Spiritual Practices for Writers: The Practice of Humility

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

For my mentor, and my family, thank you.

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself (Philippians 2:3, NET).

I have not always practiced humility, but I have practiced seeking mentors to help me become skilled at what God asks me to do.

I can’t remember when I did not write. It was my creative castle once I could hold a crayon, then as I grew older, it became my chapel where I worshipped God in private, pen in hand. I never planned to share my words beyond that sacred, secret space.

One day, the One who is the Word had a serious conversation with me about my words. His message was simple: they aren’t yours. Give them away. So, I set out to find someone to show me how to do it.

Before the days of social media, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference was advertised in magazines. I feel sorry for those who aren’t familiar with the pleasing, particular scent of a freshly printed magazine. It was there, many years ago, before the commission to give my words away, that I found an advertisement for the BRMCWC. I cut it out and tucked it in my Organizer of All the Things. Each year when I sorted and purged, it remained. I couldn’t throw it away. I treasured that little square of paper like a secret wish.

I suppose that although I was selfish with my words in those days, a desire was growing in me to share them. God had planted the tiny seed right under my nose.

And in the same way, He would lead me to a mentor prepared just for me. 

My family surprised me in 2014 with a gift: using my carefully preserved advertisement as a reference, they found the modern-day BRMCWC. They secured a spot for me and presented the gift along with a 1934 Royal Junior typewriter and the cheery note, “It’s time to give your words away!”

I arrived at the conference nervous and alone, afraid to even call myself a writer. One morning, the plenary topic was marketing. The speaker stood up and began to describe her marketing philosophy.

I believe humility is the foundation of successful writing. So, I promote others. I place them before myself. I leave my promotion in the hands of the Lord, who showed us the way of humility.

Her message was completely unexpected. As the talk ended, I sensed the Lord at my shoulder, giving me a spiritual shove.

Ask her.

Stomach churning like a whirligig, I approached her. My request belched out of me, awkward and embarrassing. 

She prayed about it and said yes.

That was over a decade ago.

In the words of my mentor, the practice of humility is the foundation of successful writing. Who will you promote today?

Lord, thank you for showing us the way of humility. Our honor is in Your hands, and we trust You. Amen.

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Spiritual Practices for Writers: The Practice of Humility from @AudreyCFrank on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Don't Miss The Other Spiritual Practices for Writers!

JANUARY: THE PRACTICE OF PLANNING
FEBRUARY: THE PRACTICE OF TRUSTING
MARCH: THE PRACTICE OF HOPING
APRIL: THE PRACTICE OF WAITING
MAY: THE PRACTICE OF DISCIPLINE
JUNE: THE PRACTICE OF PERSEVERANCE

JULY: THE PRACTICE OF PROCLAIMING

AUGUST: THE PRACTICE OF HUMILITY

Audrey Frank is an author, speaker, and storyteller. The stories she shares are brave and true. They give voice to those whose words are silenced by shame, the hard things in life that don’t make sense, and the losses that leave us wondering if we will survive. Audrey and her family have spent over twenty years living and working among different cultures and world views, and she has found that God’s story of redemption spans every geography and culture. He is the God of Instead, giving honor instead of shame, gladness instead of mourning, hope instead of despair. Although she has three different degrees in communication and intercultural studies, Audrey’s greatest credential is that she is known and loved by the One who made her.

Audrey is the author of Covered Glory: The Face of Honor and Shame in the Muslim World (Harvest House Publishers), an outpouring of Audrey’s heart to introduce others to the God of Instead. Shame is not unique to the developing world, the plight of the women behind veils, young girls trafficked across borders; shame is lurking in hearts everywhere. Through powerful stories from women around the world, Covered Glory illuminates the power of the Gospel to remove shame, giving honor instead. Available at favorite booksellers: BARNES & NOBLE, BOOKS A MILLION, AMAZON.