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A Day in the Life: Word to the wise
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Posted by tomasi Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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3 responses 0 comments The written word is a powerful thing. We can use them in a variety ways—from love notes written by a heart sick teen, to a hastily scribbled note to a family member, or even a memo from a doctor, words need to be chosen carefully.
After all my years as a teacher, one thing I had been told over and over again was, “if you put something down in words, it can come back on you.” I followed that advice carefully any time I sent notes home to parents and I gave consideration as to how my words could be interpreted or misinterpreted.
When I began my writing career, I had no idea that something I wrote could influence others. I was just writing. That’s what writers do and words are our stock in trade.
The first article I sold was on the power of positive thinking and prayer in battling cancer. I had first hand experience in that particular type of warfare and so I wrote from the heart. That first sale was titled, “Three Months to Live,” and it was purchased by Christianity Today.
When I got that email asking to purchase my story, I was excited beyond belief. Something I had written was considered good enough to publish? It couldn’t get any better than that. Could it? Well, actually, it could.
Fast forward five years, and by this time, I have several articles, wining entries and a book under my belt. I no longer thought of myself as a teacher but a writer. That I had sold that first article was no longer at the forefront of my memory…I had moved on. However, as a wise principal had once said, “if you put something down on words, it can come back…” And, it did.
Apparently, a woman diagnosed with cancer needed inspiration to face the battle of chemotherapy. When her son found my article on the internet, he copied it and gave it to his mother. She kept that article with her, shared it with friends and kept saying that she would love to talk to the author. So, back to the Internet, her son went, only to discover that we lived in the same town. By coincidence, we also had a friend in common, and before I knew it, we were talking on the telephone. This was synchronicity at its finest.
Since that first conversation, we have visited many times. I feel like I have gained new family members. When I wrote that article back in 2001, I had no idea the effect it could have on others. What had been good therapy for me turned out to have an impact on a fellow cancer survivor. I have to say that this realization is the highlight of my second career.
I know one thing for certain, every time I put pen to paper, I will give extra consideration to what I write—we never know the difference our writing can make in another’s life.

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