Jim Martin's Encouragement Note #122
When Amazon learned from a small-town bookstore . . . The friends we need . . . You are a finisher . . . Becoming a person who can be mentored . . . Etcetera
The List of Five
When Amazon Learned From a Small-Town Bookstore
In 1994, a bookstore owner from Oxford, Mississippi stood before fifty aspiring booksellers in Seattle.
Richard Howorth, the owner of Square Books and then president of the American Booksellers Association was teaching a workshop on the fundamentals of a bookstore. These included such topics as inventory management, marketing, and customer relations.
Among the fifty workshop attenders was Jeff Bezos. While Richard Howorth was sharing his knowledge about brick and mortar bookstores, Bezos was in the group, envisioning something else. He envisioned an “online mall” that would begin with books and eventually become the world’s largest online retailer.
The very next year, Bezos began Amazon.
I learned about this connection in a recent book by Evan Fries, a history professor at James Madison University. The book is The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore, (published 2024). What drew me to the book (public library) is my love for physical bookstores, so many of which have faded away in recent years.
This story reminded me of a much deeper truth, that goes way beyond this story of booksellers.
You and I have no idea the impact we are having with other people each day.
You send an encouraging text to another person. You spend an hour with a person over coffee. You made it a point to talk with a certain person after church one Sunday. These moments may seem small and insignificant. Yet, God uses moments like these in ways that we cannot imagine!
These ordinary moments are used by God for his kingdom purposes. A moment that may seem relatively insignificant may be used by God to inspire, encourage, and correct.
Know this about your week. Your simple gesture of interest or kindness may actually be a very significant moment for someone.
The Friends We Need
Through the years, I’ve discovered several types of friends who have become important companions in my life:
The challenger. I have been blessed on occasion to be challenged by good friends. These friends may challenge my assumptions or my approach to a problem. The trust I have with these friends makes this so valuable.
The mentor. I can point to several different mentors who have been helpful in my life and ministry. One particular mentor was present for much of my adult life. Others have been present for particular seasons. For example, I can point to several mentors which were particularly helpful as we raised our children.
The encourager. An encouraging friend has given me hope and inspiration when I felt discouraged and defeated.
The confidant. This may be someone with whom you can share your thoughts and emotions without having to constantly qualify what you say.
The old friend. There is such value in investing in a friendship which you have enjoyed for decades. Such a person can carry shared memories for a lifetime.
The new friend. You may develop a friend who helps you with a particular challenge. This may be the person who offers you a fresh perspective to an old problem.
You and I need friends. We also need to be a friend to others. Will we take the initiative to invest our time and energy in others?
You Are a Finisher
Remember the Boston Marathon 2013? On April 18, 2013, the 117th annual race was disrupted by bombs.
That day, Brent Cunningham had just finished the race when he heard the two bombs explode. Minutes later, Cunningham, his wife, and their 17 year old daughter saw a young woman seated on a bench crying.
Cunningham and his wife Karin, a nurse, asked the woman if she was ok and if she knew where her family was. Karin took the space blanket, given to keep runners warm after the race, from around her husband’s shoulders and placed it around the woman to comfort her.
They learned that the young woman, 25 year old Laura E. Wellington, was one of many runners whose race had been interrupted due to the explosions.
Brent Cunningham later said, “I just saw a young gal in need and I just wanted to help her. I thought, ‘She’s alone. She’s scared. She’s cold. She didn’t get to finish. I just wanted to comfort here so I took my medal from around my neck and placed it around her neck.’ I said, ‘You are a finisher in my eyes.’”
These are the words that all who faithfully serve as ministers or shepherds need to hear. What counts is the “well done” that will come from the Father in the end.
In his eyes, you are a finisher!
Becoming a Person Who Can Be Mentored (Especially for Ministers and Other Church Leaders)
Some of the healthiest minsters I know are often those who have been shaped by a few wise and healthy mentors. These are transformative partnerships that can help guide us through the seasons of our ministries and lives.
While the kind of mentor you choose is important, perhaps equally important is whether or not you are becoming the kind of person who can be mentored. Are you prepared to learn and grow, regardless of your age and experience?
Consider some of the following questions in light of whether you are becoming a person who can be mentored:
Do I actively seek out and listen to wise people?
Who am I learning from right now? Who is speaking into my life?
Do I listen - really listen - when a trusted person is offering guidance?
Do I insist on navigating my life alone? Is there a wall around me which doesn’t allow anyone else in?
Am I willing to assume responsibility for my personal growth and development?
Am I willing to manage myself or do I tend to focus on others - blaming and finding fault with others?
Etcetera
I recently read Made Competent: A Story about Life in Ministry by Casey Coston. Casey, a long-time campus minister, has written a very fine work that many ministers will identify with, regardless of their ministry role.
As I mentioned above, I have been reading portions of The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore (Evan Friss). Of particular interest to me in the book was chapter 13, “Parnassus.” This is the story of Parnassus Bookstore in Nashville. Recently, Charlotte and I had the opportunity to visit this excellent bookstore for the first time.
Just listened to a conversation between Ray Ortlund, Sam Allberry, and Paul David Tripp on “Why Pastors Need Accountability.” Excellent!
I formerly served as Vice President of Harding School of Theology, Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to this, I served as a minister in various congregations for 36 years.
I am a husband, father, and grandfather. One of my favorite things to do is to come alongside another person and encourage her or him.
Every other Monday morning, I publish this “Encouragement Note.” You can subscribe at jimmartin.substack.com. You can also find me on Facebook - @jim.martin or Instagram - @jimmartin.jm. My e-mail address is: jmartin9669@gmail.com. Feel free to write. I would love to hear what is encouraging. — Jim Martin
Thank you Sydney. I hope you are doing well.
Thanks so much, Bill!