How to Armor Your Faith and Creativity When Doubts and Rejection Hit Hard~~
I recently attended a class called “Ditching Discouragement” by Heather Greer at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Her message resonated deeply with me, and it’s one I think all writers—especially those who share their faith through fiction—need to hear.
Yet, these truths apply even if you’re not a writer—perhaps they’ll speak to your own story.
I wore a bulletproof vest the day I took the class, with “writer” boldly stamped across the front and back. A fitting reminder we’re not just protecting our words; we’re guarding our hearts.
Bullets of Discouragement
As writers, we share our faith wrapped in the cozy blankets of story—our own way of giving the world a taste of God’s goodness. But life’s faith-shaking situations often collide with these ministry goals, becoming bullets of discouragement that leave us gasping.
These bullets come in many forms:
- Imposter syndrome, whispering, “You’re not a real writer.”
- Rejection, taunting, “Sure, you’re a writer, but you’ll never amount to anything.”
- Weariness, where the list of woes is not exhaustive, but it is exhausting.
We measure our success by an impossible standard, forgetting that even when we fall short, that isn’t how God measures our worth. He knows we all fall short, yet He calls us to keep going.
The Power of the Bullet
Why do these bullets have such power? Because writing is personal. When someone rejects our story, it can feel like they’re rejecting us. But that’s not true. Our worth isn’t in the words we string together or in the opinions of others—it’s in the One who called us to write.
Soul Care for the Writer’s Heart
These bullets can’t penetrate a well-armored heart. Our words will be hollow if our spirit cup is empty. As authors, we do more than entertain—if God is in us, some of Him should be on the pages we write.
So let’s practice soul care:
- Be honest about how healthy and regular your quiet time with God is.
- Ask yourself: Do I listen as much as I talk? What distractions keep me from Him?
- Adjust your environment to create a space conducive to time alone with God.
Embrace a Teachable Spirit
Proverbs 12:15 tells us the wise listen to advice. Barriers like pride, hurt feelings, and ego can keep us from growing. A teachable spirit helps us see criticism not as a rejection of us, but as a chance to learn. Ask: “Is there something I can learn from this?” That question can turn a bullet into a stepping stone.
Celebrate the Victories
Psalm 103:2 reminds us to “praise the Lord and forget not all his benefits.” Joshua left twelve stones as a memorial to God’s faithfulness, just as communion reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice. Remember and celebrate your victories—big or small. They remind you that God’s promises are true.
Find and Nurture Your Tribe
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us that “two are better than one.” Even introverts need a tribe—a community of believers and fellow writers who share your goals, protect your heart, and lift you up when you’re down. We need this not just for our writing, but for our faith.
Becoming Bulletproof
When the bullets of discouragement come—and they will—remember you’re not without defense. Protect your writer’s heart so it can continue to pump passion into your words. Solidify what you believe and let it show in your writing. Your stories, your faith, and even your countenance can shine hope to someone who may never pick up your book.
So, suit up, writer. In Christ, you are bulletproof.