“Encourage One Another”

With all the wonderful, skillful writers who blog, I often find it difficult to come up with a new idea for a blog post. The author of Ecclesiastes (1:9) proclaims, “And there is nothing new under the sun.”  As writers, we know that an old subject with a new twist or point of view can appeal to a new audience or meet another need.

Throughout my life, I’ve found it difficult to ask for help, even when it would make a task simpler. It could be because I’m an introvert, and I don’t want to bother another person with my problem. I’ve come to the conclusion that it is more often pride and fear of revealing a weakness that hold me back. Like the toddler learning to dress himself, I conclude, “I can do it myself!”

Although I’m aware of people who isolate themselves from other people, I believe God created us to be social, to thrive in community (small or large), to encourage and support one another. “Iron sharpens iron,” says Proverbs 27:17, “So one man sharpens another.” (NAS)

I love that, within the community of Christian writers, we encourage and support one another. I’m still learning and benefitting from the knowledge and skill of others. And even though I may never be asked to join the faculty at a writers’ conference,  I can encourage others by sharing what I have learned with them. I can pray for them and with them, cheer them when they succeed, and boost their confidence when they fail. Perhaps I’m encouraging a future Shakespeare or Jerry Jenkins.

As Christian writers, I believe Paul’s words to the Thessalonian believers can be applied to us.

“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NAS)

My goal as a writer is to glorify God and encourage others.

Sincerely,

Beth

www.bethewestcott.com