A Good Name - Dorothy Bentley

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1


Being a writer is a difficult calling and it is a challenge to always act and react in a way which brings glory to God.

Not very long ago, one of my columns was cut from the local newspaper. I took it harder than I thought I would, and phoned the editor for explanation. It didn't seem fair, and as far as I knew, many people enjoyed my columns. As a Christian, I knew whatever I said would not only reflect on me personally, but also on my Lord. Even though I was hurt and disappointed, I bit my tongue and didn't say anything which I regretted, but I took my hurt feelings to a few trusted Christian friends who supported me, and prayed for me.

Not long after, I found myself working on a volunteer basis with a different editor from the same newspaper. She is a wonderful, talented lady. Just recently, she offered me a few freelance assignments, with the agreement that I would mentor a young writer with one of them, which I agreed to do.

I was thankful that I hadn't said or done anything to jeopardize my professional reputation. In the field of writing, no door is forever closed, and no editor is ever a person of the past. Editors move to new publishers, and new opportunities may come because of a good reputation.

Working hard, meeting deadlines, and keeping hurt feelings in check helped me to keep a good name. And even more importantly, I hope God's name was glorified as I put His reputation first.