WORDS AND AFFECTIONS by Nicole Byrum

I closed my eyes and thought back as far as I could, trying to recall the earliest words spoken to me as a child. What sprang forth from those brief moments of solitary concentration on my living room couch surprised me. I had hoped to summon specific words from my memory, but there in my mind’s eye my childhood unfolded, one book cover at a time. In great detail, I could see the blue engine and townspeople of “The Little Engine that Could;” “Hooper Humperdink” and his grand imaginary party; and “Harold the Rabbit,” the overgrown hare who had been gracing those browned and worn pages since my father’s youth. Of course! Books and stories... my greatest love as a kid, and undoubtedly, the most glorious expression of human language.

But there was one more image that stood out among the above-mentioned books: A small blue booklet of Bible verses I had colored during my time in Sunday School. These were verses I would memorize and then verbally repeat to my teacher, week after week. I praise God that both on Sundays and in my home, I was exposed to the greatest story ever told—the story of God’s love and the gift of salvation through the life and death of His Son, Jesus. This is the story that has shaped my entire life. From my youth until now, the words of the Bible have led me to acknowledge my sin and have given me the greatest hope imaginable through my Savior. These words have strengthened my heart and created a desire for holiness.

As I reflected on the topic of words and writing as spiritually formative, it hit me: Jesus is the Word. John 1:1 (NIV) tells us this beautiful truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” He is eternal and He himself spoke our entire world into existence. His words are truth and life because He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

With this in mind, it makes sense why I felt more connected with God over one period in time than at any other time in my life. From April through November 2019, I wrote a book for women in recovery; a book addressing key aspects of recovery from substance abuse and/or unhealthy relationships from a biblical perspective. The process of writing, the use of creativity and beautiful words, coupled with God’s truth, changed my heart by furthering my inclinations and affections for God. I have come to realize this is why I loved writing the book so much and why it saddened me when it was time to send the manuscript to my editor! I yearned to write more, for it was through writing I was being transformed.

That December, I began a website and blog as a way to continue doing what I had come to love. It quickly became apparent to me that regardless of how many people find their way to my words, they are words I must write, if only as a process for my own spiritual growth. Ephesians 2:5 says we have been made alive through Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions.

Truly, I have been transformed from spiritual death to life by the Word himself. And I praise God that He continues to transform my heart through integrating His truth with the ability to write. Indeed, my affections for Him have never been greater.

Nicole Byrum

Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 14 years of experience in community mental health. She is the author of Remade: Living Free a book written for women in recovery from substance abuse and unhealthy relationships. Nicole also maintains a blog at nicolebyrum.com as well as a podcast, 5 Minute Word. Both focus on topics related to faith and relationships. She lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, running, or cooking.