Creative Writing - What is the Backstory?

[dljbsp]

I originally came up with this as a personal study exercise. I was doing it on my own, and then it occurred to me that it might be something we could share here and benefit from together—especially by hearing different voices and tones.

 

The idea is simple: What might be the backstory behind some of the pictures we see in our Watchtower Study lessons?

 

For some, reading this thread may simply be enjoyable. For others, the real value may be in writing their own backstory before reading what anyone else has written. This isn’t about comparison, creativity contests, or “better” interpretations. It’s about reflection and learning from how others think and express themselves.

 

To keep things readable, please try to limit your contribution to no more than one page.

 

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How the Exercise Works

Each week, the images come from the Watchtower Study that was considered the previous week.

The article “God’s Love Is Enduring” (considered the week of December 21) included two images:

– a boat anchored in stormy or rough seas
– a man facing several problems, illustrated by three labeled circles
 

Choose one image from that study and imagine a possible backstory that fits the lesson being discussed.

Please work on your backstory now, but wait until the MONDAY after your Watchtower Study has been considered before posting. You may begin posting tomorrow morning, allowing time for personal and congregation reflection.
 

The key point is to write before reading what others have shared. No advance prompting will be given for next week.

 

[dljbsp]

I Chose the man with the problems: from 12/21 WT
 

Jim sits on the bench with his hands clasped, eyes lowered, not because he has run out of answers — but because he has reached the point where answers aren’t enough. The water behind him is still, the trees, unmoving. Yet his thoughts are anything but quiet.

 

Earlier, he carried a small tray into the bedroom, careful not to wake his wife, Beatrice, as he set it down. He lingered there longer than necessary, watching her breathe, wishing he could do more than just be steady.

 

At the table later, papers spread out in front of him, he studied the numbers again. Jim wasn’t looking for relief — just enough clarity to make wise decisions and not be ruled by anxiety.

 

And then there was his daughter, Samantha. Sitting close beside him, following the words in her book, trusting his voice. He felt the weight of that trust — not pressure, but responsibility.

 

So now he prays. Not to escape these things, but to meet them well. To care for Beatrice. with tenderness, to handle the finances with discernment, and to guide Samantha toward loving Jehovah from her own heart. Nothing changes in the scene behind him — but inside, he is anchored.

Edited 6 hours ago by dljbsp