Snoopy, My Man

Is it a child’s laughter or a beautiful sunrise? Or maybe it’s somebody you love. What am I talking about? In a word: Inspirations. What inspires you to do what you do? Ever thought about it? I was at a local ACFW meeting Tuesday night with some awesome ladies who are also fellow writers. When each person introduced herself, she told what inspired her to write. When it came my turn, I said, “Snoopy!”

Nobody there expected that answer. They all had a surprised look on their faces and I don’t blame them. When I was a very small girl, I loved my Peanuts books. Everywhere I went I took one with me in hopes somebody would read it to me. Hey, I wasn’t even in Kindergarten yet. Now, my favorite character was and still is Snoopy. I loved all the adventures he had and how he pecked out his stories on a typewriter. I wanted to do that, and that’s what I did. Instead of taking my Peanuts books with me, I carried around a pencil and paper so somebody could write down my stories I had made up. After I became a Christian and grew up, I realized writing for Him was my calling.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Regardless of how Jesus inspires us or whatever He inspires us do, we should do it without question and with enthusiasm. Yes, I know that is easier said than done, but we won’t be doing it alone. Jesus promises us that when we receive the Holy Spirit, we will be empowered by it to spread His word and to be witnesses. You don’t have to physically go around the world to do that. There are many people in your community who also need Jesus and His inspirations.