Ghost Writer
I am a ghost writer. It’s scary enough to think that I’m gainfully employed after more than a decade as full-time mama, but the title has me a bit itchy. The ‘writer’ portion of the job description is daunting, considering my background is in Finance, not English. It’s the ‘ghost’ part that really unsettles me.
ghost writer –
a professional writer who is paid to write books, articles, stories, reports, or other texts that are officially credited to another person
Another person receives credit for my work, and that’s why it’s unnerving. I don’t mind not getting the byline; I’m worried about whether or not I’ve represented them accurately. I paint the client through content and voice. I am the channel through which the client’s story is told, communicating their knowledge, expertise and abilities.
At the end of a project, I want to know they are pleased with my efforts and feel well-represented. If I do my job correctly, I am unseen — virtually transparent to the readers. As such, the credited ‘author’ gets exactly that: the credit.
The Christian life is no different. We are all ghost writers, employed by God Himself to represent His character, work and love. I think this is the heart of Matthew 5:16:
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
If we allow Christ’s light to radiate through us, then He will receive the glory for our good works. Some of our good deeds must be done in private (Matthew 6:3); when deeds will be seen by others, we must mindfully redirect accolades to the One who inspires and enables them. Like a ghost writer, we should be transparent to the observer; they should see only Him in those good works.
We must tell His story faithfully, truthfully, and authentically through our own. If we do our jobs properly, the Author will receive the glory.
Wow! I so enjoyed reading this blog post. Such a beautiful analogy. Will be taking a shot at ghost-writing today for the Lord. 🙂 Thanks!
Wow! I so enjoyed reading this blog post. Such a beautiful analogy. Will be taking a shot at ghost-writing today for the Lord. 🙂 Thanks!
Wow! I love how you can take everything that happens and turn it into a beautiful illustration that honors God!
loved reading your blog today! I second the statement that it beautifully illustrates how we can walk out our life giving the glory to God 🙂
loved reading your blog today! I second the statement that it beautifully illustrates how we can walk out our life giving the glory to God 🙂
So good. So good.
So good. So good.
So good. So good.
Love it – great blog!
Love it – great blog!
Thank you for your insights!
Thank you for your insights!
Thank you for your insights!
Thank you for your insights!
I will confess that I did not read this at the time of its original posting. The timing of this “re-post” was perfect for me today, however, as it aligned nicely with some questions I had during my own study this morning, and gave me more food for thought. Thank you! Looking forward to Thursday. 🙂
I will confess that I did not read this at the time of its original posting. The timing of this “re-post” was perfect for me today, however, as it aligned nicely with some questions I had during my own study this morning, and gave me more food for thought. Thank you! Looking forward to Thursday. 🙂
I will confess that I did not read this at the time of its original posting. The timing of this “re-post” was perfect for me today, however, as it aligned nicely with some questions I had during my own study this morning, and gave me more food for thought. Thank you! Looking forward to Thursday. 🙂
[…] and unjustly deprived. I mentally plotted my argument to retain the byline. And then God brought last year’s post on being a ghost writer hurtling back into my mind. For whom was I writing? Specifically, I was reminded that my (paid) job […]
[…] and unjustly deprived. I mentally plotted my argument to retain the byline. And then God brought last year’s post on being a ghost writer hurtling back into my mind. For whom was I writing? Specifically, I was reminded that my (paid) job […]
[…] I am primarily a stay at home mom, I do have a part-time gig as a ghost writer. Serving my clients during the summer months proves more challenging than during the school year, […]
[…] I am primarily a stay at home mom, I do have a part-time gig as a ghost writer. Serving my clients during the summer months proves more challenging than during the school year, […]
[…] I am primarily a stay at home mom, I do have a part-time gig as a ghost writer. Serving my clients during the summer months proves more challenging than during the school year, […]
[…] I am primarily a stay at home mom, I do have a part-time gig as a ghost writer. Serving my clients during the summer months proves more challenging than during the school year, […]
[…] a professional speaker and writer (blog, book and ghost), I’ve had to learn the art of communicating for my audience’s benefit, not just my own […]
[…] a professional speaker and writer (blog, book and ghost), I’ve had to learn the art of communicating for my audience’s benefit, not just my own […]
[…] a professional speaker and writer (blog, book and ghost), I’ve had to learn the art of communicating for my audience’s benefit, not just my own […]
[…] a professional speaker and writer (blog, book and ghost), I’ve had to learn the art of communicating for my audience’s benefit, not just my own […]
[…] face-to-screen instead of face-to-face. Especially if we have spouses or children. Me, too. My professional labor (and client correspondence) is accomplished on my computer. I keep my calendar, finances and […]
[…] face-to-screen instead of face-to-face. Especially if we have spouses or children. Me, too. My professional labor (and client correspondence) is accomplished on my computer. I keep my calendar, finances and […]
[…] face-to-screen instead of face-to-face. Especially if we have spouses or children. Me, too. My professional labor (and client correspondence) is accomplished on my computer. I keep my calendar, finances and […]
[…] face-to-screen instead of face-to-face. Especially if we have spouses or children. Me, too. My professional labor (and client correspondence) is accomplished on my computer. I keep my calendar, finances and […]
[…] face-to-screen instead of face-to-face. Especially if we have spouses or children. Me, too. My professional labor (and client correspondence) is accomplished on my computer. I keep my calendar, finances and […]