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| Photo courtesy of “chrisroll”/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
I
was excited having been advised ten days or so ago that stock had finally
landed in the US after a month’s delay due to a bungle at the printers. This
had been the second delay as the original launch date was November last year.
However, my UK publisher were planning a big splash for the launch of their new
fiction imprint, Lion Fiction, in March this year and decided to
include Angelguard as part of the celebrations.
So
to find out that none of the physical retails stores in the US were currently
stocking it was disheartening.
Out
of the Blue
I
popped over to a blog I regularly visit and happened to notice a reply to a
comment I had written a few days earlier.
BAM
I
almost fell off my chair. This virtual friend shared some encouragement that
blew my mind. Her words were confirmation of something I had pondered over for
a while, but had never shared it with anyone else.
“Thank
you, Lord,” I spoke out aloud to no one, bar Beanie our 15-week-old puppy.
He
just has a way of doing that, I find. Words from out of nowhere arrive just at
the moment you can do with them the most.
I
stopped worrying about sluggish book sales.
Barnabas
I’ve
always loved Barnabas’ story: Paul’s right hand man for the initial period of
his ministry. Soon after Paul’s conversion (he was still know as Saul, in fact)
he was trying to draw close to the disciples, however, “they were all afraid of
him, not believing that he was a disciple.” (Acts 9: 26b, NASB) It was Barnabas
we are told in the following verses, who spoke up, encouraging the disciples to
welcome Saul by describing his miraculous conversion.
There
are other instances when Barnabas provides similar encouragement not just to
Paul, but also to other believers. In fact, when we first meet Barnabas’ he was
known as “Joseph” (his birth name) and it is the apostles who gave him the new
name of Barnabas. (Acts 4:36-37) In Greek, Barnabas means “son of
encouragement”. The apostles had first hand experience of his encouraging
nature.
Surprising
Reaction
The
following day I was reading a newsletter from an author I follow. This
newsletter was beautifully written revealing this author’s vulnerability
regarding a number of personal matters. I sent a note expressing my concern and
commitment to prayer. In addition, I asked a question about the launch plan for
her upcoming novel.
I
soon received a reply seeking some information regarding the question I had
asked. I quickly provided that information and realised by the following
response that I had been of encouragement and practical assistance regarding
the launch plans.
I
was chuffed. Here I was, a fan of this author, and she had benefited from my
suggestion. It was a nice feeling to receive this author’s gracious response.
Sons
and Daughters
Just
like Barnabas, we too can be sons and daughters of encouragement. Every day I
seek to encourage somebody. It might be as simple as a reply/RT of a tweet, a
quick text message, an email, a DM saying I’m praying for you.
Discouragement
is one of the key methods the enemy tries to dislodge people, to keep them from
praying or reading the Bible. Even the most positive of people will experience
regular moments of discouragement. An encouraging word can never go to waste.
As
a reader I love connecting with an author if I’m able to. Most authors who have
websites usually provide a means for contacting them. Drop your favourite a
quick comment, telling them how much you enjoyed their recent novel. You might
be surprised when they drop a note back saying thanks.
But
don’t encourage expecting something in return. Simply give it, be the blessing,
or the gift. Be surprised and gracious if a response does arrive.
I
thought I’d leave you with this great quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“Our chief want is someone who will
inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
