Building Crews by Sharron K. Cosby

Building Crews

by Sharron K. Cosby

 

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT).

 

Our Word Weavers group meets at a restaurant after our monthly critique session. We enjoy fellowship, discuss ideas, and bond as writing friends.

At a recent lunch gathering, a young member shared her struggles with loneliness and faith. During the next hour, we poured into her needs by revealing our own difficulties and how we sought to overcome them. Tears brimmed as six women offered comfort and encouragement borne out of mutual life experiences.

The title “writer” signifies a solitary endeavor. We compose our thoughts and spirit-led messages in isolation. We edit and submit to agents or publishers alone in hopes our efforts are acceptable and ready for an audience. Our solitude creates the potential for the enemy of our souls to discourage and distract us from God’s promptings.

The power of belonging to a writing community ensures we are not alone but surrounded by others who share our passion for creativity. They lift our spirits and redirect our thoughts when our motivation lags. We not only share the love of stringing words together, but we find strength in supporting our fellow writers.

The Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Thessalonica to care for each other and prevent discouragement and loneliness. On his missionary journeys, Paul reminded believers to rally around one another as a faith-strengthening tactic.

As members of critique groups, we can fulfill Paul’s admonition to encourage and build up one another.

Father, thank you for the writing communities you use to establish writers, strengthen their faith and encourage their gifts. Amen.

 

Sharron Cosby is a proud Alabama native transplanted to the sands of Florida. She is an award-winning author and loves speaking about her family’s journey through addiction and other hope-filled topics. Her book, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, is a devotional for families who love an addict. Connect with Sharron at www.SharronCosby.com