Sunday, February 5, 2023

Am I Helping or Hindering Other Writers


by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6:3

I am incredibly privileged to direct the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. As much as I LOVE what I do, this conference is always a blessing, and a trial for me to attend. A blessing because I get see first-hand the way God is using His people to impact the world. I also get to witness incredible acts of selflessness and encouragement. I always see multiple examples of grace in action. 

Here, seasoned writers encourage, teach and network with those who are still working hard to get started on their publishing dreams. It seems everywhere I turn I see someone putting others ahead of themselves. I watched one generous writer give away her coveted editor appointment to another writer, and as a result the recipient moved several steps closer to her publishing goal. Beyond that, during the conference it's normal to see knots of attendees huddled together, praying for one another or celebrating good news.

The trial comes when I see the other side of human nature. In the stress-filled environment of a conference some revert to a more selfish way of carrying on. Their conversation tends to consist more of I and me, instead of you and yours. Even worse, their actions are subtly orchestrated to remind those around of their importance and yes, greed. The hardest thing about encountering this, is how obvious it is to everyone around. 

So what do I do when I witness these sorts of individuals? I’ve discovered the first thing I need to do is pray—for myself. When I see this in others, I use it to remind me to be on guard against self-centeredness within my own heart. Because I guarantee you it’s there, even if I’ve managed to conquer it for the moment. I let the behavior I observe be a signpost, pointing to the fact that none of us is perfect and we all must work to react in a giving and grace-filled manner.

TWEETABLE

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Featured Image: Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

4 comments:

  1. Wonderful suggestion of taking what could be another moment of pride in myself (pointing fingers at my perceived ideas of someone else's wrongdoing) and allowing that observation to help me correct my own wrongdoings. Love this post, Edie. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. This is something any one of us could be tempted to do--allowing the flesh to overrun our determination to build the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 is a great passage to meditate on before attending a conference. Our gifts are not given for personal edification. "To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the COMMON good." I can't tell you how many times, in my fledgling writing career, I was blessed by complete strangers at a writing conference, who encouraged me in one way or another by giving with no promise of a return. We're all on the same team, working to build God's kingdom. There's no competition. Every team member is significant and important. Every victory is something we can all celebrate.

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  3. Great first response!
    Suggested second response? Pray for them.
    I've noticed that the "annoying" people God places within my radar are often those who struggle with the same things I do. Does this show God's sense of humor? lol

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  4. Well said! We can all take this lesson to heart.

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