Just write it

I am absolutely beside myself to have found one of my favorite (now out of print books) being hosted online. I checked, it is with the Author's blessing! It is one of those life-changing books for me as a child/teen (right up there with everything by Madeleine L'Engle and Anne Morrow Lindbergh). The name of the book is Turn Not Pale Beloved Snail. The Author is Jacqueline Jackson. The books is written for young people (in age and at heart) about writing!

Without re-reading the whole book right now and reporting back with a full review, I can tell you what this book did for me. It taught me that writing wasn't anything to be afraid of. See? You can end with a preposition and the whole internet didn't implode! You can even (gasp, cough, and gasp again) misspell. You can call a collection of words a poem and it is because you say it is. Even. If. It. Doesn't. Have. A. Single. Rhyme. This book taught me to just put it down. Put it all down on the page. It will be beautiful. Not because it follows all the rules. It will be just perfect because it is written. By you.

Beyond the truth that God loves them, beyond the gift of the Sacraments, beyond learning to live a holy life there isn't much I see as fundamentally important for me to pass along to my children. Except this: write it down. Write fearlessly, recklessly, and from you heart. Write it like you would say it. Write it like you would never say it. Just write it. When you write your thoughts have a funny way of sorting themselves out. When you write, your words have a way of ultimately being understood. When you write, the you-that-is-you starts to take shape in stories, thoughts, prayers and observations that give others a priceless window into your heart.

I want my children to love God with their whole heart. I want them to live with their whole heart. And, I hope that they will always write with their whole heart too. Now, because Ms. Jackson took the time to write part of her heart, I can convey a piece of mine to my kids. Who knows what reading this book may do for you and your kids. Read it. Then write it all. With your whole heart.

You can read Turn Not Pale Beloved Snail here: