Able-ities

My first days in a rehabilitation hospital after my accident were some of the most difficult days of my life, but they were also full of crucial lessons to learn. Being young and full of life, I thought I knew it all—furthermore, I thought I could do it all.

No one could tell me anything and nothing could stop me well…except for myself. When I got to breakfast and saw all the other patients were senior citizens or severely disabled, some of which had food falling out of their mouths as they ate, I told myself I was better off than them and wanted to go back to my room. Then, while I ate, I noticed there was food on my pants. The food was falling out of my mouth as well, I was humbled.

As I struggled to push away from the table, a nurse returned to help me. She smiled and told me she was there for me. That was when I realized how my life had changed.

Later I had trouble relearning how to tie my shoes. The physical therapist told me it would be a lot easier if I would listen to her and let her help. I remembered when I was little and all the times my father tried to teach me something new.

He was a sergeant in the Army, yet gently encouraged me, “I want to help you do this, but you are going to have to listen to me and do as I say.” He taught me to do so much in three simple steps.

• Focus
• Listen
• Learn

Little did I know that my father’s wise instruction would guide me in life even if I didn’t have the ability anymore.

Ability?

The dictionary defines ability as, “Possession of the means or skill to do something; a talent or proficiency in a particular area.” In writing, as in life, we don’t all have the same abilities. But we all have certain abilities that make us who we are.

And if we follow my father’s sage advice, we can learn from each other and gain new abilities. After my accident, I was unable to return to college to finish pursuing my degree in English.

I gave up on writing because technically I could no longer physically write. Then about nine years ago I received a packet in the mail about a professional writing program for Christians.

The state I live in gave grants for persons with brain injuries like myself and I applied for the funds for the courses and writing software that would allow me to write with speech.

I applied and was accepted into the Christian Writers Guild writing program where I was mentored by some of the best writers and editors in the business. Their knowledge and abilities would foster the abilities and stories I have.

During the course, I read what the owner of the school looked for in aspiring writers. Jerry B. Jenkins notes, “In any writer, I look for the –‘ilities’:

1. Humility
2. Teachability
3. Coachability
4. Availability
5. Flexibility”[i]

In our writing careers, as in life, we must apply each of these “ilities” if we want to learn or gain new abilities. The best writers are always learning. They know it’s okay to ask for help and are willing to accept a helping hand.

Help?

Not long after I began taking writing classes again, a friend from church approached me about getting her books published. She told me she already knew how to write and didn’t need to learn how to share her stories.

Despite having no training as a writer and only having experience in the Army’s medical field, she was confident she had what it took to make it as a writer. Although I was still learning myself, I wanted to help my sister in the faith.

Her biggest problem was, she didn’t want my help to become a writer; she wanted a shortcut to being published. Every time she saw me, she asked if I would give her emails of the editors and writers I was learning from.

Again, I cannot express how difficult and time-consuming it is to break into the writing business. There are no shortcuts to publication, albeit self-publishing is a quicker path, it isn’t a guarantee for traditional publication.

Fear not, the writing community is more than willing to help out aspiring writers. Perhaps not the way most would-be authors desire, but the community gives nonetheless. As my first writing mentor, Roger Palms wisely shared, “Successful writers let their writing speak for itself—learn the craft.”

In writing, it takes time to:

• Edit your work.
• Develop your voice.
• Know your message.

Furthermore, as I’ve learned from being disabled, possessing the right “ilities” makes it easier to learn new abilities.

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[i] Jenkins, J. B. (2006) Writing For The Soul. Cincinnati, Ohio: Writer’s Digest Books. Pg 105.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.