What Is Inspirational Writing?

   Are you an inspirational writer? Have you asked yourself what that really means? Where did this category or genre originate? Perhaps it was a designation used to differentiate inspirational writers from those writing themes that were spiritual in nature, but not necessarily Christian. Alternatively, maybe a clever Christian writer came up with the term so that readers, who wanted to know about spiritual matters, but not necessarily Christian ideals, would look further at his work

The word inspire comes from the 14th century via the French, and in the Latin, is inspirare. Webster’s defines inspiration as: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive a:to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration b:to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on was particularly inspired by the Romanticists c:to spur on :impel, motivate, threats don't necessarily inspire people to work d:affect-seeing the old room again inspired him with nostalgia, 2.a.archaic:to breathe or blow into or upon b.archaic:to infuse, as life by breathing 3. a:to communicate to an agent supernaturally b: to draw forth or bring out thoughts inspired by a visit to the cathedral 4: inhale 15 a: bring about, occasionthe book was inspired by his travels in the Far East b: incite 6: to spread(rumor)by indirect means or through the agency of another intransitive verb:inhale

Certainly, we all have personal ideas concerning what it means to write or watch something inspirational.In my mind it brings up at least a few constants: Victory over very difficult odds, sometimes a matter of life and death; an individual helping another to rise up and triumph, or at least to live a meaningful life; overcoming adversity. An inspirational story usually leaves us with a sense of fulfillment and achievement. It’s usually a story of despair to hope; darkness to light; disillusion to encouragement. In an inspirational story the outlook for the future is brighter.

The origin of the word inspiration is Biblical and relates to being inspired by God. It is interesting that to blow into or to breath upon is such an intricate part of the definition of this word. When you look up the word inspiration in a Bible concordance you will find that the word inspiration(in English) is only used twice in the entire Bible. Once in Job 32:8 where the Hebrew word neshamah is translated inspiration

“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” Job 32:8

The word neshamah, translated inspiration in Job is translated in the American Standard version as breath 17 times, blast 3 times, spirit 2 times, inspiration 1 time, and souls 1 time. Interesting isn’t it? The same word translated inspiration in Job 32:8 is most of the time translated breath, meaning the breath of God, the breath of life. Even more notable, the first time the word neshamah is used in the Bible is the following:

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Gen 2:7

The first occurrence of a word in the Bible is singularly significant. Perhaps as we write inspirationally we are doing our best to bring forth that which breathes life into people. It is in fact the opposite of writing words which cause more despair. If you look at the only other use of the word inspiration in the Bible, you will find it in the New Testament; II Timothy 3:16.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” II Tim 3:16

The five words, given by inspiration of God, are one word in the Greek: Transliterated from Greek to English that is Theopneustos. That word is composed of two root words: Theo meaning God and pneustos meaning breathed. Theopneustos literally means: “God-breathed.” Literally in this verse, all scripture is theopneustos or all scripture is God breathed. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. By the way, the figure of speech used in this verse is condescension, by which God attributes human characteristics to himself. He does that to emphasize something important. In this verse it would be that all of His Word, the entire Bible, was all God Breathed and inspired by Him! Many writers—one author. As an inspirational writer, perhaps you bring to your readers a fresh breath of spirit filled life. If you are a Judeo-Christian writer, you might believe that your inspiration comes from the same God that inspired holy men of God to speak and write as they were moved by the holy spirit, to write the Bible.

So, how does this play into my aspirations as a Christian inspirational writer? I see a pattern here. As a writer, I want my inspiration to come from God. That brings with it an added responsibility. I should be striving to do more than simply write an engaging story. At least in my mind, what I do should minister grace to the hearers, and it should seek to edify, to build people up

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”Eph 4:29

Now that is a tall order for a writer who wishes to bring adventure, excitement,and a great story to the reader. A story is a promise. Without something at stake there is no story. Without change there is boredom. Change is motivated through conflict. Without conflict nothing moves. What may I use as my model? How do I not offend some? (Bad question) You will always offend someone. Is there violence in the Bible? Are there sexual situations? Is there life and death and hope and deliverance and every other thought and feeling, and do they not all lead to one final victorious end? Is there one red thread that runs through the entire Word of God.? Yes. And that is where I would like my stories to lead. To inspire, believer or not; Christian or Inspirational, the power of God moves people and changes lives. Getting there is not always a pretty road. Staying there is wonderfully satisfying, recognizing that we have a trailblazer and an example.

So what we “put out there” is important. Whether written, spoken or composed. Does our work build up, or tear down? Does it initiate dimness and confusion, inciting to despair or does it lighten the road and illuminate the goodness of God?

(Comments or questions)

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