Follow the Pew for any length of time and you will know that I love phrases and quotes. When I was on my sabbatical, I made a collection of quotes that inspired me or had an effect. I use quotes to begin my daily meditation on lots of mornings. But my love of quotes has a downside. The words are not mine, and they can become a crutch if I am not careful.
For a writer, the use of others’ words can cause one to lose their own originality and talent. This warning applies to all kinds of things. Each of us is a unique creation of God, just like a snowflake there is nothing exactly like it in the world. Each of us must be cautious not to copy or follow another because we want to be like someone else. We need to find our own path, to grow in our own unique and special way.
Will I continue to read, find, enjoy, and use quotes? The answer is yes, but it is what I do with them that is important. They are still someone one else’s way of expressing themselves, and I must find my own.
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