The lies of Comparison

Hey Comparison, I heard your voice this week. You tried your best to discourage me. 

As I was landing in Charlotte, N.C., for a Hopewriters Conference, I was greeted by the wicked witch of comparison. She was in my head. Before I disembarked from the plane I heard her voice, which sounded a lot like the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz.

Her voice told me the writers who would be showing up were the real deal. Me? I wasn’t what traditional publishing was looking for. My words weren’t ecclesiastical or spiritual enough. I did not have a large enough platform. I was not well-known in the Christian literary world.

Here I was, searching for the Writing Wizard of Oz who would confirm … I am a writer.

I met a writer who admitted to also hearing the voice of the wicked witch of comparison. “What am I doing here?” I knew she needed to hear, “My dear, we are all here just trying to find our way to being told we are a writer!” She smiled. I said, “Let’s take this journey together. There is more than just power in numbers – there is strength. Come alongside me, I’ll save you a seat.”

Popular Reporter columnist Janet Hart Leonard made fast friends with fellow author Jackie Freeman at the Hopewriters Conference. (Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard)

I quickly became friends with another writer who, like me, had been blindsided by life events that would require tissues if written into a movie script. Yet, we are strong women … as if we have a choice. We needed our writing hearts to be hugged and assured that our words matter. We became instant friends. Several people asked if we were sisters! We not only look alike but our hearts matched up as well. Oh, Jackie Freeman, what a delight you are!

One of the scariest things writers do is put their words out there to be read by other writers. I was putting my words out on the yellow brick road, crowded with other writers, whom I saw as more vivacious, more experienced and having a plethora of amazing words they had written.

Oh comparison, have I told you lately that I hate you?

As the conference continued, I heard story after story of imposter syndrome. I recognized the words that sounded more like battle cries. Write. Edit. Repeat. Everyone at the conference seemed to know, quite well, the sound of the voice of comparison.

But then I heard the voices that reminded every one of us … our words matter. We ARE writers. Nonfiction authors find their readers and tell them what they wish someone would have told them. Fiction writers entertain the heart as well as the mind. Fiction is an enjoyable road trip for the weary traveler who is attempting to navigate the bumpy roads of real life. Fiction authors give their readers a break from reality.

Cindy Bunch, a Vice President of InterVarsity Press said, “Write what you are called to write.”

With those words, my anxiety lessened, and my heart smiled. That is what I do. I simply write from my heart.

My words may not be read by millions or even thousands. I just hope and pray they are read by those who need them.

Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard

Words of hope. Words of encouragement. Words that offer a balm to a hurting heart. And yes, sometimes, words that cause my readers to laugh from a place deep in their bellies.

Comparison, I hear you, but I won’t allow you to stop me. Comparison, you will just spur me on to write more. I have the heart of a writer. Fear will not silence me. I’m not worried about the multitude reading my words, just that one reader who needs to hear what my heart has to say.

Comparison, thank you for the inspiration. I am a writer. I didn’t need anyone telling me I am a writer. I had the words in me all along. I just had to believe in myself. I had to believe my words mattered. To at least one reader, every week, they do. So, I will continue to write. And I will pray … “God, let my words make a difference.”

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.