Most writers have them. People in their lives who encourage, help and believe in their calling ˗˗ the unsung heroes of a writer’s journey. Without seeking recognition or praise, they find ways to smooth the path so the writer can move ahead in confidence. An unsung hero is not well known but has a significant impact from behind the scenes.
My mother was an unsung hero in my writing journey. She listened to me read my fledgling stories when I began to test my writing wings as a child. She told me I had a way with words. When I wanted to enroll in a journalism program after graduating from high school, her belief in my writing ability gave me confidence to do so. Although her early dreams of becoming a nurse were never realized, she wanted to do what she could to help me with mine.
At one point I was discouraged from pursuing my writing by someone who felt threatened by any independence I exhibited. Now I share my life with my husband, who encourages me in numerous ways to exercise the gift God has given me. He makes sure I have the right tools, like a good computer and space to write. He finds an audience for my writing by publishing my devotionals on the back of our church bulletin. When I need time and quiet to write, he accommodates those needs within our life together. He and my mother are just two of the unsung heroes of my writing journey. Teachers, employers, critique group members, fellow writers and readers also join the ranks of those who have a part in any success I have in the writing field. They have affirmed me, prayed for me, guided me, and helped me in big and small practical ways to pursue my dream.
Writers can sometimes suffer from fragile, sensitive egos. We pour our hearts out on the page, fussing over our creations like a mother with a child. It is daunting to put our writing out to the public, where it can be a possible target for criticism or rejection. Having someone behind the scenes who believes in our gifting can give us the confidence to pursue our craft, or keep trying when we’ve had a setback.
The biblical character, Barnabas, is an example of an unsung hero, appearing in the pages of scripture for that very reason. His name means “son of encouragement”, because he helped and supported others in their endeavors to further the gospel of Christ. He is mentioned frequently in the book of Acts, especially because of his advocacy of the Apostle Paul.
Although formerly a persecutor of Christians, Paul was recommended to the apostles by Barnabas, who spoke boldly of his dramatic conversion and newfound faith in Christ. He brought Paul to Antioch where they worked together, teaching the people. After his cousin, John Mark, abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, Barnabas mentored the young man, restoring him to a position of usefulness in the ministry. Barnabas did not seek recognition for himself, choosing to make an impact encouraging others for the greater good.
An unsung hero in your writing journey may be the one who makes meals for you when you are working toward a deadline, or takes care of your children, or shares some contacts within the publishing field to help you get started. Sometimes someone critiquing your work to improve it can make a difference. Rather than take those who help us for granted, we need to express our appreciation with gratitude and affirmation.
Our unsung heroes are good role models for how we, in turn, can help others exercise their gifting. I know from experience how crucial others’ support is to me as I seek to fulfill God’s call to write. Doing the same for someone else pursuing their dream encourages them, and is a way of thanking God for His provision of our own mentors and helpers.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:3-5a NIV)
