By Karynthia Glasper-Phillips @QT_HisTime
In a conversation with some fellow authors and novice writers I made the statement; “Writers are warriors, answering the call to write is not for wimps.” The expression on their faces varied as each scrambled to remark or question what I meant. Communicating the gospel in any form will put us on the frontline as Christian soldiers for spiritual attack that manifest in many forms that attempt to prevent us from publishing the revelation of the Word of God to the world as downloaded into you from the Father.
In our current state of crisis with Covid-19, earthquakes, hate crimes, and increased tornadoes the world needs the perspective of Christian writers in all forms of media with a message of hope.
It has been my experience that anytime a new project was in the process or near completion, a crisis of faith masked as sickness, death, domestic issues, or you name it appears to slow the release of the project. Writers are teachers of scriptures like preachers who prepare their messages in many ways; however, I will focus on three of them. Regardless of the literary genre it is important to ensure that the message conveyed: 1) is not only contextual, 2) the theme draws the reader to God and 3) enlist a circle of trust to cover you with prayer. A good editor, agent and marketing strategist are important; however, the foundation of a spiritual covering should be included in your arsenal as a Christian writer.
Begin to see yourself as a scribe for God whenever you experience writers block, discouragement, a computer crash, a rejection letter, sickness during a deadline etc. We are in a war zone and those challenges are fiery darts to distract you from completing your assignment designed to build the Kingdom of God.
As Christian writers, we know we have the armor of God available, but is your uniform and artillery always ready for battle? In order to effectively battle as a writer, we must be equipped spiritually, mentally and physically. Training is necessary.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Ammunition for Christian writers:
- Self-care: Value your entire being spirit, mind, and body. This requires planning and time for you to have moments of reflection with God daily, rest, mental health moments, laughter, time with family and friends, good nutrition and exercise. Did you know exercise is key to creativity?
- Identify intercessors: It is recommended you recruit 2-3 people who will commit to intercede specifically for you during writing projects. Throughout my speaking and writing career, I discovered having this circle of trust praying and serving me with spiritual direction very helpful.
- Self-improvement: Involves current knowledge for relevant writing, tools of the trade, meeting others at conferences and retreats which provides an opportunity to hone skills. Self-improvement also includes taking regular vacations. I have found a 3-day weekend quarterly is refreshing.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
~Eph 6:11 NIV
The journey of submitting our unique message to the publisher can be turbulent and we will need support. Christian writers are in a war zone and remembering that can increase productivity. The adversary doesn’t want your project completed and published because it contains truth for godly living.
Our vocation as a Christian writer should not be taken lightly. We are echoing God’s word to a world needing relevance for today’s living. Whether you spread the Good News via books, articles, as a blogger, or as a social media wiz, the purpose of fulfilling The Great Commission should be kept in mind as we prepare for publications. Why? As scribal soldiers our personal experiences will resonate the power of God’s love into the heart of our readers.
Karynthia Glasper-Phillips a speaker and author whose workshops, coaching, and blogs, integrate the importance of selfcare of spirit, mind, and body as the foundation for effectiveness in fulfilling any life call.
She is bi-vocational as a minister, internal medicine practitioner, and conference speaker. She is an adjunct professor at American Baptist College. Karynthia is an advocate for decreasing disparity of cancer among women as demonstrated in her work with nonprofit organization Echoes of Hope, Inc.
Karynthia’s coaching style is visible in her passion to see clients connect the dots and step beyond their personal boundaries into fulfillment of goals and dreams as speakers, business owners, leaders and authors. Her unique ability to combine well-being in her coaching style hones client’s skills, which make their strong characteristics shine brighter as they journey forward achieving their vision as God designed.
To name a few achievements Karynthia is a contributing author in Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie’s book, Not Without a Struggle: Leadership for African American Women in Ministry. Karynthia is also a contributing writer for Our Daily Bread. Most recently collaborative project Blessed Is She released 2019 with Discovery House.
As a wife and mother in her spare time she enjoys crocheting, horseback riding, color painting, and playing the flute. Her desire to see a revival of Scripture reading is her prayer. She and her husband and adult children live in Nashville, Tennessee.
Her mantra: “Self-care is not by Chance it’s a Choice.”
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