One Simple Way to Gain Favor

by Alycia W. Morales
@AlyciaMorales

Life Lessons #5

I recently returned from teaching at a Christian Writers Conference. One thing I love to do is to encourage other writers. Other people who are chasing their God-given dreams. I was blessed with the opportunity to share my writing journey with the small group of women who were taking my class this year.

At its core, my message to those who dream of being something bigger is this:

 Serve.

That's it. Lay down your desires, your aspirations, your desire to lead others and - simply - serve.

The first year I attended the writers conference, I didn't know anyone. But a faculty member who was serving as the Yahoo! group moderator took a chance on me and offered a roommate, her friendship, and to mentor me.

When I returned the next year, I had more new friends than I could count on two hands. And most of them were faculty. Why?

Because I served.

I took note of the needs around me. And I took action.

I helped direct people to where they needed to go. I bought coffee and brought it to my instructors. I said thank you. I offered help ... and people took me up on it.

Because it wasn't about me and my desires.

It was about God and His call on my life to be a leader servant encourager. One who will put my wishes and dreams and desires aside to help others first. One who will watch for a need and attempt to fulfill it.

A man's gift makes room for him,

And brings him before great men.

- Proverbs 18:16

And it has paid off. Not because I'm anybody, but because God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. He has shown me His favor.

Favor with my mentor. Who is now the conference co-director and has deemed me worthy of being her right hand.

Favor with an agent. Who said he'd represent me before I even had my manuscript finished. Because another author told me he needed to be my agent. (I would never ask him to do so of my own free will. And that's highly unusual.)

Favor with a publisher who allowed me the opportunity to work with them as an editor. Which has lead to a great career as a freelance editor. Award-winning (my clients have been).

Yes, I'm still waiting for the opportunity to have my own book published, but I have thoroughly enjoyed serving and encouraging others along their writing paths while I work on my own.

So whether you're a mom or a career woman or a starving artist who wants to see your calling fulfilled, I encourage you to become a servant leader first. Just like Jesus. Who did His Father's will and not His own.

Inspire Us: Share about a time when you served and God poured His favor out on you.

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