Why Outlaw Verse
Poetry | Pastoral | Paulitics
Update:
The following was written when I first started this Substack, naming it Outlaw Verse. I’m keeping the post for posterity’s sake.
The motivation for publishing this journal came from being a father.
I want to set the example for my kids on stewarding life with no regrets. How else can I encourage them live life to the fullest if I’m not willing to make the most of opportunities?
The inspiration came from seeing other people who started businesses and writing online.
Some anonymous, many starting from nothing, all taking the risk of failure head-on. At worst, no one actually cares; at best, you’re adding value to people. Either way, you’re doing something you enjoy and can learn from.
The conviction came from reading Nehemiah 3.
For those unfamiliar, this Old Testament book of the Bible is all about Nehemiah returning to Judea from exile in order to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. All throughout the book, Nehemiah takes risk after risk.
But there’s one risk that I hadn’t realized, and have never heard someone preach on, Nehemiah 2:16-18 (New International Version):
16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.
17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
Nehemiah took the craziest risk of all: He went to Jerusalem with no promises the people would want to rebuild the wall. After taking the risk of going before the king, after securing supplies, after making the long journey, then he presented the vision to the people. He was wise in preparation, and then went for it.
And that takes me to where we are now, publishing this journal.
Outlaw Verse will publish poetry, the pastoral in devotionals and religious thoughts, and “Paulitics” which will be commentary on culture, or whatever else.
Outlaw Verse is being published for my kids, because others have shown the way, because I won’t be able to sleep well if I don’t… And to add value to people along the way.