What is a critic? Someone who can’t
do what you can do so they want to criticize your stuff. – Martin Lawrence
(this quote has been paraphrased. Specifically the word, stuff, to avoid using profanity.)
Being a Christian will never
limit me as a writer. I’m not a big fan of labels because I know if people can label you, they can limit you. I’m a Christian and a writer, but I’m not a Christian writer. I don’t want to be put
in a box and have my content be specifically aimed to just a Christian demographic
alone.
I’m a Christian with an edgy
side. Still saved, though. (Just in case anyone gets that twisted.)
I want to reach people from all
walks of life. Doing so doesn’t come without being criticized, though. I write
about all kinds of things and it’s not always clean, cookie-cutter, wholesome
stuff. Some of it’s going to be controversial, raw, direct and vulnerable. I’ve
personally struggled with the vulnerability aspect because it’s scary to share
my truths and experiences and touch topics that others may want to write on,
but won’t because of what others think and the criticism, especially from the naïve,
judgmental, church-community types. I’ve been saved since I was seven and I’ve
seen how bad this can get. And the older I get and the closer my relationship with
Christ grows, I’m learning to let go of a lot of some of my once longtime, limited beliefs
on things I once held so tightly to.
I have noticed the criticism, pull
backs, internet trolls, social media status updates of someone trying to come
for me… I see it. Is what it is. Stay upset, I guess.
Having a difference of opinion, different
political views, perspectives and thoughts on different things won’t send me to
hell or have me excommunicated from “the church.” My thing is if you don’t like
my content, you don’t have to read it. Criticism comes with the territory of
being a writer. I’m used to it. But I’m still going to share my stories,
thoughts, and material boldly and unapologetically.
Critics criticize, it’s what they
do.
Writers write. It’s what they do.
It’s what I do. And I’m doing very well. No hate here, just love.