When Elvis Presley came on the scene in the 1950’s, moms across the U.S. were furious. Seems this guy with a quiver and a shake and a big guitar threatened to usher Rock and Roll into our noble homes.
My mom topped the charts: “Don’t have anything to do with this Elvis guy. He’s trouble.”
So, we lived life without Elvis. Amazing.
Fast forward twenty years. When my young daughters and I entered Mom’s guest room in California, I was stunned. Elvis memorabilia was everywhere—banners, festival hats, posters, and much more.
My 3-year-old sounded out the word plastered around the room.
“Gwamma, what’s a ELLLL – VISSSS?”
“Oh, honey, he’s a wonderful man!” Mom gushed.
“Mom! What’s—?”
She told of when she was the harpist in Elvis Presley’s orchestra. One night he came backstage while she was tuning her harp. He told her how beautifully she played, thanked her for being in his orchestra, sat on her harp stool and had her show him how she worked the pedals and strings. He smiled and thanked her again as he left.
It cost Elvis nothing but a minute of his time; yet in those 60 seconds, his expressed gratitude and sincere interest in Mom’s life passion changed an irate mother into a lifelong fan. Ah, the power of encouragement. It can win a heart or a new friend—even change a life.
And here’s the beauty of it for Christian writers and speakers: Those of us who minister alongside one another through pen and podium have that same power of encouragement to make a difference in each other’s lives and ministries.
What are some ways we can encourage our fellow writers and speakers? Using the acronym
P.O.W.E.R., here are five surefire ways:
P — Pray with them, and for them—and let them know.
Consider prayerfully setting up a P.I.T. crew—Personal Intercessor Team—and joining a ministry prayer team. Our Speak Up faculty prayer team encourages us all.
O — Offer words of affirmation—life-giving Scriptures and encouraging words.
Consider offering mutual hope, guidance, and comfort through words. The apostle Paul wrote, “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours” (Romans 1:12 NLT). We can do this for each other.
W — Write notes of thanks. Let them know what you appreciate about them.
Consider packing note cards when you go to a conference. What an encouragement those notes have been when I’ve received them after a workshop or mentoring session!
E — Express support by helping with launches, endorsements, and reviews.
Consider prayerfully supporting other Christian writers and speakers on social media and beyond. Listen. Follow. Encourage. Discover their needs and challenges so you can help.
R — Rejoice with them when they complete a project or achieve a win.
Consider being an enthusiastic cheerleader at award ceremonies. A professor I took to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Golden Scrolls Awards was amazed at how we clapped, hugged, and cheered each other on. Her world of academia focuses on competition, not encouragement. We’re not competing; we’re all on “Team Jesus.” So, hug away!
Speaking of hugs, here’s a footnote free of charge:
Encouragement can be a powerful two-way blessing—especially when accompanied by a genuine hug.
Did you know that our hugs can stimulate the release of oxytocin and other positive neurotransmitters, leading to physiological and psychological benefits for both the hugger and the hugged? And it doesn’t cost either of us a thing.
We’ve seen how Elvis encouraged Mom by his words and actions—and how the Apostle Paul prayed for the chance to visit his Christian friends so he could encourage them with his gift of faith and be encouraged by their comfort and fellowship.
Ready to unleash this power of encouragement? Let’s do it! Our writing and speaking ministries and our friendships will be richer for it.
“Encourage each other and build each other up” (1Thessalonians 5:11 NLT).
Question: How has someone’s encouragement helped you keep going when life or ministry got tough?
About Sandi Banks
Sandi is a certified speaker, published author, and inspirational storyteller. She loves connecting with women through humorous, hope-filled stories drawn from her adventures and misadventures in 40 countries on six continents. Sandi writes devotions for numerous publishing houses, serves on Speak Up Conference faculty, and leads women’s Bible studies. Connect with Sandi at www.sandibanks.com.