For the Love of God, Give Yourself a Promotion

“People ask me all the time: ‘How did you make it?’ I say it in the press all the time but people cut it out—it was nothing but the grace of God.”
~ Tyler Perry

As mostly self-employed writers, we must stop abusing our most valuable employee, and start creating a more loving climate. It’s time to give yourself a promotion.

Like me, you may think, I haven’t done anything to earn a promotion. Maybe it’s been rejection after rejection or maybe, like me, you haven’t sent anything out in months. Maybe you haven’t been able to meet writing goals because you’re in a challenging season. Or maybe you believe self-imposed suffering pleases God.

There isn’t a single creature on this planet that God tells us to treat poorly. Why do we think the way we treat ourselves should be an exception?

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
– Eph 2:8, ESV

Why not allow ourselves some of the grace he’s freely given us by offering ourselves—and our friends—more incentives? Here’s how.

Quarterly or Annual Review

Is it time to sit down with God, in a quiet, prayerful way for a career review? Not only is this a great opportunity to receive direction (or redirection), but a fantastic way to feel seen and valued as a writer. Allow God to pour out on you the things he loves about you, your projects and dreams, and your recent work performance. Notice how, unlike most bosses, he understands when life has gotten in the way, because his aim is your spiritual growth. Bring a notepad and write it all down so you won’t forget.

Jabez knew his limitations, yet still wanted to grow in leadership. He asked God to expand his territory and God did it. Ask God for extra support right now, such as finding a critique partner or a professional website designer. Maybe you could use a writing class to improve your professional skills, or take an inspirational vacation. Don’t forget to ask God for invisible promotions such as child-care, improved sleep, energy, or help with a cognitive disorder such as ADHD.

During a challenging period as a single mom, I asked God to help put my hyperactive toddler to bed on nights where I was exhausted and needed to work. To my astonishment, my son fell asleep with a book before I even drew his bath.

Service and Leadership Positions

Another opportunity for promotion is to take a risk and step into a leadership position, such as a writing teacher, book group facilitator, or critique group leader. Helping others is also one of the most effective ways to stay encouraged—and there are always opportunities to volunteer.

Many Christian writing organizations are looking for critique group leaders.

Think of the benefits of having an upgraded job title to add to your email signature!

Your Name
Inspire Writers Critique Group Facilitator
(You know you want it.)

And while you’re at it, consider giving yourself some authority over the peons in your office, such as that plastic house succulent that could use some redirection, or that faded throw rug from TJ Maxx that never believed in your potential. Show them who’s boss!

Office Upgrades & More

You know how many hours you spend at your keyboard. Maybe it’s a good time to upgrade your office space to the dining room or pull your desk over to a window. Consider re-landscaping the area outside that window, or swapping out your office furniture for something fresh—or even vintage. How about adding a popcorn machine?

Are you building breaks into your writing schedule? How about a president’s meeting with takeout lunch on the company bill?

Promoting Co-workers

It excites me to see how God puts people in my path so we can bless each other. Employed as God’s hands and feet, we have an important responsibility toward the writers in our extended networks. Could God be asking you to encourage another writer right now? When is the last time you wrote a literary review?

If buying books is currently too expensive, there are many free ways to promote authors. Drop names in conversations or share blogs on social media. Don’t forget to pass on what you’ve learned to new authors. Treating others as we wish to be treated is key to creating healthy spiritual habits around this work. In this blessed life, where everything depends on the grace of God, we can always afford to bless others.

Last year, a relatively new friend gifted me her week-long mentoring spot at a writing conference, knowing I couldn’t afford it. Her set-apart generosity brought me to my knees, made me feel seen by God, and encouraged me to stay the course. I want to love others this way!

Dear Father,

Thank you for blessing me with the desire to write. I want to take my writing career seriously enough to receive promotions, even undeserved ones, and light enough to let go of my self-condemnation and pressure to conform to the world’s standard of success. Please help me keep my focus on Jesus and his great purpose. Show me how I can reach out to fellow writers and bless them with an incentive to make it through these long stretches and isolated days. I ask this in Jesus’s name.