6 Ways to Handle Praise
by Lisa A. Crayton

Writers who effectively polish and market their work will get published. That's a given. So is the fact that successful writers will receive accolades, in various forms, for their achievements. Such praise can be daunting for the Christian writer seeking to humbly serve God in the publishing arena.

How can a Christian writer effectively, yet humbly, handle praise without becoming puffed up? That's a question that often crops up on writing forums, as it did recently on The Writers View 2, founded by Suzie Eller. (I have the pleasure of co-moderating the group, along with Terri Pilcher, and Brandy Brow (our pinch-hitter).) Below, I provide some of the keys I shared that day.
 

Lessons Learned

Before I share those, it is important to understand what shaped my attitude.

I've been blessed to have served in various leadership roles in churches, as well as in secretarial roles for para-church ministries. Combined, these experiences opened my eyes to the inner workings of Christian organizations/churches and how to act, and how not to act in given circumstances (including when receiving accolades, praise, etc.). Moreover, I was fortunate enough to serve in churches where leadership development included a focus on character development. Overall, the focus was on:

• Service. Serving God out of a pure heart devoted to Him, and serving others with a servant's heart; and
   
• Emulation. Emulating our Savior who helped others without seeking anything in return. In one former church, I was required, for example, to attend twice weekly classes that focused on various aspects of spiritual growth and development. Those classes were tough because they forced me to look at me – my words and deeds, motivation for serving others, aspirations, etc.

Overall, I learned to put my goals, aspirations, gifts, callings, etc. in perspective: I learned that I am not "all that!" Instead, I am that I am because of the grace of God working through me, and God's grace has not been without effect. In other words, I would not be a "success" if it wasn't for God helping me to effectively execute the tasks set before me.

6 "Write" Ways to Handle Praise

So, how do I handle praise?

1. Accept. Praise is a natural outcome of a job well done (even social etiquette dictates that when a person does something well that person should be applauded, rewarded (i.e., promotion, award nomination, etc.). Accepting the compliment and thanking that person neither make us less humble, nor less spiritual than our peers. So, I thank the person... and move on.
    
2. Deflect. When a team effort is involved, for example, I'll deflect the praise so that I'm not the center of attention, and acknowledge efforts of others.
    
3. Correct. I don't allow people to put me on a pedestal—regardless how hard they try. For example, as a minister I often received "compliments" from folks who compared my preaching, teaching, exhorting, etc., to my pastor's or another minister, etc.
    
   As a communicator, I often receive "compliments" from folks who tell me my workshop style, writing, etc. is better than another communicator's. I always put the breaks on these so-called compliments because comparison is a lethal "friend." Once you start believing those compliments (and forget your failings) your head begins to swell, and you actions follow suit.
    
4. Serve. One of the best ways to maintain a sense of humility regarding our gifts, etc., is to serve others. At one conference, for example, I usually arrive a day early and will help set-up. The sweat and hard work usually helps me to work off any feelings of greatness that might try to creep in as I ready to teach workshops. Plus, working alongside a smelly me, helps conferees to "see" (smell) that I really am human, and not worthy of worship (although giving me a bar of soap, might not hurt).
    

Effective Self-Praise

Study the guidelines. Pitch a related manuscript. Combined, these two rules help writers expertly pitch material that an editor needs. Despite this, editor's often still hanker for manuscripts that writers don't want to pen for various reasons. Success stories fall into this category for SPIRIT-LED WRITER.

For many Christian writers, the idea of writing an article chronicling their success is too much like pushing the self-promotion envelope. Don't go there, some think, believing that shining a spotlight on their work equates to pride. Others feel that Proverbs 27:2 is reason enough not to pen a personal success story.

Clearly, the Scripture is worth taking to heart. But, don't think it forbids giving oneself an occasional pat on the back. Sometimes acknowledging our current success actually prevents us from becoming discouraged by routine publishing matters, like rejections, delays, editorial moves, etc. Plus, when we reinforce God's hand in our success stories or praise reports, the focus remains on him—not us. Our readers' faith becomes more firm while they wait on God to do great things with, and through, them. Finally, effective self-promotion is an aspect of marketing our work.

Effective self-promotion for writers of articles, fillers, and other material include:

• Brief "success" paragraphs used in queries and cover letters that provides snapshots of published works.
   
• Condensed bio-notes of credits used at the end of articles, etc.

Effective self-promotion for authors include:

• Detailed "success" sections included in book proposals of published works, and/or related experiences.
   
• Brief bio-notes used as back cover copy, or for use at the end of articles (written on the same topic, for example, to promote the book).

Those who market on the Internet, also prepare other material that can be used as promotional tools in online forums, etc. These include "signature lines." This information includes your name, and everything that follows—such as titles and links of recent articles or books, or a link to the your website.

If you struggle with the issue of praise—patting yourself on the back, or receiving praise from others—crafting these items will be excruciatingly difficult, if not impossible. Thus, the need to know how to give yourself an occasional praise.

Start today. First, if you have never done so, check SPIRIT-LED WRITER for appropriate submission guidelines. Second, either pen a query, or a short article, on what God has done in your writing career/ministry. Third, submit them to me at the appropriate address in the guidelines. Fourth, Check your email in several weeks—your story may be accepted for use in our "God's Glory/My Story" department. It's that easy.

5. Pray. If we're honest, we'll admit that we know which buttons push us into pride. I often ask God to help me:
    
• put compliments in perspective so that I can properly handle the task He's given me, and so that I can help others while turning them to Jesus. talk about myself less, and Him more.
   
• focus on others, and not on me
   
• tune out the world, and tune into Him (through prayer, fasting, Bible Study, Bible reading, worship, praise, etc.)
   
• acknowledge the success of others (if we have a difficult time complimenting someone else, or acknowledging someone's success, then chances are we are dealing with some serious, negative heart issues—like jealousy).
   
6. Reflect. I like to see myself as a glass half empty, instead of half full. When I realize that I'm gifted, etc., but still am only "half empty," I am more open to improving my skills (etc.), learning from others, and receiving (and acting upon) correction and rebuke. Thus, I'm more willing to grow until 100% full (which won't happen this side of heaven, but at least I'm striving for perfection).

Bottom line?

Accept praise, but don't let it dominate your heart or head. Acknowledge the success of others, without feeling inadequate or jealous. Praise God for your uniqueness, and ask Him to use your success as a platform to touch lives for Him, and His kingdom.

© 2007 Lisa A. Crayton