Today I have the pleasure of introducing to you to a brand new guest blogger for this site. Shane Brigg brings a broad background to his writing, which includes publication in local community media, ministry outlets, and several Youth development programs. His current projects encompass a three part fictional novel, based around normal Australian characters who influence world affairs; a young adult graphic novel, and numerous other non-fiction articles. With professional influences ranging from a Bachelor in Environmental Science focusing on Human Society and Management and Policy Studies, to extensive engagement in work with young people, Shane brings a unique flavour to his writing craft. Like you, I’m looking forward to his insights. Thanks, Shane.

‘Tis the Season …

… for lots of Write Ideas

There are a lot of ideas that get circulated this time of year as the marketing machine that has become known as Christmas kicks into gear. The image of the jolly red fellow became Coke Cola’s icon for a generation of citizens. It has now been embraced by numerous generations across the west and beyond. It has unfortunately become synonymous with concepts of affluence and ego rather than of humility and altruism. Ideas are interesting things. We have tremendous power in the ideas that we write about. Either the intrinsic values reflected by characters, scenarios and themes we populate our narratives with; or extrinsic deliberate discussions we make through our various mediums.

The idea that writing can provide hope for our readers by being active in our promoting simple things like serving, and helping, and caring, and supporting, and just generally engaging honestly with others is truly a novel, but vital concept that lies deep in our cultural conscience. What I mean by this is that our writing has the power to simply provide good natured, empowering ideas that may support others valuably in their life journeys. Our writing should not primarily be some well marketed idea. But it can be a revelation of Truth that dovetails with ideals that are well attested to in our society’s humanitarian heart. It may therefore be an expression of the best things that make us human.

Our writing provides an outlet for action and discussion around things like belonging, meaning and purpose. Perhaps it shows to a world that quickly resorts to a focus on self that at the core of what makes us human is that looking out for others is as important as looking out for yourself.

The reduction of the idea of Christmas being an opportunity for marketing to fuel people’s self-oriented perspective needs to be challenged. This might begin by simply returning to the historicity of the Christ that its very name implies. This should cause us to reflect upon the age old adage that “the season is not about the getting, but in the giving”. Jesus claims of himself as Saviour, were not accounted for as a clever product or an idea, but in the giving of his life for the cause of peace and justice. Of this there is historically tangible evidence. What will be the evidence you leave behind in your writing?

What legacy will you pass on to your readers?

What will they say after the years and the spin have taken their toll on the image you leave behind in print? Is it coloured by your kindness, hope and generosity; that you loved greatly and empowered others to reach for a better future. That you emulated Christ. I trust this perspective is more than just a value for you, but is your experience as you consider the ideas that surround Christmas. I hope this is the mark that this piece of writing leaves for you as we finish this year: that into the future you are alert to the presentation you provide of ideas that can shape another’s future.

‘Tis the season for the ideas we write about to be the right ideas.

Shane’s early life of living in vastly different communities has given him a rich context of writing that focuses on people’s lives. He has been involved in various ministries locally and internationally for over 25 years. Shane has a passion to see this generation engaged, equipped and empowered to impact the world. He is currently a lecturer with Harvest Bible college, a school Chaplain, and part of a missional outreach leadership team. He has just completed a Masters of Arts in Ministry. Shane has been regularly published in local community media, and ministry outlets as well as having written several Youth development programs. Projects that he has underway include a three part fictional novel; a young adult graphic novel, and numerous other non-fiction articles.