“Writing is an act of community. It is a letter, it is comforting, consoling, helping, advising on our part as well as asking for it on yours. It is part of our human association with each other. It is an expression of our love and concern for each other.” — Dorothy Day
As a more-or-less classic introvert, I love what Dorothy Day has to say about writing. I may have to summon every ounce of courage I have to introduce myself to a stranger. I don’t feel that way—ever—when I write. I may be writing to a stranger, but this stranger is my neighbor.
Writing, then, may be a way to not only love God but also love others. It becomes a sort of invitation. I may be writing down an opinion, but it is done so that I can hear something in return. It is done to “comfort, console, help, advise.” It isn’t done to wave my ego from the tallest flagpole, although that it is a danger. It’s easy to forget what my purpose is if I’m not careful.
That purpose is love, loving God and others. The two are inseparable. While I am called to do that in person, I can still do that here, on this platform, with this writing. I can invite people in. I can welcome them to this home, this community, with my words.
And that is a beautiful, precious privilege, one that I will treasure and strive to honor all my days.
Image: Radarsmum67 (Creative Commons)
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