When You Feel Awkward Promoting Your New Book, Remember Glory!

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

"Living so that ordinary graces are not only noticed and appreciated,
but passed along to others. That is our call." -Lucinda Secrest McDowell

As you read today’s blog I am knee-deep in launching a new book. With all that entails. Including the uneasy feeling of “self-promotion” which, frankly, is a struggle for me.

You too? Yeah, it’s that whole tension between being excited about sharing

our words with the world and being embarrassed to keep putting ourselves out there.

Who gets the glory? Does it matter?

Most authors love to write out of our passion and purpose. Many of us also enjoy speaking opportunities as well. 

But marketing? Not so much.

And yet today's public figures are required to have a robust online presence through social media, blogging, tweeting and more. Potential publishers are eager to know our digital reach. Especially when a new book comes out. I get that. It's just that it's a delicate dance between "offering others an opportunity" and in "tooting my own horn."

Who gets the glory?

Author Mary DeMuth describes the time that this kind of pressure caused her to spend money on a business coach who told her to embark on his surefire method of getting speaking gigs. Even though resistant to formulas, she discovered her blind obedience cost her way too much for zero results. She felt the Lord taught her an important lesson: "If you relied on a formula and found success, then the formula or your effort would get the glory. But if you let go and trust Me, when I bring the increase, who gets the glory?"

God is our ultimate agent. He can do whatever He pleases to promote our efforts that will bring him glory.

Our part? To give God the glory: "And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory." 2 Corinthians 4.15 NLT

I know, of course, that I must continue to have a generous and grace filled presence in the world in order for my message to be heard and read. But my goal is to do this with kindness, humility and complete trust in my God who is sovereign over all. 

The New Testament Greek word used here is doxon which is translated to “glory,” “honor,” “inherent worth.” The corresponding Old Testament Hebrew word for glory is kabo often translated "weight" or "significance." Thus we often read about the “weight of glory.”

A weight and an inherent worth that belongs only to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Not to us be any glory.

“What is the chief end of man?” The Westminster Shorter Catechism answers this question, with the following mandate: “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

Our lives glorify God whenever we allow Him to do things through us that could never have been done in our own efforts. Then all credit and honor goes to the One who indwells and empowers us.

Living so that ordinary graces are not only noticed and appreciated, but passed along to others. That is our call.

Bringing thanksgiving to all and glory to the ultimate Grace-Giver.

Will you do that in your writing and speaking today?

I simply must tell you that today’s blog is an excerpt from my Brand New Book “Ordinary Graces” launching out into the world any day now – and to entreat you to purchase a gazillion copies please. Thank you. signed, Humble Author

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Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is passionate about embracing life — both through deep soul care from drawing closer to God, as well as living courageously in order to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she delights in weaving grace and mercy into ordinary life situations. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning, Dwelling Places (2017 Christian Retailing Best Award for Devotional) , Ordinary Graces,  Live These Words,  Refresh! and Role of a Lifetime.  A member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), Lucinda received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs monthly for The Write Conversation.Whether co-directing  "reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,"  pouring into young moms, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.encouragingwords.net/