Writing in the Shadows: Persevering Without Support

Writing in the Shadows: Persevering Without Support

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

In the quiet stillness of night, as the world sleeps, a writer labors alone, crafting words that flow from the depths of their soul. This solitary endeavor is not merely an act of creation; it is a spiritual journey, a path often walked in shadows where the light of support is scarce. Each word penned is both a testament to the writer’s inner resilience and a silent prayer to the Creator, seeking strength and purpose.

The path of writing, especially when untethered from the support of others, can feel like navigating through a vast, dark ocean. The waves of doubt and criticism crash around you, and the absence of encouragement from those around you can leave you feeling adrift. Friends and family, those whom you might expect to be your staunchest supporters, may question your passion with indifference or even skepticism. "Why spend so much time on this?" they ask, their words cutting deeper than they may realize. The shadows of their doubt can sometimes obscure the light of your purpose.

In these moments, writing can seem like a solitary voyage. But within this solitude lies an opportunity for profound spiritual growth. Just as the ocean needs water to sustain its depth, so too do we, who inspire and give of ourselves to others, need replenishment and support. Without this vital nourishment, our creative well can run dry, and the energy we pour into our work can leave us feeling empty.

Yet, even in the absence of external support, the Creator is our constant guide. The Creator’s presence is like the unseen currents that flow beneath the surface of the ocean, guiding and supporting us even when we cannot see it. The phases of the moon reflect this journey. There are times when our creativity is as full and luminous as the full moon, casting light upon everything we touch. And there are times when it wanes, leaving us to struggle in the dim light of our own doubt.

Despite the critics and their incessant questioning—"Is it worth it?"—the Creator whispers a reassuring answer: "Yes, it is worth it. Your words, your voice, your passion—they matter." This divine reassurance helps us to find our way through the darkness, reminding us that our efforts are not in vain.

Writing without support teaches us the true meaning of perseverance. It reveals the strength that comes from within, the ability to keep moving forward even when the path is obscured. It also deepens our connection with the Creator, who is ever-present, offering guidance and light even when it feels like we are alone.

As we give ourselves to others through our words, we must remember that we, too, need to be nourished. Just as the ocean needs water to maintain its vastness, so do we need encouragement and support to sustain our creative spirit. In moments of solitude, we must seek this nourishment from within, drawing strength from our faith and our connection to the divine.

My journey as a writer has often felt like a seed struggling to break through the hard soil, striving to take root and grow despite the challenging conditions. There were times when I doubted the value of my work, feeling as though it would never resonate with the readers of today’s world. To add to that, many voices around me—those of friends and family—urged me to pursue something more practical. "Kateb, there’s no future in writing," they’d say. "Why not focus on school or find a better job?" These words linger, they sting, especially when they come from those closest to you who, perhaps unknowingly, dismiss your passion.

It’s important to clarify that I’m not expressing anger or resentment here. I understand that sometimes, the dreams of those closest to us are not always visible or understandable to others. My intention in sharing this is not to cast blame but rather to encourage readers not to overlook the talents of those around them. Even if their interests differ from your own, recognize and nurture these individuals. Every seed, with the right care, has the potential to flourish.

I found my greatest encouragement when my mother was alive. She would reach out with calls, texts, or emails, asking, "Hi, son, how is everything going? Have you written anything inspirational today?" Her inquiries were more than just questions—they were the fuel that kept me going. If I hadn’t made any progress, she would offer a gentle yet firm push, often accompanied by a prayer, reminding me of her pride in my work and how she shared it with everyone she knew. Her support was a crucial source of strength for me.

My mother even incorporated my writings into her own life, using my folklore in Sunday school lessons, spiritual retreats, and visits to senior living homes. She believed in my calling, and her belief was unwavering. Even when illness overtook her, she insisted, "Kateb, never let go of your passion, for it is your essence—it’s God’s gift to the world. I love you and pray for you, and I ask God to guide you. But son, promise me you won’t put your pen down, for I fear if you do, you’ll lose a great part of who you are."

But after she passed, I faltered. I stopped writing, feeling as though I had lost a part of myself. No one around me urged me to return to my passion, and for a time, I wandered away from it. Yet, in the midst of this, the Creator’s grace never left me. This summer, a spark reignited within me, and I felt it was time to return to my craft. I had given up because I doubted the worth of my work. The silence that met my attempts to share my writing with others led me to believe that the world, too, might be indifferent to it.

In a world where reading seems less valued, where attention spans are short, I questioned the point of continuing. But the Creator had other plans. I realized that, even without immediate recognition, my words still hold value. They are a reflection of my soul and my connection to the divine.

To anyone who finds themselves writing in the shadows, without the support they need, I offer this encouragement: continue your journey. Your words are a gift, and though they may not always receive the recognition they deserve, they are valuable and meaningful. The Creator sees your dedication, your passion, and the light that you bring into the world through your writing.

Keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. Keep writing, even when it feels like no one is listening. Your words have the power to inspire, to heal, and to touch lives in ways you may not yet see. Remember, just as the ocean needs water to remain boundless, we need support and encouragement to continue our journey. The Creator is with you, guiding you through every phase, ensuring that your light, no matter how faint it may seem, will eventually shine brightly once more.

In the quiet night,

A writer's pen moves alone,

Still, the words find light.