Be a Brighter Writer

The world needs Brighter Writers. Written anything longer than a shopping list lately? Or, do you use an app for that, too? Is handwriting a dying art? Many probably don’t care of its near demise. They should. Writing is connected to thinking. Recent research suggests there’s a reason to put pencil/pen to paper. It’s good for the mind. You know, thinking. Writing by hand helps lay the neural groundwork for other important skills like reading, comprehension and application. Research has also found that just seeing letters activates a previous documented “reading circuit” after writing on paper, not after typing on a keyboard, or, even tracing, but putting pencil to paper using ball and sticks or cursive. National Teachers Hall of Fame Inductee and Teacher, Michael Terrell, Kindergarten and 1^st grade educator (34 years), suggests children, especially younger children, should put down the iPad, Nook, Tablet PC, and other electronic media, and write. Want to become a better writer, reader and thinker? Write on!

I’m familiar with a brighter writer. A “Jack of all genres”. Great writer. Between 1931 and 1964 he published 34 books. Secondary study reaches into the hundreds. Ninety percent of his income went to charity. He had his father’s fear of being bankrupt for most of his life. He had many wonderful friends. If you’re into theology you’ve read many of his works. If you’re a Christian, you’ve read many of his works. If you’re an atheist, you’ve studied his works. His nickname was “Smallpiglebottom”. Recognize who he is? Some would say, “Oh that’s just Mere Christianity”, and they would be right. Good stuff!

C.S. Lewis was truly what Shakespeare called, “A Man for all seasons.” Without a doubt, C.S. Lewis was perhaps the most influential writer, for the Christian, since the twelve apostles walked the earth. There have been other great writers of course, but pound for pound, soul for soul, C.S. Lewis has literally touched millions of lives with his writing as a Christian apologist. Any serious student of Christian education has elevated C.S. Lewis as the world heavyweight champion of champions. God saw that he came along at just the right time to influence a world of fledgling preachers.

Clive Staples Lewis was as human as any other mortal. Born in November 1898, he was raised in a world on the brink of war. Serving in World War 1, he saw the cruelty and horror of war up close and it cemented his atheism. His friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien gradually led him back to his Christian beliefs. His positions at Oxford University and Cambridge University touched a new generation of twentieth century preachers. His writings of fiction; The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe brought anthropomorphic animals to life. His non-fiction; The problem of Pain, Miracles, and his greatest, Mere Christianity reached an entire world for Christ. It was Mere Christianity that ultimately converted Charles Colson to become a Christian and another giant among those toiling in God’s garden.

Every generation looks for a hero and this generation is no different. If you’re looking for a way to help someone understand what Christians believe and why they believe it, “Mere Christianity” is the best starting place. C.S. Lewis died on November 22, 1963. Sadly his death would be overshadowed by an American president being assassinated that very same day, but his influence lives on and continues to add to God’s kingdom. If you’re looking for a current ‘Brighter Writer’ please consider this quiet humble giant who toiled in God’s garden. The Brightest Writers have already been published – please consult your nearest Bible.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. ... A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” - 2 Timothy 2:14-15, 24-26