October Recs | The Weightiness of Being a Writer

The point is, all of us are wrong at some point; no one has perfect theology. This should humble us and guide us in our writing and speech.

Hey friend,

This week a sweet reader shared with me that her pastor quoted me in his sermon. I was honored and humbled but more than that, seeing the picture of my words on a screen behind a pulpit bowed me down low. God’s Word preached from the pulpit is sacred. To have my words used in a sermon—man, that’s weighty.

It’s not that I don’t whole-heartedly stand by what I said in the quote. It’s just a needed reminder that as writers, speakers, and teachers who seek to glorify God by using the gifts he’s given us, we must be so prayerful and careful with our words. Our words are leading people somewhere, either toward God or away from him. I want mine to do the former. Oh God, please cause my words to draw others to you.

I’m reminded of the third chapter of James where he says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” (vs. 1–5). The point is, all of us are wrong at some point; no one has perfect theology. This should humble us and guide us in our writing and speech. And it should make us desire to be so immersed in Scripture and led by the Spirit that we may not cause anyone else to stumble in the faith.

Being writers, speakers, or teachers of God’s Word is a weighty thing. May we never take it lightly.

—Brittany

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I wanna learn about you!

If you feel comfortable sharing, would you take a sec to answer this poll? Thanks!

These words though:

"There are rare Christians whose very presence incites others to be better Christians. I want to be that rare Christian." —A.W. Tozer

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Q: How are you doing with your stomach pain?

This was such a thoughtful question from a reader. For those who don’t know, I was diagnosed this year with intestinal malrotation. This is the cause of my chronic stomach pain that I’ve faced nearly my entire life. The truth is, it’s a daily struggle still as I await the opportunity to go to Cleveland Clinic next year to see about surgery. Thankfully, a new medication is helping me manage some of my symptoms a bit better than before. This is a blessing as any relief is huge for me. Thanks for asking; thanks for caring!

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Got a question about something? Whether it’s about theology, gardening, flowers, motherhood, writing, miscarriage, marriage, chronic illness, or anything in between, I’d love to answer one or two in my next newsletter. Just click on the button below and shoot me a message.

Recent Articles + Poems:

Will My Husband Still Think I’m Attractive as I Age? on the blog
Navel-Gazing Won’t Help You Grow on Well-Watered Women
Here’s Your Voice Back on Substack
Leaving the Church You Love on Substack
My View From Under the Table on Substack
Tiny Grave-Markers on Substack

From the Archives:

Where to Look When You Question Your Salvation on the blog

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Books I Finished:
*Bit of a disclaimer: I love to share what I'm reading with you guys, but please don't take that as an endorsement of every word written in every book I share.
Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf
Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar
Embodied Hope by Kelly M. Kapic

Current Reads:
Behold, my walk of shame. Anyone else have a bad habit of picking up another book when you still haven’t finished 12 others?
The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy R. Pearcey
The Egyptian Antiquities Murder by Sara Rosett
Rembrandt Is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey
He Is Strong by Emily Jensen
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
The Lake House by Kate Morton
The Lord is My Courage by K.J. Ramsey
Counterfeit Kingdom by Holly Pivec
The Wolf in Their Pockets by Chris Martin
God is Still Good by Katie Faris
The Soul in Paraphrase by Leland Ryken
Into His Presence by Tim Chester
Blessed by Nancy Guthrie
The Son of David by Nancy Guthrie 

Hey, Here's What I Recommend:
Book: With October being Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month, I so wish I could offer up my book to you, but it isn’t out yet. I know you’ll be encouraged by this one by Abbey Wedgeworth.
Children’s Books: My boys are loving this series by my friend Kristen Wetherall.
Song: Your Ways by Shane and Shane is technically a children’s song, but it’s so encouraging. Also, very catchy.

Articles, Poems, and Essays I Liked:
This post about Postmillennial Theonomy by Greg Thornburg on Twitter is worth a read.
Why Write: To Avoid Pride and Love Our Neighbor by Lara d’Entremont on GCD
Shannon Harris Wasn’t Content with Being a Purity Culture Stagehand by Rachel Joy Welcher on Christianity Today
How True Crime Can Create a False Reality by Lara d’Entremont on Christianity Today

For Funsies:
- I started using this accupressure mat out of desperation to relieve my chronic pain. It hasn’t done that sadly, but it is super relaxing. (affiliate link)
- Just got this two-piece lounge set to prove my mid-thirtiesness. But seriously, it’s so comfy and cute and feels put together. (affiliate link)
- Look this isn’t healthy, but you’ve got to try these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. They are addicting. (I omitted the white sugar and nutmeg.)
- If you’re looking for a good vegan protein powder, this one is the best I’ve found. I have both the chocolate and vanilla flavor. (affiliate link)

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Life Lately:

1. Last harvest (mostly, still a few random things left and some flowers in bloom). Gardening this summer was so life-giving. I’m sad it’s over.

2. We took our own family pictures for the second year and I highly recommend. They aren’t perfect, but they turned out pretty well.

3. I just love this man. He’s my favorite person.

4. Brothers. I never pictured myself as a “boy mom,” but I have loved it. I especially love how their relationship is forming as William ages.

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May you treasure Christ ever more. <3

Brittany Lee