How I Chose My Niche

Or rather, how it chose me

Since I joined Medium a few months back, I’ve read articles from various writers telling us fellow writers that we should have a niche so people will know what they can regularly expect from us.

I’ve also read opposing views that say a niche isn’t necessary, that it’s better just to write from your heart and let the topic arise spontaneously each time you sit down to write.

Being the black-and-white person that I am, I was conflicted about whether to choose a niche or not, so I continued to write about whatever thoughts I jotted down the day before I wrote.

Then something unexpected happened one morning…my niche picked me.

As the saying goes, “You gotta do what you gotta do.”

You see…God didn’t tell me exactly what to write about every day, but He did tell me to include Him in my writing as often as it fits naturally.

No…I didn’t hear an audible voice. But as a believer who is joined at the hip with Jesus, His voice speaks to my heart, which in turn appears as a thought in my head.

If you’re not a believer, I know that sounds a bit crazy. But consider this question: “Where do your thoughts come from?”

Many writers talk about “The Muse,” which inspires and helps them write. I don’t think that’s a Muse talking to you; I believe it’s God.

You see, I believe in a God who takes a personal interest in each of our lives. I also believe in the Scriptures being inspired by God, though it was written by people.

One of my favorite verses is James 4:8 —

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

And the nearer I draw to Him, the clearer I hear Him.

Most of us who believe in God tuck Him away in a corner until we need something. A small percentage of us only think of Him during the hour a week that we’re in church and then leave Him on the shelf until the following Saturday or Sunday.

One of my goals this year is to let Him drive the car, and I’ll come along for the ride. I’m not going to leave Him home alone. I’ve found that life is so much better when He’s around.

Keep your ears and heart open — He might just be talking to you right now.