Wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words. Ether 12:25
That was written by the Book of Mormon prophet, Moroni. How many of you can relate? I sure can.
And consider this--Moroni wrote by engraving on gold plates. Revision was not an option. No wonder he felt inadequate.
Luckily, two verses later, the Lord assures him: I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27)
I never thought about this scripture having an application to writing before. But it was Moroni's fear over his weakness in writing that prompted that revelation. I think that's cool. And, anyway, Moroni's writing is fantastic. Check out this verse:
And they did make all manner of tools to till the earth, both to plow and to sow, to reap and to hoe, and also to thrash. (Ether 10:25)
It's like a little poem! (Although, perhaps the poetic quality is strictly from Joseph Smith's translation. I don't know. I like it, though.)
Well, these are just some thoughts I had about writing while reading the book of Ether this week. Do you have any thoughts? How do you overcome your weaknesses in writing?
And consider this--Moroni wrote by engraving on gold plates. Revision was not an option. No wonder he felt inadequate.
Luckily, two verses later, the Lord assures him: I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27)
I never thought about this scripture having an application to writing before. But it was Moroni's fear over his weakness in writing that prompted that revelation. I think that's cool. And, anyway, Moroni's writing is fantastic. Check out this verse:
And they did make all manner of tools to till the earth, both to plow and to sow, to reap and to hoe, and also to thrash. (Ether 10:25)
It's like a little poem! (Although, perhaps the poetic quality is strictly from Joseph Smith's translation. I don't know. I like it, though.)
Well, these are just some thoughts I had about writing while reading the book of Ether this week. Do you have any thoughts? How do you overcome your weaknesses in writing?
18 comments:
We're just starting the book of Ether in our family studies, tonight! How awesome is that?!
Oh, this is just what I needed to hear today, Angie. Thank you!
I've never noticed that before either. Reading them over and over, we get a new perspective each time.
It is poetic, and not just from the Joseph's translation. Semetic language experts always say when it is translated into their languages, that it flows even more beautifully, in part because that is closer to the original language structure.
Well that's interesting. To overcome my weaknessess, I must put them right in front of me. Otherwise, I will avoid them at all costs.
~JD
the book of mormon prophets had to have been great spellers do to the fact they couldnt erase the mistake or had spell checks
overcomeing my weacknesses these days i do aot of praying or i just crawl in a hole for awhile
This is perfect Angie. And JUST what I needed today. Thank you!
Great words to ponder, Angie, very inspiring. Love To All, MOM
I can't even imagine writing on brass plates, I'd have so many mistakes. And can you imagine? No spellcheck. No one would be able to know what I was saying!
Ooh, I love this! I never noticed it before either! Thanks for sharing, I actually feel quite encouraged. I've been noticing my weaknesses a lot as I've been finishing my first draft. :)
I try to overcome my writing weaknesses with lots of focus, rewriting, editing, and writing again until I get it right. I think it takes lots of diligence, and patience, to get there.
I needed this today. I haven't been able to sit down with my MS this WHOLE week. It sounds like someone is telling me to be humble.
Thanks, Taffy. I hope you can sit down with it soon! And thanks everyone for your thoughts. Tiff, I think the prayers are better than the hole. David, I should have known you'd have that answer for me. :)
How do I overcome my weakness? I don't,but write in spite of it.
Thanks Angie, for the thought.
Editing...and feedback from others who can spot what I've been overlooking.
That sounds like a good method, Todd. I'm always amazed at the weaknesses I can spot in someone else's story, but not in my own.
Great thoughts, Angie! I'm always amazed that the prophets found their writing weak. Scripture is written in poetry. :)
I try to overcome them by listening, being humble, and having faith and trust in myself, and doing all that I can. :D Prayer is good too!
that's a neat insight, Angie! And I'm so thankful as writers we DO get revisions... :D
I've been feeling the weakness in my writing lately and have been praying for insight/strength/motivation. So well-timed as well...
Now head over to my blog. I left you a little present. ;p
This is so great! I love it!
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