Tag: Christian creative

Faith/

God Calls and He Provides

I often struggle with feeling creative enough to accomplish the tasks I believe God gives me. I worry about coming up with new and good ideas full of exciting content that others will want to read. I am sure that my fellow creatives often face similar battles. Recently, I was reminded of some wonderful passages of scripture that help when I start doubting. Mainly because they remind me it all points back to God and His good gifts to us. None of it depends on what we can do in and of ourselves.

If God has called us to write, compose music, draw, paint, or develop any type of artistic content, then He has already provided everything we need to walk in obedience to that calling.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ Ephesians 1:3-9 (ESV)

Reading the above passage always encourages me to know that God already placed in me every spiritual blessing. According to His word, we are equipped with every spiritual gift we need for the calling. We can overcome every temptation to give up or compromise our creative gifting. As we see in this next passage, we have the mind of Christ and the wisdom of God. So, we don’t have to lean on our finite minds to generate inspiring content.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 (ESV)

Learning to lean on Him for all our inspiration removes the pressure we place on ourselves. Then we are free to simply walk out our calling in the peaceful knowledge that He directs our thoughts and ideas. At the end of the day, let us remember that our Creator designed us to create. He has given us all that we need. We can achieve everything He has planned for us and create amazing content to share because of Him.

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:4-6

Faith/

Do We Have to Choose This or That?

As we enter this new year, I have thought a lot about what to share. I keep coming back to the concept of not holding on so tightly to the extremes of this or that (meaning if we are facing difficulties, we cannot also experience joy in life). This month, I would like to explore how to reconcile ourselves with the idea of this and that. For me, that includes grief and joy, turbulence and peace, striving for our goals and waiting on God.

In my own life recently, hard things have come at me in a major way. Discouragement, grief, physical pain, and personal hurt confronted me daily right in the middle of the holiday season, leaving me full of questions. God began speaking to me and I realized there will be times in life when we hold both. However, that does not have to keep us from the having peace Jesus promises.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 ESV)

We can carry grief and still walk in the joy of the Lord. In the midst of hurt and discouragement, we have the comfort of God’s peace that passes all our understanding. We can experience loss—whether that be the loss of a loved one, the loss of relationships, the loss of a job, or even the loss of expectations in this season of life. At the same time, we can acknowledge the blessings we have in new relationships, and new opportunities that are right in front of us.

A lot of our stress and anxiety result from our efforts to hold so tightly to one thing or the other. Why do we think we can only be sad or happy? We mourn what’s lost without always recognizing the blessings we still have. If we are struggling in an area, we often fail to notice the good. We can resolve ourselves to the fact that it’s OK to hold both things at the same time, allowing ourselves the grace that we need to walk through the difficulties, yet maintain hope in the good. I am learning this myself. Sometimes, when we are in the middle of the hard times and the grief, we do not let ourselves experience joy. We can grieve, knowing there’s still joy to be had. After all, joy and peace are part of the spiritual blessings in the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). These spiritual gifts help us walk through the heavy and the hard. We hold on to God’s peace and joy which carry us through.

We do not have to compartmentalize our emotions, stressing ourselves over feeling one thing or the other. How does this concept relate to us as creatives? Often, we find ourselves wanting to hurry and finish a project. We become angry and blame ourselves when it might not come together as quickly or in the way we expected. Know that we can slow down, take our time, and trust in God.

We can be resilient and still know it’s alright to allow ourselves to take a break. We can be independent and still need to lean on the strength of our community. We can know that we did our best at the time, yet still allow room for growth to learn more. Most importantly, rest in the promises from the Word of God:

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7 ESV)

So, in this new year on our journey as creatives, let’s learn not to be too hard on ourselves. Offer yourself the very same grace we would extend to others. Work hard to achieve your vision and set deadlines to meet those goals. But know there will be times when life interferes and give yourself grace for those moments. Sometimes you just need to take that break and know it is ok. Rest in the assurance of God’s plan and timing.

Personal Growth/

Why Christian Creatives Need Community

The more I have pursued writing, the more I realize what a solitary endeavor it can be. As an introvert, I thought I would be totally fine. Over recent months, I discovered that, despite my introverted preferences, I still need community in a big way. God shows me daily how much I rely on those around me in my journey as a writer. Even when I don’t want to interact in person, I need the support of my people. None of this creative work we do would have any substantive meaning without community. As we read in the following verses, we see God intends for us to be in community and fellowship with each other.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

If this is His design for us as believers, then certainly we need to extend the same principle in our work. God does not expect us to live or create in a vacuum. Although we may sit alone at our computers when we pen the words He gives us, or draw and paint the images He shows us, or play the melodies He sings to us, we do not accomplish the work alone.

I’ve been thinking about this for weeks and it seems like everyone around me shares the same message. What a reminder to me how important that message is to all of us. We cannot do this work without community. As I pondered my thoughts for this article, one of the authors I follow on social media posted these words.

“Writers (creatives) need encouragers, prayer warriors, mentors, colleagues, friends, family, inspirers, readers (consumers), and everyone in between. Life wasn’t meant to do alone, and neither is writing (being a creative).” From author Natalie Walters

I have found this to be so true for me. Every step of the way God provided people to walk alongside me. Each time I reached in my work when I did not know how to move forward, God brought someone into my life who helped me figure it out. I have been absolutely overwhelmed with His goodness. He knows just who and what we need at exactly the right time.

Whether you work as an artist, a writer, a composer, a singer, or an entrepreneur, remember that you are not meant to do it alone. If you lack community, pray, and ask God to bring you into contact with your people—the ones He ordained to walk this journey with you. He has certainly done that for me, and I know He will for you as well.

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12

 

Productivity/

How to Overcome Feeling Stuck

What happens when you feel like you are stuck in a rut creatively? Whenever I feel like I am stuck, I find myself doubting my ability to create anything at all ever again. Where did the new ideas and inspiration go? Where is the motivation?

As a creative artist, I believe we need to keep ourselves open to the Creator who inspires us. Sometimes, it may feel like we’ve lost that inspiration or even the joy of creating and it has simply become another task to check off our to-do list. I honestly do not believe that is the best way to function when we are partnering with God in the gifts, He has placed within each of us. I also know in this world we live in, we have so many other responsibilities that pull on our time and energy, that distract us from the creative work we want to do.

We all have different reasons why we might feel stagnant in our creativity. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to take a break. I have compiled a list of ideas that have helped me when I have hit a wall in my writing.

*Listen to music that inspires

*Read a book or article or blog you enjoy

*Look at other creatives that inspire us in a different medium

*Talking through ideas may help bring clarity

*Do something completely unrelated for fun – go for a walk, exercise, connect with a friend…etc.

*Pray for wisdom, seek God’s direction for your project.

Sometimes, we must simply be still, listen, pray, and wait for God’s guidance. Learn to be patient and give yourself grace. Do not rush the work. You can learn a lot in the midst of waiting that can be incorporated into your work. Our creative work is not about checking off boxes for the sake of saying we are productive. We should focus on the inspiration God gives us and when we do that, we will be able to produce the best work because it’s not about what we can contribute, but about what God wants us to do.

Self-Confidence/

How to Apply Value to Your Creativity

Value is something we typically seek in business, but do we seek this within ourselves and our work? As creatives, we must see this value in order to fully prosper and thrive to our highest potential. When we take on a project, the world may ask us: “What will you do with that?”, “How will you be successful?”, “How will you make money?” and more. These questions should be addressed with grace, but not taken to heart as they show no reflection upon us or our work.

Creative, you are valuable. The opinion of others does not matter because that is essentially all that it is. It is merely an opinion, not a fact. In addition, the root of these opinions vary as not everyone has meaningful intentions for us. Therefore, we have to remember that when we feel that there is no one else to support us, that God is our biggest supporter along with ourselves.

Your worth isn’t measured by opinions or questions but by the heart and faith you pour into your craft. For in God’s eyes, and in the heart of your purpose, you are invaluable.

As stated in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart for The Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. It is Jesus you are serving.” One’s work is something that one should believe in wholeheartedly before, during, and after the creative process. Because in the end, that is all that matters in this world and above.

When we value ourselves and our work, this pleases God as He was pleased with his own creation- us. If He was pleased with His work, then there is no reason that we shouldn’t be of ours. Value is pleasing and important and so are we. Value is a measure of worth and benefit that both come from oneself. When one truly understands and believes in this concept, the benefits within one’s soul outweigh the burden of others.

Personal Growth/

How Comparison Hinders Creativity

I am always excited when I have a vision for a project that utilizes my creative abilities. However, I have also noticed one major obstacle that hinders my progress every single time—comparison. I believe many creatives have the tendency to compare not only our art, but ourselves to other art and creatives around us.

We naturally consume the art others create and that can take many forms from books, to movies, to music, and more. We fall into the trap when we start to compare because comparison kills creativity. Why is that? Because once we start comparing what we create, we end up trying to fit in, or measure up to, or even copy what others are doing. God didn’t bestow gifts and talents upon each one of us so we can duplicate what others create. That will impede our creative process and stifle our ability to listen and produce what God intends for us to share.

Often, instead of simply enjoying the art of others, we decide what they are doing is better than anything we can create. As a result, we either try to alter our work or even to stop creating all together. We believe the lies saying our work won’t be good enough. We convince ourselves that someone else’s voice carries more weight than ours – that they can say it, draw it, write it, or sing it better than we ever could. So, why should we even keep trying? Here is why: God created diversity in each one of us. So, even though we might share similar talents, our expression of that talent will be completely different than someone else’s. It’s supposed to be that way. Different does not mean better or worse.

Consuming other creative work is great! But the trap? Thinking someone else’s brilliance dims yours.

If God desired sameness, He would have created everyone the same. Our expression of the vision and message He gives each one of us reflects our unique individuality. In addition, we each have access to various audiences based on our spheres of influence. While I may write a book with a similar message as someone else, we will not reach the same people. It takes all of us. God has given each one of us creative visions and gifts that are perfectly suited for the message and the audience we have.

So, let’s stop being so hard on ourselves in comparing our work, thinking what we have created does not measure up. We are partnering with the Master Creator. If we keep our hearts attuned to His voice, we will express His message in the unique way He designed for each one of us.

Mental Wellness/

You’re Human – Please Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

There are many tasks to manage almost every day. Deadlines. Assignments. Projects. Emergencies. etc….

With time moving so quickly, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done and also take care of ourselves. This can cause us to neglect ourselves and also have our work fall behind. This isn’t something our creative souls should be vulnerable to.

As creatives, we like to grow, thrive, discover, and maintain peace. This is where we flourish and find delight in our successes and impacts. But what happens if we begin to struggle maintaining these elements inside of ourselves? Our creative spark can begin to fade.

With many expectations in society, it seems that our soulful light is always trying to be dimmed. We are given many unrealistic rules and expectations that it can feel like no matter how hard we try; it never seems to be good enough. When our light is diminished, darkness can seep through. This is where pressure comes through in these kinds of situations and depths. Many of us tend to internalize what we are going through as well until the point where we can’t take it anymore. This will lead us to not feel good about ourselves or the work that we create. These negative thoughts then become more and more difficult to control and can cause us to hit rock bottom.

Creative, if this is you, there is hope. There is a way to reach the surface and see the sun again for the only way to go from here is up.

Jesus offers us comfort through God in Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find reset for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” These words are comforting as the loyalty from Jesus was pure and true. No matter how disrespected, ridiculed, or tormented Jesus was, he remained loyal and faithful to God, and he is to us as well. Therefore, do not be afraid to seek out comfort from God and lead by the example of Jesus because who we are and what we do are more than enough to them.

So please don’t be hard on yourself, creative. It is essential to remember that what society declares is not what God declares. When we are strong and when we love ourselves, that is when we can create works of art and accomplish our creative goals. When we feel good and encourage ourselves positively then our light will be ignited and will radiate from us.

We will rise above the deep depths of darkness and onto a beautiful surface of opportunity. And in order to do this, all we have to do is try our best. If you are trying your best, then you are already doing enough. We must do what we are able to and accept what we can do so that when we begin our next project, we will continue to rise and not fall.

Personal Growth/

How to Break Through the Creative Wall with Grace

How often do you find yourself questioning the path of your creative journey? Ever wondered how your unique approach to creation aligns with your faith and life as a Christian woman entrepreneur?

As creatives we must learn to trust the process of creating. Whatever form our creativity takes, there is a process. I think that is one of the hardest aspects I have been learning. For me, I have noticed three distinct patterns:

1. At times, the inspiration hits fast and hard. The vision of the project appears along with the specific ideas to complete it – a story, a song, an article, a book, whatever our medium. It unfolds effortlessly and very quickly. While this may sound like what we prefer, it’s not often the most common avenue (at least not in my experience).

2. Other times ideas start to flow like a steady stream – not all at once, but still a nice pace where we can develop our thread of ideas. While not all immediate, the work comes at a pace allowing us to fall into a comfortable rhythm.

3. The third pattern I have noticed with myself is probably my least favorite. This involves getting the big idea and nothing else. We may even visualize the completed project but have no idea how to maneuver from point A to the end. While we may have a clear idea of what it’s supposed to look like, we struggle to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

When we feel we’re not moving, we’re growing. Let’s trust in His plan, His process, and our God-given talents.

I think the third pattern I mentioned can be the most difficult to endure, but it often brings the most personal growth. Doubts about the vision and calling speak louder than the inspiration of ideas. Often in this valley, the project dies because we succumb to the temptation to give up. This is when we dig our heels in and persevere. We must learn the discipline of consistency and be steadfast in our determination to see the work through to completion.

Remember as creatives, we actually serve the work – as collaborators, trusting the Master Creator and using our God-given gifts as He designed us to use them. So, whether the ideas hit like lightening, or we find ourselves plodding along, it all comes from God. When we seek Him in all that we do, the work will be done in His time and serve the purposes He ordained. Both the process and the completed work often look vastly different from what we originally conceived.

One of the verses I always think about when I am not sure how to move forward with the work comes from Phil 1:5-6 ESV:

“…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Through every business challenge, every creative block, He is with us.

Not every piece we write, or every song we compose, or video we produce, will be our best masterpiece. But we must be disciplined enough to show up consistently for the work. The alternative is not something we want. Once we are an artist of any kind, we are always an artist. And if we are a creative who ceases to create, we lose a crucial part of who God created us to be.

We are left with a void because we stop acknowledging a vital part of who we are along with that aspect of our connection with the God. So, even amid the difficulties, find a way to stay open to that part of who you are. Stay faithful to the work of collaborating with God – in whatever form that takes for you. Trust Him to lead you through the process.

Faith/

Your True Purpose as a Creative

I’ve been a writer for years – and just like any Christian creative out there, your purpose is to create. This can be by writing an article, designing a website, clothing, or brainstorming an incredible product. By our creativity, other people’s lives are changed. This is what being a Christian creative is all about and we must remember this purpose whenever we are called by God to share our ideas with others.

As a creative, we have both a mission and a vision when we create. However, there is a special purpose that lies beneath our mission and vision and this purpose is what drives us to do what we do. One may ask, where does this purpose come from?  It comes from our calling and talent given to us by God. God has plans for us all by what we create.

Your unique blend of faith and creativity can move mountains. Your purpose-driven work has the potential to transform lives, and inspire breakthroughs.

Personally, as a writer, I keep in mind that the act of spreading messages through the written word has been one of the oldest forms of communication since the beginning of creation and still stands strong throughout the depths and changes of time today.

And if you’re a writer, then you probably understand where I’m coming from with this. The Lord has spoken to us through the written word as it is a wonderful way for humans to absorb a message. If this is a way God creates and speaks to us, then it is a way we should continue to communicate with others. As said in John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Because of this, we can never lose sight of our own purpose and why we write or why we were given the gift to do so creatively.

A Christian creative has a duty. We must continue to do the work of our Almighty God as Jesus did while here on Earth. We see this applied in John 14:10, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.” Jesus guided the people through The Divine Purpose and Word of God. If we follow Jesus’s example, we can continue to do so as well.

Every product, service, word, or interaction has the potential to change someone’s day, challenge their perspective, or spark hope.

Lastly, it’s important to be mindful that if we need inspiration, there are holy writings ready for us to read which we know as scripture. By keeping scripture close by our side and keeping sight of our purpose as we create, our work can journey among others far and wide across the world.

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