since we’re always to be prepared to give a reason for our hope–I love your words: ‘Offer His hope through every word you write.’
Our world so desperately needs Him.
Blessings ~ Wendy M. ❀
Wendy,
It is those who feel hopeless I now write for.
You are so right, our world desperately needs Him.
There are so many false, enticing substitutes out there that distract and steal.
He is the only hope.
Blessins to you too.
~ Kathy
What a lovely post, Wendy. Some of these mission statements have brought tears to my eyes.
Chad R. Allen from Baker Books talked about crafting a Power Statement at the beginning of last month. You can find his post at http://www.chadrallen.com/2014/05/06/power-statement/ This is what I wrote for my power statement, which I believe also shares my mission: My desire is to share the hope of the Gospel with young people.
My mission statement is from these words by Martin Luther:
“This life is not about righteousness but growth in righteousness. Not about health but healing. Not about being but becoming. Not about rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be but we are growing towards it. The process is not finished yet but is going on. This is not the end but the road. All is not yet gleaming glory but all is being purified.”