Yuri - Part 2: Ghost Writer

Part two in a two-part series...

I never thought much about the job of ghost writing, about the fact that there are people who write another's story and receive no credit for it. Presumably, these people are good writers or they wouldn't be employed as "ghosts." This week, I was given a reason to consider this occupation more closely.

Following our friend's passing (see previous post), Craig was commissioned to write a memorial piece about Yuri for our company's blog. He got stuck and asked me to help...ked me to help. When we were both happy with the results, a realization struck me. I loved Yuri and wrote much of the memorial, but the published letter would be from Craig.

Unlike Craig, I have spent most of my married life working behind the scenes. There are no awards for "best advisor and confidante to the founder of the company," or "best mom" or "best friend," or "best homemaker." These positions go without public accolade or praise. Mostly, I am ok to serve without recognition, but every once in a while it would be nice to receive credit "where credit is due." I was struck with this desire after completing the piece about Yuri.

Yuri died, knowing that two of his recent productions are nominated for Grammy awards. Craig will soon be given a "lifetime achievement" award, the most prestigious award in our industry. I wrestle at times with not accomplishing anything worthy of receiving an award. I succumbed briefly to the temptation to covet that position.

And then God spoke to me through His word. He said, "Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud (Proverbs 16:19)." He also told me, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)." And finally, my heart heard Him say, "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit... (Isaiah 57:15)."

I want to live a life that fulfills my passion and purpose, but equally important, I want to be counted as great in the Kingdom of God. This requires that I am willing to be a servant, as my Savior both stated and provided an example of. Now my prayer is, "God, make me willing to be a ghost writer."