Tag: creatives

Prayer/

5 Lies the Enemy Tells Creative Women (and How to Overcome Them)

How many times have you felt like you’re not talented enough, your work doesn’t matter, or you’re not cut out to be an entrepreneur? These lies can hold Christian women back from fully pursuing your passions and living out your purpose.

When those thoughts start creeping in, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, procrastination, or even giving up on your dreams altogether. But what if I told you that those lies are holding you back from the abundant life and thriving business God has in store for you?

As someone who’s been there, I know how paralyzing those thoughts can be. But through prayer, studying God’s Word, and surrounding myself with a supportive community, I’ve learned how to silence the self-doubt and step into my calling with confidence. And friend, I want the same for you!

So, let’s expose these lies together and replace them with the truth of God’s promises. Get ready to be encouraged, equipped, and empowered to chase after your God-given dreams with boldness and joy!

Lie #1…You’re not talented enough.

The first lie the enemy tells Christian women is that we’re not talented enough. He whispers that our skills are inadequate, that we’ll never measure up to the “real” artists or entrepreneurs out there.

But here’s the truth…You have been given unique gifts and abilities, and they are not a mistake! In Exodus 31:1-5, we see how God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, giving him the wisdom, understanding, and skill to create beautiful things for the tabernacle. Just like Bezalel, you are appointed to use your creative gifts for a greater purpose.

Tap into your talents and trust that you will be equipped with everything you need to succeed. For example, if you’re a photographer, remember that you have a unique eye for capturing beauty and telling stories through your lens. If you’re a writer, know that you have the ability to craft words that inspire, encourage, and transform lives.

Lie #2…Your work doesn’t matter.

He tries to convince us that our creative work are just hobbies or a waste of time.

Look, your work matters! In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Your creative work has value and significance, even if the world doesn’t always recognize it.

For instance, if you’re a graphic designer creating beautiful images and layouts, you’re reflecting creativity and excellence. If you’re a musician writing songs that evoke emotion and connection, you’re using your gifts to impact others and bring more beauty into the world.

Lie #3…You’re not cut out to be an entrepreneur.

He makes us doubt our abilities and question whether we’re really supposed to be pursuing this path.

But remember, if you have a dream in your heart to use your creative gifts in business, then you are absolutely cut out for it! Don’t let doubts and fears hold you back from stepping into your calling.

For example, if you feel called to start a business that creates products with inspiring messages, trust that you will be guided and provided with the resources and opportunities you need. If you dream of starting a design studio that reflects your aesthetic and values, know that your creativity can be used to impact lives and make a difference.

Lie #4…You have to compromise your integrity to succeed.

The fourth lie the enemy tells Christian women is that we have to compromise our integrity to succeed in business. He whispers that we need to water down our message, blend in with the crowd, or engage in unethical practices to get ahead.

But the truth is, you are called to lead with authenticity and shine a light in your industry. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Your values are not a hindrance to your success; they are your greatest asset! Trust that you will be guided and provided for as you build a business with integrity.

For instance, if you’re an interior designer, you can choose to work with clients who appreciate your thoughtful, purposeful design principles and create spaces that reflect beauty and intention. If you’re a coach or consultant, you can incorporate your values and mission into your services to help your clients find true transformation and purpose.

Lie #5…You’re all alone in this journey.

He tries to isolate us and make us feel like no one understands our struggles or supports our dreams.

But the beautiful truth is that you are never alone! God has given you a community of fellow believers to encourage, inspire, and uplift you. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we’re reminded to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Surround yourself with like-minded creative women who will pray for you, support you, and cheer you on as you pursue your God-given calling. Join a local or online group of entrepreneurs who can relate to your experiences and offer wisdom and encouragement. Attend conferences and workshops where you can connect with other creatives and learn from their journeys.

Remember, you are never alone when you have God and a supportive community by your side!

Friend, I hope you’re encouraged to silence the lies and step into your calling with confidence. Remember, you are talented enough, your work matters, you are cut out for entrepreneurship, you don’t have to compromise your integrity to succeed, and you are not alone in this journey.

Let these truths sink deep into your heart and mind, and don’t let the enemy’s lies hold you back from fully pursuing the passions and purpose God has placed within you. You’ve got this, because God’s got you!

Now, would you rather listen to this post instead of reading it? I’ve recorded it just for you on The Virtuous Creative podcast!

Click here now to listen to The Virtuous Creative podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast while you’re there, so you never miss an episode of encouragement. 

 

Faith/

At His Word

I think the title of this post is my new favorite phrase right now. “At His Word” reminds me that Jesus is the one who makes all things possible even when we want to give up. Recently, I read through Luke chapter five and one of the most often repeated bible stories came alive for me in a new way. Here is the account from Luke 5:1-6 when Jesus sat in the boat teaching the crowd and what followed:

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him (Jesus) to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

I have read this passage many times. I always think of the fish and the nets overflowing and how excited the fishermen must have been after not catching anything all night. After their unsuccessful trip they were ready to stop, go home, probably rest, and make plans for the next fishing trip. However, that’s not what happened. This time Jesus was there, in the midst of their circumstances. That changed everything.

Jesus told Simon to push out into the deep to fish. Simon told Jesus they had toiled all night and not caught anything (as if Jesus didn’t already know), but “at your word,” we go again. Their nets were so full, they overflowed and broke. What made the difference? Jesus did! His presence. His word. Because He said so, Simon was willing to try again. They had done all they could, used all their training and skill, but came away empty handed. They did everything right, but Jesus made all the difference. Now I don’t know whether Simon thought, “I will do it and show you it won’t work.” Was he simply acting out of obedience even though he may have doubted their success? Or was he fully stepping out in faith trusting in Jesus? We don’t truly know what Simon was thinking. We just know he acknowledged he was doing it because of the word Jesus spoke.

Why did the simple phrase “at your word” grab my attention this time? I thought about the many times I have tried things my own way, in my own timing and my own strength and they didn’t work. Even though I was weary from my efforts, I know there are instances when God told me to try again. As creatives, we pour ourselves into our work and often face rejection. We don’t get that publishing contract, record deal, or whatever we are working to achieve. However, this story reminds me to be ready so when God tells us to go back and do it again, we are willing to obey. We must have the faith to trust that if God tells us to do it again, He has a blessing on the other side for us.

How many times have we tried to complete a project? How many times has our work been rejected? How often have we gotten discouraged when we didn’t see the results of our hard work pay off? It happens so often; we probably want to give up. Like Simon, we might be doing everything right with all the knowledge, training, and skill we have, yet we still come up empty handed. we see someone else succeeding and we decide to copy what they are doing since our efforts have failed. Maybe we see the success of others and decide to copy what they are doing, hoping that will make the difference. I can tell you it absolutely will not. God doesn’t give each of us unique gifts and abilities so we can copy someone else.

God wants us to walk in relationship with Him so that when He speaks to us, we hear His word and know exactly what to do and when to do it.

When He tells us to try again, be willing to step out one more time “at His Word” just like Simon did. Although, we may be reluctant to step out because of previous failures, trust Jesus when He speaks. If we are doing what we are called to do, we must not give up. One day, God will speak and put His word into action over the situation and breakthrough will come. We will see Ephesians 3:20 in action with “him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” Doors will open, divine appointments will happen when we least expect them. At His Word Jesus can fill our nets. At His Word He can bring dead things back to life.

Keep trying and don’t give up so when your “at His Word” moment happens you will be ready to pull your net in. If Simon had not still been in position with the boat, the net, and the other fishermen, he would not have been in place to receive that Word, act on it and then pull in the overflow.

Discernment/

Protecting Your Vision

Every year I look forward to creating my own vision board and even attending vision board parties if there are any. Those can be so much fun and enlightening to say the least. One year, I attended one of those parties. I was so excited to share with a small group of like-minded women of my short-term/long-term goals and hopes.

When it was my turn to share, you can tell the excitement of how big I smiled. I was so hopeful. You just had to be there.

After sharing with them my vision board, unexpectedly, I got a laugh and a scuff. Two reactions I did not see coming. I was told I was unrealistic, and my focus should be about my husband. Here is my disclaimer before I go any further. I love being married. My goals would include the one I love and those who mean so much to me. My goals also are about how I can obtain the purpose God has given to me. No paper or poster can really say that. Our purpose in life is like an unfolding mystery. God reveals this to us in due time. Relationship with God reveals purpose alone.

Back to my story. Doubt was cast and even the laughter made me feel pretty low. My hopes to become a mom and a social worker, among other aspirations, were somehow unattainable because of their doubt. But here’s what I gained from my experience:

1. Everyone cannot handle the vision God gave you.

2. Everyone is not for you.

3. The vision God gave you is for you, and doesn’t involve the haters, doubters and naysayers.

4. In this situation, it may have been premature to share what I have been praying for in private.

Although I felt the doubt temporarily, I prayed to God and also spoke to my husband about what I saw for my life. I knew my goals were not going to be achieved in a year. I have faith but I am also have wisdom. It came to a point where I had to decide between believing God or believing someone who isn’t omnipotent. To alleviate my fears and worries, I gave it back to Him; the Author and Finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2)

I share my story to say, know the difference between what is true and what is false. What God has showed you is what is true. Protect your vision.

Nehemiah also protected the vision God gave to him as he set off to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He told no one what God placed on his heart to do (Nehemiah 2:12). Sometimes we need to take a page from the prophet’s book and hold on to what God gave us. There is a season for everything and what God has plan to come to pass will happen in due time.

If God has given you a vision for your business, make a plan. Write it out. Pray to God first and then move accordingly.

Rachel

Self-Care/

What Does the Bible Say about Balance? And What Does It Mean for The Virtuous Creative?

Hello Virtuous Creatives! I’m back to share words of wisdom and encouragement as you journey in your business life, home life, and your spiritual life. We often try to compartmentalize them in their place (business, personal and spiritual) and sometimes forget to include God in all those areas. For entrepreneurs, there is often a struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Working all day is somehow rewarded or seen as the goal. But what happens when it affects you physically and even spiritually?

Balance is the recurring theme that we speak on often on social media and in conversation with our girlfriends. Why? Because there is power in having balance. The art of balance ultimately falls on prioritizing and using wisdom. Creating balance in life can be challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth and our overall well-being. God is concerned with you wholistically, for it says in 3 John 1:2 (ESV), “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. He’s concerned about us. God has already laid out plans for each of us specifically. We must hold fast to that truth.

When I think of the word balance, the pan balance comes to mind. Placing too much on one side can take you off balance, leaving the opposite end depleted. Someone once shared with me that ” Sometimes we think balance is categorizing and breaking things up when sometimes it’s getting rid of things”. There often come moments as an entrepreneur when you need to step back, evaluate the priorities that are pulling you in different directions, and determine if they align with your goals. Balance looks different in every season of our lives. What holds the most weight in terms of our priorities?

One of my favorite scriptures of the bible has to be Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV) I am so encouraged when I remember this scripture in moments of discouragement. It quickens my spirit instantly; As the Word should. It is so easy to apply this particular scripture to our many situations but in context, Paul is not saying that “Rachel can do all the things, she puts her mind to.” 

Empowering but not applicable.

We are not called to do “all the things” my dear sisters. We are called to do the thing He has assigned us to do. We all have a purpose and a calling. The work we do can also divinely intertwine with our calling. I discovered my spiritual gifts often overlap with my work as a social worker and an entrepreneur. There is a necessity to find a balance between the two. I cannot do all the things and expect to be successful. I can feel myself going off balance just thinking about it! We are called to seek His Kingdom first and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33) . For context, read the prior verse. And it says, “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things”. Seek God’s wisdom first and ask Him to guide you as you prioritize in the season you are in.

Holding tight to that scripture, also consider these tips to create balance in your current season of life.

  • Prioritize your relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and Bible study to nurture your faith and stay connected to God.
  • Take care of your physical health: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep to ensure your body is healthy and strong.
  • Build your community: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who share your values and beliefs.
  • Manage your time wisely: Set priorities, create schedules, and learn to say no to activities that don’t align with your values and goals.
  • Find joy in hobbies and interests: Pursue activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, gardening, or playing music.
  • Set boundaries: Create clear boundaries between work and personal time. Establish specific work hours and avoid checking emails or taking work calls outside of those hours.

Rachel 



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