The Radiance of the Humble Writer

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

The writing life is often one of solitude as we barricade ourselves behind closed doors and weave words into story. If we stay in our writing cave too long without social interaction, we run the risk of what I call the hibernation syndrome. We grow inactive and our mind turns to mush. We’ve used our stored energy and need to escape to enjoy a meal of sumptuous literary food.

A few weeks ago I broke free from my writing room and attended a writer’s weekend at the home of one of my favorite authors. There were nine other writers who gathered to fellowship, dine on chef-created meals, and listen to workshops from those whom I believe to be giants in the industry. In addition to their wealth of information, I was struck by the humility of the faculty. While their experiences and credentials would seem to give them permission to do so, not one masqueraded as a celebrity. Instead, they invested themselves in the lives of others devoted to the craft of writing. 

No fee could pay for the time they spent away from family or their preparation of the workshops that fed our hungry writer souls. I’ve witnessed this humble, encouraging spirit many times at large conferences but, somehow, while molded comfortably on the sofa and feasting on rich literary meat, this light beamed bright. 

What is Humility?

Humility is being aware of your gift while not overrating your importance or position. Humility is notself-abasement or thinking lowly of oneself. Biblical humility connotes strength, as we remember our gifts are given by God, belong to God, and we are but stewards. The teaching of a humble instructor allows us to embrace their words for they spark possibilities. Not so with a prideful spirit, which dulls our witness and message and intimidates those to whom we present ourselves. 

Pride can sneak up on us, so beware. In 1 Samuel 9:21, we read where Samuel announced to Saul that God had chosen him to be king of Israel. The Bible tells us that Saul was humble, thinking of himself as the least and awed by the honor bestowed on him by God. It was not long before Saul allowed himself to be influenced by people instead of God. He made decisions filtered through his attitude of self-importance. His choices dishonored God and brought strife to the people God had given him to rule. He became so absorbed with his position and achievements that he even built a monument to himself. Because of his pride, God removed his calling and gave it to David, a man after God’s own heart.

Our world’s example is to glorify self and idolize those who achieve star status. Quite the opposite of God’s desire for His children. In fact, when asked the greatest commandment, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” When we love the Lord with all that is in us, we see each word we write, each opportunity presented to us as a gift from our loving heavenly Father, not to be held tightly, but nurtured, and then released to others. In doing so, we glorify God and prevent the living waters from becoming stagnant. Words have life when flowing from a humble heart—life that is dimmed from the pen of the pride and arrogant. 

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The radiance of the humble writer - @GannonEmme on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

"Words have life when flowing from a humble heart - life that is dimmed from the pen of the pride & arrogant." @EmmeGannon on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Emme Gannon is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves to write stories that stir the heart. Her award-winning writing has appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, several anthologies, and numerous newsletters. She just completed her first novel.