I’m not talking about words or characters today. Not even Tolkien. And maybe you’re wondering why I’m taking a break from the usual. It’s because this is important right now.

The thing is, I write primarily fiction, so you may be questioning why I’m writing on this topic at all.

It’s because truth transcends genre. It transcends audience and market and at the deepest level, even language.

Truth can be found in even the most far-fetched fairy tales.

Okay I’m breaking my promise and quoting Tolkien:

Inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light, the eternal truth that is with God.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Truth has always offended people, but we live in a day and age where anyone can say anything to everyone, and oftentimes, those who are offended are also the loudest and most vocal.

Truth is not subjective. There are many things in this world that are. Truth is not one of them.

There are times when facts are clouded and we are unsure what is true and what is false. Truth exists all the same. Truth always exists.

I don’t have to tell you about cancel culture, because you’ve probably already seen it. I don’t have to tell you about the calls for violence, the arguments, the name-calling, the shaming that takes place when someone stands up for what they believe, and it is met with offense. I don’t have to tell you, because you’ve already seen it.

And maybe you think this only applies to journalism or nonfiction or social media. But like Tolkien said, we are sub-creators, and our stories, though they are imperfect, reflect fragments of God, and God is Truth, and all sub-truths originate from him.

I am going to say right now, I will never stop talking about God. I will never stop writing about him. I don’t care if it offends anyone. There is nothing anyone can do about it. I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to. God’s love is so great and so pure that I cannot help but talk about it. His words are so true and so life-giving, I couldn’t stop proclaiming them if I tried. His name is like a burning fire shut up inside, and I cannot hold it in.

I stand for Truth, and I will not back down.

I will never stop.