Monthly Archives: April 2014

God’s Pen

This morning I had a dream. I was in that in between state, when I heard these words, “You are God’s pen.”

Courtesy of Creative Commons

You would think that at 47, I would have figured out my calling or purpose in life.

Here I am 25 years later attending college at night to pursue my undergraduate degree. I’m working long hours, and writing a novel too. I’m enduring the torturous process of taking remedial math, algebra classes and writing fiction. Yet, when it comes to knowing my major or calling is, I haven’t a clue.

This week I was brainstorming with some colleagues, and one said I should continue writing. The other said perhaps I can study forensic psychology or become a detective. She mentioned I like to research, which is true. I can spend hours researching topics of interest.

I was also thinking about becoming a lawyer, so I could help those who are facing injustice. But at the rate I’m going, I would be over 60 by the time I finish.

This morning I heard, “You are God’s pen.” I have been praying and asking God for guidance and direction. Maybe this is His answer.

But how could I possibly help people by writing and not “doing” something to make a difference?

I love to see God move in people’s lives. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to co-labor with God and see justice prevail. My passion is communicating, bringing awareness and advocating change for those facing injustice.

You see friends, I’m not into doing anything if there isn’t a higher purpose for someone to benefit from. Most writers write because they are satisfied with just writing as an art form. Don’t get me wrong, I love art. But, there is something deeper that’s propelling me. The purpose of writing for me has to be more than just making art, or for entertainment.

I am half way through my life. I don’t feel like I have much time left to be putzing around. I pray God makes it clear as to what He wants me to do and shows me the way.

Do you think writing can make a difference and change things? In what ways? Please explain in the comment section below.

Be A Voice For Change

Little did I know, writing a novel would have such an impact on me.

It all began with an idea. An idea which lead me to research on mass incarceration and correspond with prison inmates.

Courtesy of Creative Commons ~ Torture ~ Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi

Never realizing, it would lead me to want to become an activist and lobby for change in our prison system.

In my research and corresponding with inmates, I have come to learn about the gross injustice that exists in their world.

Some would say, if not most, “You do the crime, you do the time.” This is true, however, God doesn’t punish us to the degree that humans do.

Yes, I am aware there are consequences to our choices. However, I also know throwing people in prison to rot and die isn’t exactly helping them or solving the issue at hand.

Currently, funding has been cut to such a degree that there is a scarcity of rehabilitation programs being offered within our prison system. As a matter of fact, most will say, people coming out of prison are far worse than when they went in. Obviously, something is wrong with this picture.

Not only that, our government is making an exorbitant amount of money off of those who they incarcerate.

There is a large number of mentally ill people in prison, who are also in solitary confinement and not receiving the help or proper medication they require to get better.

As it stands, the prison system is broken and needs to be fixed.

The only way this is going to happen is if we advocate for it. It is not going to magically change on its own.

I don’t believe you have to have a family member who is or was in prison to care or have compassion. Personally, I have not experienced a parent, family member or friend who is or was incarcerated when I was growing up. I have never stepped foot inside a prison my entire life, yet I do care, have compassion and want to make a difference.

I feel compelled to try and do something. I just can’t stand by and watch, knowing all that I know and not do anything about it. I have a responsibility to get the word out, and to be about the change, not just talk or write about it.

Which is why I will be joining hundreds of people on May 5th to lobby against solitary confinement in Albany. I want to be a voice for the voiceless and advocate for change in our laws to help stop the torture of solitary confinement.

Solitary confinement is torture. Trust me, prison is bad enough than to add the isolation and poor conditions of solitary confinement on a human being. We treat our animals better in this country than we do humans. This is a sad testament to the state of affairs and it needs to change.

If you are interested in joining us on May 5th, please click here for the details and sign up.

Has writing brought awareness on a particular cause in your life? If so, please share in the comment section below.

The Making Of A Prophet by Jennifer LeClaire

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (February 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795628
ISBN-13: 978-0800795627
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

Now what?

In this book, leading prophetic voice Jennifer LeClaire guides readers along the journey of a prophet– from the initial call all the way through to maturity.

This process is anything but easy. But LeClaire offers honest, accessible counsel to help you move into your prophetic call. Her spiritual insights will help you overcome the fear of man, identify and eliminate wrong motives and, above all, pursue intimacy with God.

Many prophets are called . . . but not everyone endures the making process; to his or her prophetic destiny.

God is looking for people to entrust with the secrets of His heart.

Embrace the journey toward your call with this comprehensive, practical guide, and experience the awesome process of being formed into a mouthpiece for the God of the universe.

Review

I have read many books on this topic and The Making of a Prophet was the best I’ve read thus far.

When I first selected this book to review, I was on the fence about it. Since the other books I read were a disappointment. This book was different than all the other books I’ve read on this subject.

The Making of a Prophet is a practical and biblical guide to what it truly is to be used of God as a prophet and also, the great responsibility and cost that is associated with this office.

LeClaire does not sugar coat anything. She tells it like it is. She derives and shares from her own personal experiences; the mistakes as well as the victories.

Her writing style is honest, down to earth and real which I find refreshing in this day and age.

Especially with so many today in the prophetic ministry, who call themselves “prophets” and go around using, abusing and exploiting their so-called gift for their own personal gain, status or recognition.

If you want to read a sound and no nonsense book on this subject, I highly recommend you read, The Making of a Prophet.*

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Jennifer LeClaire is a prophetic voice and teacher with a growing media ministry. She directs IHOP-Fort Lauderdale and serves as news editor of Charisma magazine. In addition, she writes one of Charisma‘s most popular prophetic columns, “The Plumb Line,” and frequently contributes to Charisma‘s Prophetic Insight newsletter. Her media ministry includes her website, 40,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and a growing newsletter list. She lives in south Florida. Learn more at www.jenniferleclaire.org.