Dear Writer,

How will you use your writer’s voice during this unprecedented time of global concern? Perhaps, like me, you’ve hesitated to add to the conversation—the din of information is nearly deafening. In fact, the MIT Review declared an “infodemic” at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in February based on the onslaught of information and misinformation fueling panic world-wide. Why add words to an already saturated space?

Yet, as writers who are Christians, it isn’t information we’re offering, it’s hope. We have an opportunity to offer words of peace and comfort during anxious times. We offer words of truth. We offer words that make a difference in the hearts and souls of readers. 

Each of us has a perspective to share that is as unique to us as our DNA. None of us will experience this pandemic in exactly the same way. Therefore, one may write words that encourage a community to come together in love, as Maria Shriver did in her excellent article Our Collective Moment, while another will challenge others to die to self by isolating at home as a means of protecting others. Yet another will offer words that draw laughter, a diminishing commodity in times of fear and stress. Someone else will share a recipe that offers warmth and comfort.

As our country, our world, is practicing social distancing and isolating at home, writers who are Christians have an opportunity to create social media or blog posts, articles or books, that reflect Jesus to those who are lonely, afraid, or overwhelmed by the moment-by-moment changes taking place.

So, dear writer, how will you use your voice? What words will you offer? How will you love others with the gift God has given you?

Let’s make a difference with our words.

Ginny