This summer, my husband and I saw James Taylor in concert. His music career has continued for over forty years, which is rare in the music world. He has overcome many barriers to success. There have been struggles with drug abuse, mental illness and family tragedy. But none of the challenges stopped him from using his musical gifts.
At the concert, he introduced one of the songs with this story. He said he was holed up in a hotel trying to get a few more songs written to fulfill a contract he had for a new album. Things weren’t going very well. Day after day, he’d try to come up with a new lyric or line of music, but it just wasn’t coming.
Finally, in desperation, he decided to write about the fact that he couldn’t think of anything to say. Because he was feeling so frustrated, the words and music about that creative brick wall just poured out. A new song was born, and an album and contract was completed.
That story stuck with me long after the concert.
For one thing, it reminded me of some of my blog-friends. I’ve read posts from bloggers who felt blocked too. Not able to think of anything to write, they contemplate quitting; they wonder where their inspiration went. Even though it was painful, they wrote anyway, trying to work it through. Just like James Taylor, their frustration was turned into a new work, and opened the door to new opportunities.
But truly, his story is a lesson in perseverance. God gives everyone talent and drive to accomplish, and then sets us free to use those gifts. That doesn’t mean that it’s always easy. There will be bumps and bruises, brick walls and challenges. I have to ask myself: How will all those troubles affect me? Will I give up, or I will I use them to push me into new places?
My friend in college was driven to be a nurse. She attended college on a scholarship in the work/study program, and studied hard. In our senior year, she told me she liked nursing, but wasn’t sure it was the right thing for her. I was stunned. She worked so hard for that degree.
After graduation, she worked as a nurse, saving money to get a degree as a nurse practitioner. In spite of job demands, coupled with paying back student loans, she eventually got to school and earned that license. I was so proud of her.
Then came medical school! Another degree, more sacrifices…but nothing would stand in her way. If there is a statue somewhere to perseverance, this woman’s face should be on it. There were so many twists and turns on the way to her medical practice, but they never stopped her.
Blogging, song-writing, finding the right career, being a friend, well, most of life really, comes with challenges. They can be ultimate blockers, or become ultimate blessings. Every hurdle presents an opportunity to learn and grow…for those who are ready to overcome them.
I think the trick is to face the fear, and set sail.
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Facing the fear and setting sail sounds like good advice! Too often I let fear rule instead of kicking it to the curb and reminding myself that God is always with me. I love your story about James Taylor who I have always enjoyed and remember the words to his songs. Life is a lot like you describe-persevering and pushing through the fear to that next thing that God is calling us to do. Happy Sunday!
Hi Mary! I loved seeing him in concert. It was really fun! And it was very grounding to hear that even he runs into the occasional creative brick wall.
When it’s time for me to step out, everything inside me says, “Go back where it’s easier!” But God will hold me, and wants me to keep trying. Fear is a huge barrier, but faith is stronger.
Have a restful night Mary 🙂
Ceil
Absolutely, Ceil! Great advice and great writing.
Hi Pam! Thank you for your encouraging comment! You never fail to support me here. You are such a good blog-friend.
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Oh, I would love to see James Taylor in concert. Hall & Oates is coming to our town and I’d love to see them too, but not at $100 a ticket. ha.
Good story from James. And your conclusion is great too. Face the fear and set sail. Excellent advice! Have a great week ahead, Ceil.
Oh Lisa, it was so much fun. I would just weep when he sung. It’s like he is singing my life, he was there for so much of it.
Thank you for your kind comments about the post. It was fun to write!
You have a great week too Lisa,
Ceil
Ceil, I I really enjoy reading all your articles in “Sounded by the Spirit”.
There is always something that relates to me and my life.
Jean
Hi Jean!! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment here. I’m so glad you are reading and liking what you see. What fun to know you are following along!
I always hope that people can relate to the themes, and I am so glad you are. Thank you for your support, it means a lot 🙂
See you at church!
Ceil
My daughter has been learning to ride a bike, and after a few notable bumps and bruises, she’s wanted to call it quits. Safe to say, perseverance has been a subject of frequent discussion in our household as of late! Good reminder, Ceil!
Hi Robin! I remember those days. It’s so much fun, but so nerve wracking too. You never want to see them wipe out!
What a great lesson it will be when she succeeds too. All that perseverance pays off 🙂
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
Your last line said it all.
Fear is such a harsh, immobilizing taskmaster that dries up any last wisps of creativity we might have. The enemy rubs his hands with glee because he must hate all that would give honor to our Creator God.
Walking through the fear is no easy jaunt. But it’s worth every painful step to get to the other side, where the freedom comes … and where we take wings and soar.
You inspire me, Ceil. And cause me to praise the One who died to free us from all our stuff.
Hi Linda! I like your description of what happens on ‘the other side’. Fear is a terrible prison, and you describe it so well. I’m sure you see a lot of it in your work. It’s so inspiring to see people who don’t let barriers stop them. The call of their art or service is so strong they just can’t stop. I hope I can be like that.
I’m so glad we know each other through our blogs. We give each other encouragement, and fan that desire to be closer to our Father. Those are the best friends of all.
Have a blessed Monday while you jump your fears!
Ceil
So true! I think that often it’s the getting started that’s the hardest part of persevering. I need to persevere at weight loss – to do that I need to start again and I’m having a hard time with that. This post is inspiring.
PS – I love that header shot!
Hi Mari! My husband and I just started the South Beach diet last week. I understand completely about perseverance in weight loss. It’s long overdue at our house, believe me. Getting started was surely the biggest step.
I’m so happy that you were inspired, that makes me so happy 🙂 I really like that header too. I found the image on Pinterest and just thought it would be perfect for fall.
Blessings on this cold Monday morning!
Ceil
Color me GREEN! What a treat for you, Ceil!
As far as the creative side goes—when “I” get involved the problem begins–letting “HIM” steer is the only answer. I keep forgetting! During Bible Study this week we talked about the gifts we have been given–to use for HIS GOOD GLORY. How disappointed He must be when we take the credit!
Hi Lulu! Oh, it definitely was a treat. It was expensive, but we haven’t done anything in a long time. I am SO glad we went. It was worth every penny.
You make a good point to stay grounded while persevering. Always knowing that God directs the steps and gives the grace to persevere will help remind me that it’s all for him. Thank you!
Happy Monday 🙂
Ceil
Such great words here my friend! We live in a world in which there are so many unexpected pains and challenges that it can be overwhelming. We can either rise to the challenges we face or we can let them push us down. We must remember that even in the most turbulent conditions we encounter, we must keep our minds on His Word and His promises because He is the light in the midst of the storm. “Face the fear, and set the sail”….love it!! ♥
I saw James Taylor a couple of years ago; I have loved his music for years, and yes; he has a wonderful testimony!
Blessings and joy for a wonderful week!
Hi Denise! I like the emphasis you have on the Word and the promise. I know from experience how hard it can be to even pray in adversity. I might sink a little, but I always manage with his grace to right the boat!
He is just the BEST. My brother and sister saw him in concert with Carole King a while back. This was just him, and we saw his wife and son Henry. (They sang a song or two with him.) So fun 🙂
Nice to see you again! Hope you had a great Monday,
Ceil
Very good advice about perseverance, Ceil. Thank you.
I know it can be difficult these days to keep on trying and not to give up. Especially in the economic difficulties the UK is in right now with shortage of full time work.
God bless.
Hi Victor! The situation with jobs is starting to rebound a little, but it’s still tight. It is difficult to persevere through joblessness, illness…all those things we would never choose for ourselves.
Just got to keep in prayer and move forward. I thank God for friends and family who help me stay on course!
God bless you and yours too my friend,
Ceil
Perseverance. The story of all writers! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve though, okay, if God really gave me this calling, it should be easy. 😉 Funny how we think that. But I’m always reminded how God’s more interested in us than in our calling. And through those trials, He shapes our characters. As hard as that feels at times, I wouldn’t change it. Thanks for the reminder to keep pressing on.
Hi Crystal! Wow, I wish that were true. It’d be nice to have smooth sailing all the time, wouldn’t it? I do agree that hard times definitely shape us, and we can decide if it’s for the good or not. Blessing or barrier. We choose.
I’m glad this was a little encouragement for you. Keep writing!
Blessings,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
what a lovely post on perseverance. James Taylor’s overcoming many barriers to success in his forty years in a music career reminds me of the children of Israel, and their necessity to overcome many trials in the forty years in the wilderness on the way to the promised land. We go through many trials as followers of Jesus, and I am in a trial now. I have been tested particularly in areas of sickness and finances, and I can truly say that the Lord has brought me safely through my journey so far and the trials have actually strengthened my faith in Him. I don’t believe we should ever tempt the Lord or put Him to the test, but if He has given us a word or a promise, then we must try to persevere and hold fast to that word. I have had many promises of God become ‘Yes’ in Jesus and would encourage all my brothers and sisters in Christ to trust in the Lord with all their heart.
God bless
Hi Brenda! What a wonderful comparison! That’s really true, we all have to go through hard times to be purified for the Promise Land. I love that, thank you!
I’m happy that your problems haven’t stopped your faith, but have strengthened them. I am also facing finances and my weight struggles, and I pray that God will bring me peace. Then I can set that sail and get going on with my life in the way he wants.
Let’s persevere together with the Word and his grace!
Ceil
I’m one of those who have wondered…not just about quitting blogging but also about changing professions. But while the first is up for grabs from time to time, the latter has been confirmed over and over from God to me. “Stay where I have put you.” There is really no better place to be when He is there. So I stay…contented (for the most part) and marveling at all He does. Thanks Ceil for a thought-provoking post.
Hi Bill! Wow, those are two big decisions to think through. I’m so glad you hear his voice telling you are in the right place in your ministry. What a comfort that must be! You are surely doing great things. People want to hear more of your words, you are doing something right!
No better place than to be with Him. I agree 1000%.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment,
Ceil
Writing is a tough career, but it’s a very rewarding one. I think in the end we have to somehow find joy in the act of writing itself somehow. That’s all we have! Being published is great, but we have so little control over that part of it–all we really can do is write. And sometimes that means writing even when it’s the last thing we feel like doing!
Hi Stephanie! Boy, I really like your attitude. I need to adopt it. I let rejection really get at me, and as you pointed out, I shouldn’t.
Writing really is a fun thing to do. The career part is really hard! But when those idea blocks come, it is good to rest with One who gave the gift in the first place. He will get me sailing again 🙂
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
“Face the fear, and set sail.” I love that advice, Ceil. And this question hit home, “Will I give up, or I will I use them to push me into new places?” Maybe because of the recent place I have been of thinking it was time to give up writing. But I’ve kept on realizing that God may just be taking me to new places with my writing.
Also, I just love James Taylor! I don’t recall, did you see him at Ravina? I know I’ve seen him in concert before but don’t recall where but our family has always loved his music.
Blessings to you, friend.
xoxo
Hi Beth! I think everyone thinks about giving up. It’s only natural. I know sometimes I feel like I just can’t squeeze out another idea. How wonderful that you know God is calling you to new places. That is really exciting, and such a validation of your hard work!
I did see James Taylor at Ravinia. It was so GREAT! Perfect weather, great night. Thanks for remembering!
Hugs and blessing to you and yours Beth,
Ceil
Thank you for this encouragement! When I struggle with perseverance I often remind myself of Romans 5:3-4
“… but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”
Hi Lauren! That is just perfect. You really know your Scripture, and use it so effectively on your blog too.
I hope I amass a lot of character, endurance and hope. And I think I will, because St. Paul says I will!
Thank you for your supportive comment! Have a restful night,
Ceil
Great advice Ceil! I think we have discussed our love of James Taylor music in comments before : ) So happy you got to see him live. I haven’t yet but who knows?
Hi Mindy! How well we know each other my friend! You were one of the first people to come and comment on Evangelize to Me.
I hope you get the chance. He’s really good, his voice is the same. Wonderful! And I’m glad you liked the post too 🙂
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
Hmmm…you could have been describing me in this post. I haven’t been blogging much, feeling blank I guess. Thanks for your uplifting post, Ceil. I hope you and your family are well and enjoying the beautiful autumn weather!
(I used to love James Taylor when I was young!)
Hi Mary! It’s so nice to see you again!
I think every writer can relate to your blank feelings. No one escapes it, you are not alone.
We are doing well, thank you. I was out walking today, what a gorgeous fall afternoon. Fall is my favorite season 🙂
Have a restful night my friend,
Ceil
Hey Ceil!! How have you been my friend? I can so relate to this post! As a blogger who just came back from a five month hiatus, I FINALLY got my mojo back! Thank God, lol! Oh you’re so blessed! James Taylor is my husband’s FAVORITE singer and I’ve been trying to get tickets for his birthday anytime James Taylor is remotely close to Columbia, but to no avail(those things sell out fast),lol! But one day…haha…oh, one day! Have a blessed week!
Hi Michell! You are back to blogging! That’s great! It sounds like you took the time you needed to get inspired and ready to write again. It’s so nice to see your smiling face again 🙂
Yes, they do sell out fast. We absolutely lucked into two tickets on the Pavilion, pretty far back, but worth every penny.
WELCOME BACK!!
Ceil
Yep. Agree..I was speaking to a nurse yesterday and she metioned the sweatshirt I was wearing (has my college name on it and it is bright orange like in pumpkin color). We were conversing on why we make late in life choices such as go back to school (her case and mine). ANYWAYS–I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and only HE knows. Never question the why’s. Just trust and have faith. Thanks Ceil..great post. Blessings
Hi Linda! I’m sure you are encouraging many people by your returning to school. Maybe someone else needs to see your example, and not be afraid to try something new, or complete a degree. God is using you through your studies!
You heard the call to go back, and you did. You are very brave, and very obedient. Two things God loves to see in his children 🙂
Have a restful night,
Ceil
You are so encouraging! Always 🙂
Hi Patty! Thank you my friend. I enjoy writing, that’s for sure!
And thank you for visiting and commenting. I always love seeing your name pop up 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
Might I just say, I get it, I relate, I understand! You know, there was a time when I almost quit blogging. But it seemed like God kept giving me just one more idea, and I couldn’t escape the feeling that He was telling me to keep at it. Now, for others, He calls them to leave Blog Land for His good reasons. Either way, the secret is hearing His voice and obeying.
I loved the sentiment about the ship and the harbor. YES! Let’s ask the Lord to fill our hearts with courage, to fill our sails with the Holy Spirit, and to steer us out of the harbor and into the real-life, sometimes stormy sea He is calling us to.
After all, Captain Courageous also happens to be the Captain of my soul!!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! That is a great image: Captain Courageous. I really like that! Our Lord is the leader, and shows the way while providing the winds to get us to our new place. We just have to decide that not knowing the plan sometimes is okay, as long as He is driving!
I’m glad you’re still writing Sharon. You’re right, it’s so important to listen to the Lord. We have to go where he feels we’ll be effective…and you are effective in blogging. What a grace!
Have a restful night my friend,
Ceil
Great post, Ceil. It reminded me of times when the Lord has seemed distant to me, or silent. I’ve persevered by staying in the word, and standing on the truths and promises of scripture. Never easy, but always worth it! Have a blessed week!
Hi June! It is hard to feel connected when you don’t hear the Lord. Good for you for hanging in there and reminding yourself of his promises. That is really a great testimony of faith. Thank you!
You have a blessed week too my friend,
Ceil
“Every hurdle presents an opportunity to learn and grow…for those who are ready to overcome them.” I love this quote! It is very true. Thanks for great post!
Lisa :O)
Hi Lisa! Thank you for visiting today. I’m glad you liked the post. I really have to learn to set sail myself!
Blessings,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
Your post encouraged my heart after a very hard week, thank you so much. I’m leaning in to our Saviour, as I sure can’t persevere in my strength, only with His help, love, and encouragement. I’m so thankful He is there all the time 🙂 Blessings to you x
Hi Anita! Oh, I’m sorry you had such a hard day. No matter what we do they still keep coming, don’t they? I’m so glad you have your faith to rely on. True peace is found with the Lord. You encouraged me through your comment!
Blessings to you too 🙂
Ceil
Ceil: I like the thought you have of “face your fear and set sail.” We all have fears and, yes, we have to realize that they exist. I don’t want to be defined by mine. And yet, I struggle with some issues about my life. I do need to do the ‘set sail’ thing. Thank you for the boost.
Hi Cecelia! Oh, I need help doing that too. That’s why I can write about it, I know it very well. I’m glad you could relate to it so well 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
Oh, wow. I had a very similar experience to the one that James Taylor told earlier this year. There was a lot going on, and I felt so empty, so I began to write about things I could actually write about when I felt that way, because we all have those times, and it’s good to have that list for such days. By writing the list, I felt completely inspired and rejuvenated. I kept the list, and planned on turning it into a blog post one day to help others when they feel like that. This post would compliment it so beautifully. I’ll be sure to reference it when I write it. I am just loving your blog so much!
Hi Topaz! Thank you for reading two posts, and commenting on them too.
I think we all run out of gas in the idea department from time to time. I know that for me, it means I’m not taking enough time for myself. If I am not at peace, I can’t think! (Maybe I should write about that?)
That list sounds like a great idea to spark writing. I like that 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil