Stop Stealing the Pen (Easier Said Than Done!)

I typically don’t wear clothing with sayings or phrases or little quips written on them. But I do tend to notice the sayings, phrases, and quips on the clothing that other people wear. I figure, if people want to let their clothes speak, maybe I should listen. So, if I have the opportunity, I’ll take the time to ask. “Hey, tell me about that.”

For instance, the other day I was struck by a friend’s sweatshirt: God is still writing your story. Stop trying to steal the pen.

Maybe it was my own mindset in the moment. Maybe it was because it was something I’d never heard before. More than likely, what piqued my interest is that it spoke to me—as in, personally. I can relate to a deep desire to trust that God is continuing to write my story—with various plot lines, twists and turns, conflicts and denouements—while at the same time being a little unsure about that. I definitely know what it’s like to steal the pen, as in, not always being 100% confident that I’m going to like the story God writes. Maybe you can relate to that, too.

As you know, we’re in the season of Lent—a 40-day journey of repentance, return, and renewal to the cross—and ultimately to Easter Sunday. Maybe repentance isn’t just about feeling bad for the ways we’ve taken the pen and tried to force our own endings—it’s about remembering that we don’t have to, because we were never meant to. The Author of life is still at work, still holding the pen with hands far more loving and capable than ours.

Lent invites us to put the pen down—not in resignation, but in trust. To release our grip on the story we think we need and return to the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. To let go of the fear that God’s version of our story won’t be enough.

And that’s hard, isn’t it? Because sometimes we’re afraid that God’s way won’t be as safe or as comfortable or as quick as we’d like. Maybe it won’t be. But what if it’s better? What if it’s fuller, richer, more meaningful? What if repentance is less about regret and more about rediscovering the grace that was there all along?

This Lent, may we dare to trust that the best stories are the ones God is still writing. And may we have the courage to trust God enough to stop stealing the pen.

Oh, and about that sweatshirt? After our conversation, my friend told me she was going to get me one. She even asked what color I liked. A few days later, it arrived—and I’ll be glad to wear it. Maybe it’ll be a good reminder when I need it. Or maybe, just maybe, someone else will notice it and ask me, “Hey, tell me about that.”

Much love, 

Pastor Gregg