Fellowship of Writers
by Tina Yeager
(Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV).
I gathered sister authors at my side and posed for a snapshot at this weekend’s conference. Our long-awaited chance to hug online friends filled us with such radiant joy that it overrode the camera’s flash. We cherished our sweet camaraderie more than the evening’s chocolate treats.
Other moments have settled me next to fellow creatives suffering through dilemmas and struggles. Prayerful tears anointed our clutched hands. While I encouraged a fellow writer at the onset of these conversations, I soon realized that this moment also renewed my soul. The salty flow of serving others, the broth of Christ’s presence, in person, hydrated me.
Between events, my daily routine holds me in isolation. I fast from connection while kneading the bread of words. In time, my starved heart groans. I weaken without the sweet nourishment of joy in celebrating our calling. My mind and heart grow parched when deprived of the salty nourishment only found in fellowship with writers. I need in-person gatherings with other creatives.
The Lord reminds me to care for my creative spirit by partaking in the body of Christ. He created humans for relationships. Creatives who bear the Creator’s image must engage with one another according to our design.
In this age when messengers of faith encounter brutal opposition, we must encourage one another more than ever. Our calling depends upon regular meals of body and blood as we dine upon Christ’s presence with other believers. Undernourished hearts produce weak inspiration at best. As truth-bearers, let’s not venture into this world’s spiritual battlefields with starved souls.
Father, thank you for nourishing us with Christ’s body as we fellowship with other believers. Remind us to take the time to give ministry to other writers and receive the encouragement our hearts need. Fill us with your presence as we engage with other writers. Amen.
Award-winning author, speaker, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast and Flourish Today radio show on Christian Mix 106. She also serves on the team presenting STRUCK the streaming series. Her 10-week, ten-minutes-a-day Subdue Stress and Anxiety course features 15 expert presenters. Check out Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision, 2022). Connect with Tina at tinayeager.com.
Amen.