As Christian authors, we have many opportunities to put into practice the list of the attributes of love that St. Paul listed in 1 Corinthians 13:
Love:
Is patient: After submitting proposals, we do ourselves, our agents, and editors a favor by exercising patience. In Submissions Land, editors may feel as though a month is five minutes. Agents might say a month is a day. For an author, a month feels like six months. We get it, and we appreciate your patience. Think of each submission as a gift. Work on creating a new present for another editor while you wait. As for nudging? Try six weeks for an agent and three months for an editor.
Is kind: Strive to be gentle in all communication. When you’re under pressure and feeling less than generous, try to step away so you can come back and communicate with a calm demeanor. When offended, work to arrive at an understanding. If that’s impossible, the Lord is showing you the best individuals to have in your life. People are too numerous for us to serve them all!
Does not envy: Writers can view successful authors with jealousy. Envy is a natural emotion, especially when you feel awash with rejections and low on funds. Note that famous writers gaze upon authors they sense are more successful. No matter how high you fly, someone else will soar higher. When feeling envious, love yourself. Reflect on your present circumstances and enjoy your moment. Triumph and its ensuing migraines will arrive soon enough.
Does not boast: Bragging so that someone struggling feels even worse is never a good look. When there’s boasting to be done, let others praise you. Then, don’t be like the Hollywood starlet who believes her own publicity.
Is not proud: You may not strut, but secret pride can be debilitating. If you carry a concealed superiority complex, that trait will show itself at an inopportune time. Instead, to God be the glory. Everything here is His, anyway. He is gracious to lend His creative spirit to us.
Does not dishonor others: We all make statements we regret. The best idea when you’re upset is not to send an email or make a phone call. Take the time you need to see the situation rationally. Then act. Or not.
Is not self-seeking: When you put others first, your heart soars much higher than when you look out only for yourself.
Is not easily angered: Less anger = fewer regrets = less stress = lower blood pressure = better physical health = better mental health = less anger.
Keeps no record of wrongs: I know people who’ve held onto grudges for so many decades that the grievance itself becomes part of their identity. If Grudge Holder is what you want on your gravestone, never letting go of any insult is an excellent way to start; but this is not a good position for a Christian.
Does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth: Christian authors are privileged not to be asked to glorify sin. Rather, our business is to honor the Lord with the truth. This is the greatest love of all.
Voices of Faithfulness: Why Missionary Writers Are Important
I wish that I could love like Paul
told the church at Corinth how; with mind and heart, but overall
a willingness to kneel and bow
my head unto a greater Good,
to be reflection of the Cross,
to show that nails and blood and wood
do not add up to lack and loss,
but are burnished in humility,
living channel of the holy Grace
that any man on earth can be,
no matter station, birth, or place,
heir to wealth God would have all know
that given freely only grows.
Poofreeding at 4am…oh where oh where has my gone?
First quatrain should scan like
I wish that I could love like Paul
told the church at Corinth how;
with mind and heart, but overall
a willingness to kneel and bow
Golly…and THAT should have read oh where or where has my carriage return gone…
Quitting while I’m ahead, or at least still sane.
If only I could train my brain
To be as clear at 4am
As Andrew’s, I would not complain,
But happily praise the great I Am.
YES, Karen! hahahaha!
You’re fine, Andrew. We love you.
Pam, thank you!
Karen, that’s lovely, and I am honoured.
This is great. Thank you for sharing!
This is lovely! Thank you
What a great outline! And not just for writers, of course, but a reminder in every role and realm.
I love this post. Thank you for sharing these reminders and encouragement.
Thank you for sharing this, Tamela! Sage advice.
A wise and beautiful post. Thank you.
This is so good. I love it! Thank you so much for sharing it.
THIS. This is why I love working in an industry of believers. We have a higher call to answer. Such warm and refreshing reminders on this rainy Thursday morning in east Tennessee. Thank you Tamela!
What a perfectly timed reminder to serve Him in all our ways! Thank you so much, Tamara! This was a blessing! ❤️✝️🙏🏻
Thanks, autocorrect! That’s Tamela (ignoring wiggly red lines!!)
I. Love. This. So. Much. (No pun intended ~ heh.)
Thank you, Tamela!
Very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you Tamela for this beautiful post. Cor 1:13 was the first scripture I memorized as a teenager as it’s one of my favorites. Thank you for bringing these fresh insights,.
Thank you, Tamela, for opening my day with this Scripture.
Such wonderful insight and wisdom in this post. I had to read it a couple of times to soak it in. It’s both inspiring and convicting. Thank you, Tamela.
These are great reminders. It can be easy to lose focus when working so hard. Thank you!!
Great reminders. we probably need to post it in front of us and read every week.
Thank you; this is such a thoughtful piece of writing.
I am humbled by your encouraging comments. Thank you.
Such a motivating post!
So well said, Tamela. Thank you for the reminder: )
So well said. Thank you for the reminder, Tamela : )
Dear God,
Help us to be a people who eagerly learn from critique,
Who are gentle with our words and intelligence,
Who love loving like You, more than the thought of our names on a hardcover,
Or our number of social media followers.
I’m guilty.
Who trust Your process and Your time and Your plan.
God, forgive our sin and
Help us find our worth in Your greater picture.
Let it be so.
Just got to this. Wonderful post. Great way to live and swim in the writer’s pool.
Thank you