The heART of RIGHTing

Many times, the question has come up, “why do you write?” or “what is it that inspires you to write.” The questions can prompt ambiguous, one-sentence answers from some of the most prominent and well known writers. The answers such as, “I write to live” or “I write to keep my sanity” are not direct, but just cliché answers some provide to avoid a long, drawn out explanation. But, the more precise answers do not come at the whelm of quick phrases that are conjured up for one to be presumed “deep”, or any of the other synonyms that imply a certain level of knowledge. The true answer comes from conversations, not interviews. From observing lifestyles, since actions speak louder than words. It is easy for one to talk about what they do in poetry or in prose, but, as the word of God states in Titus 2:6-8 “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Our lifestyle means everything, and as a writer, to write about one thing, but then do another would be a complete contradiction. As a writer, your word should most definitely be your bond, but if in any case a writers’ word becomes nullified by his or her actions, that writer will no longer be of value. That writer will no longer have the pull and sway his or her writings once had, therefore, his or her life will become as a body without a soul. Life without purpose. Being a writer is much more than just writing. Being a writer entails much more than just receiving applauds after an open mic performance, or becoming a New York Times best-seller. Being a writer has much more responsibility than making a name for yourself or receiving income. Maybe that is what separates selfish writers from writers. It is the difference between conscious hip hop (Whassup Common!) and commercialized hip-hop (Whassup Soulja boi!). It is there mere desire for attention and recognition that clouds the writers true purpose. It is the consciousness that brings forth the truth. The consciousness that may turn rappers like Soulja boi into poets that flow over beats like Talib Kweli. Its that consciousness that is projected through writings that encourages that dope-man to trade in his drugs for a bible, for the prostitute to open her heart to Jesus instead of to the streets. It is that consciousness, coupled with an honorable way of life that separates a RIGHTer…from a writer. Its the ability poets have to go on stage under different names, never-ever to reveal their real names to anyone. It’s the ability that authors have to write under pen-names, not because they are shy, but because they don’t want the attention to be on them, they want the attention to be on the message. They want lives to change because of what they are lead to say. They don’t speak to win “slams” or write for money, they speak and write to make a difference. The truth is, writers can fool us all day long. Writers naturally have a way with words, just like the serpent, and they can present themselves as a self-less, noble and honorable person, but God will not be mocked. The Lord looks at the heart and judges accordingly. Matthew 15: 10-11 “Jesus called the crowd to him and said, ‘Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean’, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.’” As a Righter, as a small portion of Gods Ink, I encourage Righters around the world to continue doing what they have been. To continue changing lives and making a positive change to the world through poetry, novels, short-stories, essays, speeches and any other element that will allow a righters’ talent to be magnified. And to the writers, you are still what you are, and until you become conscious, you will always be what you are within yourself.