The Writer’s Dilemma

Contradictions are amazing things. They prod us to expand our thinking and change our minds. They can also remind us that there is a huge space between black and white and even force us to hold two irreconcilable ideas in our minds at the same time.

It is said that a legendary rabbi and teacher back in the 18th century carried two slips of paper with him at all times. One said, “I am dust and ashes” while the other read “For me the world was created.” Both were true. The first echoes Abraham’s words in Genesis 18:27 while the second highlights that each of us was created as a unique individual whom God specifically placed in the world, just as He did with Adam and Eve.

Moving from the grand level of Abraham, Adam, and Eve to the mundane level of my everyday life, writing on Substack in addition to writing for Happy Warriors has been an experiment in duality. On the one hand, I consider myself a decent writer with valuable things to say. On Substack, by commenting on other people’s work, I can interact with a new and varied audience in addition to having my own say. On the other hand, I am reading a fair number of other writer’s works, and it is a humbling experience. I am in awe of many of the contributors and accept that my work doesn’t measure up to theirs.

I follow my interests and consequently most of what I read falls into three categories: marriage and family, Israel and Jewish concerns, American politics and culture. Not surprisingly, many of my favorite authors are deeply religious Christians. Some of the writers provide more detailed and varied information than I find in newspapers or mainstream outlets, for which I am grateful. I am better informed by their words. Others express ideas that I share but say it so beautifully or with such a twist that I am envious of their talent. It is challenging not to let reading dominate more time than it should because there are so many worthwhile essays.

Another contradiction rears its head. Many authors share their work for free; others provide limited access until one subscribes. I don’t want to be a freeloader, especially for those whose work clearly reflects hours of research from which I am benefitting. Every piece of writing I choose to track is the result of time and effort. Yet, like the endless charity requests that find me, the things I would like to support far outnumber the resources I have available. The solution I have crafted is to pay for annual membership to some and to rotate a number of others on a quarterly basis or to leave a ‘tip’ as a way of showing appreciation. When I do drop a paid membership, I make sure to send a note explaining that I am doing so as part of a commitment to spreading my support broadly.

Occasionally, we get questions about where to find honest information about Islam and Israel. Here are a few of the authors I read on Substack who I find to be useful:

Dan Burmawi – raised Moslem, now a Christian
Behind the Narrative – a Jewish/Israeli view with an eye to history
Karen Hunt aka KH Mezek – a Christian who was once married to a Moslem and lived in Egypt

When it comes to the United States and culture, I especially appreciate Katy Faust’s Them Before Us—and have changed my views on some issues because of her work. A Happy Warrior recommended Jeff Childers’ Coffee and COVID to me (thanks Michele) and it is a welcome antidote to negative political information that is consistently being disseminated.

I don’t necessarily agree with everything these authors say, but they have enriched my life and, as such, I am sharing them with you.

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