Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Writer's Life (05/13/10)
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TITLE: Medicine For A Broken Spirit | Previous Challenge Entry
By PamFord Davis
05/18/10 -
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Like snow flakes, each writer’s life is like no other. Some are whimsical and consider each project an opportunity to share whit and humor. Many are structured and allow logic and factual information to direct each writing experience. There are carefree personalities who spread sunshine on every page. Those who battle the demons of depression and despair turn to ink wells containing the blood of a broken heart.
June 19, 1834 marks the birth date of the Prince of Preachers, Charles H. Spurgeon. The understated description of prolific writer is brought to light in biographical sketches. Popular opinion implies there is more in print by him than any other author, in either secular or sacred material. Sermons were bound and preserved, becoming volumes placed on pastors’ shelves as authoritative words of a mentor. The Interpreter book held so many scriptures and hymns it compares to a large family Bible.
His Daily Devotionals, Morning-By-Morning; Evening-By-Evening are as inspirational, motivating, and convicting as when first published. To covet is a sin; I confess I envy the power and persuasion this servant of God possessed. His mastery of the English language is compelling and worthy of highest praise.
Before knowing the writer, we must meet the man. By the age of 21 his preaching held high acclaim in London. During his lifetime it is believed he preached to a number around ten million. He could capture the attention of crowds and readers. Yet, he could not cast off the stronghold of repeated attacks of depression.
He did not condone the attitude of doubt and despair. Instead he used them to display God’s strength being perfected in our weakness. “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NKJ).”
Spurgeon also suffered with serious personal bodily illness. Daily pressures of concern for his bed-ridden wife added to his despondency. For many years illness prevented the woman from attending her highly respected husband’s worship services. God’s spokesman could find just cause for self pity and murmuring. Instead his melancholy formed the powerful persuasion I seek in my devotional writing.
The life of any writer must reach a closing chapter. Charles H. Spurgeon died on January 31, 1892. His written messages live on and minister to countless multitudes. His writing spans the globe today, both in book form and via the World Wide Web. The impact of his writing transforms lives and brings glory to the Master. Sample some of his workmanship soon. It is food for the soul and medicine for a broken spirit.
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"Those who battle the demons of depression and despair turn to ink wells containing the blood of a broken heart."
There was a lot of "meat" in this piece that inspires, encourages, convicts and informs.
Thank you for writing this excellent piece.