An old question crossed my mind … ‘If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?’
It’s a philosophical question that has spawned some interesting conversation. It popped up for me as I pondered the lack of comments or interaction with my blog spots and FB posts. I’m stretching the analogy – but it’s a similar context.
IF a writer pours ideas and sentiments into words, and no one is around to read or to consider them – did they have any impact?
I could branch off into questions of why there may be no one around to ‘hear’ or see the message – which would direct my attention to placement and marketing issues. But, I want to share a different idea.
Those who know me well, also know my ambition is to be an encourager. My ideal writer/speaker’s job description would include the roles of cheerleader, clown (I am a huge fan of the healing power of laughter), and facilitator.
I absolutely love to assist others in discovering the God-given gifts they have within – and in learning to fearlessly apply them. Of course, I’m still a life-long student of this process too, so we can grow together!
From my 30+ years of experience working within mental health services, I wrote a book called… OVERCOME DEPRESSION: Strategies from Science and Scripture. That book is a reader-friendly review of those gifts of divine design that we were created with – plus more than one hundred practical strategies for application. Writing it was a gift to me, and I hope to my readers as well.
I’ve had some great feedback. I’ve also had lots and lots of experience with feeling invisible to buyers (which goes back to marketing). I’ll work on those issues another time.
The purpose of my blog is to support the ambitions I described. I want to connect and share with others as much as I possibly can. So, in addition to asking for your engagement (comment or click) to assure me that someone is around to note the message – I want to add encouragement.
Have you ever felt invisible? Whether you are the head chef or the chief bottle-washer; the Mom, or Papa; the teacher or student – no matter your current role, you have a purpose and you have gifts to share. There is not (now – nor will there ever be), another you. Only YOU can share your particular vision and gifts. You, and the gifts that only you can share, are priceless!
If you’ve ever wondered about your importance or the value of your contributions – wonder no more. You may never know the impact that a few words of yours provided – with just the right support at just the right moment to meet someone else’s critical need. In Chapter 21 of my book, I share the true story of how a simple six-word comment saved a life that had been only moments away from loss.
You may labor long and quietly in the background – without receiving notice or acknowledgment. It still matters.
The Olympic champion stands on the winner’s pedestal – but we all know for sure they did not get there alone.
So, keep singing your song. Wash your bottle. Share your messages. And know that whether or not anyone tells you so, your contribution does matter.
Even if we get no feedback from others – we can be sure that there is ONE who sees every action (word or deed), and who knows every thought and every need. We are loved.
We need each other. We can also support each other with our encouragement. We may never know (on this side of heaven) how important our contribution is.
Thanks for all that you do – and for reading this post. If you feel inclined – please share your feedback with me. If not, I’ll just keep on keeping on.
I am applauding you from cyberspace. I leave you with these thoughts:
- “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
- “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
Blessings, Love, and Laughter to you,
Margaret
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Hi Margaret,
Stopping by to say HI! I read your blog and usually do when you send one, sometimes I just don’t think to comment. As you know, this has been a tough year on everyone in the lock down here in California. Even now it’s been hard in this crazy time we live in. Where did common sense go? One very good thing in this year, has been the development of a new direction and vision for my life. My motto in life is when life throws you sour lemons, make them in to sweet lemonade!! Anyways, I have felt invisible many times through my life, yet sometimes surprised when I have spoken things to others, or written things that have changed another person’s life and perspective. We are all valuable and loved no matter how our lives may appear. Keep writing Margaret! Blessings to you.
Hi Jean,
Thank you so much for your comments. I have been trying to balance my blog posts with observations and encouragememt – most recently with personal application too. I love your ‘lemonade’ motto, and I share that perspective. I think it most likely that all of us feel invisible at some times. It’s wonderful and amazing to know that no matter how we ‘feel’, the truth is that we are always within our heavenly Father’s sight – and always loved. Thanks again for your comment. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Blessings, Love, and laughter to you!