Surrender

Writing is a struggle. We push so, so hard, give up so much sleep, invest so much time…and there’s still no guarantee we’ll make it. We fight against the distractions and the odds. We cry and scream and somehow drag ourselves back to the story again and again.

It’s enough to give anyone doubts in the quiet hours.

Is this really what we’re meant to do? Would it be so bad to give it up? But, we know we can’t, because this is a part of us.

I have a favorite song for times like this. It’s called Surrender, of all things, and it’s a beautiful reminder that dreams, like ours for writing, are a gift. It’s my way of reaffirming, of re-asking , of praying, “If this is truly what I’m meant to do, please, I could use a little help.”

It has always given me strength. I hope it does for you, too.

Surrender, by BarlowGirl
My hands hold safely to my dreams
Clutching tightly not one has fallen
So many years I've shaped each one
Reflecting my heart, showing who I am

Now you're asking me to show
What I'm holding oh so tightly
Can't open my hands, can't let go
Does it matter?
Should I show you?
Can't you let me go?

Surrender, surrender you whisper gently
You say I will be free
I know, but can't you see?
My dreams are me. My dreams are me.*

You say you have a plan for me
And that you want the best for my life
Told me the world had yet to see
What you can do with one
That's committed to Your calling

I know of course what I should do
That I can't hold these dreams forever
If I give them now to You
Will You take them away forever?
Or can I dream again?

*This is the line that always gets me.