Stir Up the Gifts! - Janice Thompson, Author

A Powerful Reminder from Jack London

I want to start this lesson with a great quote from Jack London:

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark burn out in a brilliant blaze than it be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

Don’t you just love that?

Every writer has an innate, God-given desire to do something majestic with their gift. I don’t know about you, but I want to be a superb meteor! Why? Because I know that the gifts God has placed in me weren’t meant to stay buried—they were given to inspire, encourage, and reach others. The brighter I blaze, the greater my witness. And when I share my writing gift with others, I am stirring up the gifts in them, too. What an incredible privilege!

But how do we stir up the gifts inside of us? Isn’t that God’s job?

Your Gift Needs to Be Stirred

I firmly believe that we are called to stir up the gifts God has given us. He didn’t place them inside us just to lie dormant. We are responsible for using and refining them, and the Bible backs this up!

II Timothy 1:6 says:

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

I chose the King James Version for a reason—the imagery is so powerful. Paul doesn’t want young Timothy to forget that the gift of God needs to be stirred.

The Soup Analogy: Are Your Gifts Settling?

Think about a big pot of vegetable soup simmering on the stove. Over time, the ingredients sink to the bottom. The soup isn’t bad, but it needs stirring. When we stir it up, all the flavors blend beautifully, creating something rich and full of depth.

Now, ask yourself:

Are my gifts settling at the bottom of my life?
Am I practicing my writing regularly?
Am I actively learning and growing in my craft?
What gifts have I ignored that I need to bring back to the surface?

If we’re going to stir up the gifts in others, we must first stir them up in ourselves. That means studying the craft, pushing past creative blocks, and continually striving for excellence.

Recognizing Your God-Given Gifts

We are all born with natural talents, and the Bible tells us that God gives each of us unique gifts. Some are artistic (acting, singing, writing), others are academic (mathematics, science), and many are spiritual (teaching, encouraging, leading).

Just as you nurture and recognize your children’s gifts, you must pay attention to your own. Don’t let your talents settle unused. Stir them up and use them to glorify God.

Reflection Questions:

What gifts has God given you?
When did you first recognize them?
Which have you developed and used effectively?
Which have you neglected?
What steps can you take to stir up those gifts?

Practice Makes Progress

The best way to stir up your gifts is to use them. Writers write. Speakers speak. Musicians play. Whatever your gift is, practice, practice, practice!

Writing Exercises to Stir Up Your Gifts:

If you’re a fiction writer, try writing a devotional.
If you’re a poet, experiment with storytelling.
Take field trips to inspire new ideas (historical sites, museums, coffee shops!).
Watch movies with a writer’s eye—look for the story within the story.
Turn everyday moments into inspiration—create characters from people you observe.
Play the “What If” game—create scenarios that spark creativity:
What if…a hurricane hit your character’s town?
What if…they lost everything?
What if…they found an unexpected blessing in the storm?

Encouraging Others: The Role of Parents & Teachers

Parents: Stirring Up Gifts in Your Children

If you’re a parent, you have the unique privilege of helping your children recognize and develop their gifts.

Speak words of encouragement over their talents.
Help them find creative outlets to develop their skills.
Celebrate their progress—even small steps forward count!
Set an example by stirring up your own gifts.

Did your parents encourage you? How did their support (or lack of it) shape your journey?

Teachers: The Power of Encouragement

If you’re a teacher, you hold the key to inspiring students to step into their God-given gifts. Pay attention to each student’s natural leanings, and encourage them in their strengths.

Did you know that many ADHD children are highly gifted in the arts? Their enthusiasm can be redirected into creativity!

Was there a teacher who motivated you?
Are you currently teaching someone? How can you encourage them?

Mentorship: Find One, Be One

Another way to stir up your gifts is to surround yourself with others who challenge and inspire you.

Find a mentor—someone who is ahead of you in the writing journey.
Be a mentor—help someone just starting out.
Keep a balance—don’t lean too heavily on a mentor, and don’t give all your time to mentoring. Find growth in both roles.