Simplicity is Reflecting Creative Depth

Simplicity is Reflecting Creative Depth

Recently, I engaged in a fantastic gathering called Breath and the Clay 2024 . It spoke to many places of the creative’s heart. I know how easy it is to compare or feel the need to be something your are not so the art created is seen. The words spoken at this gathering of creatives to creatives spoke to that challenge where simplicity is reflecting creative depth. I will touch on quotes and other thoughts from this gathering in future posts or my newsletter

The musing on simplicity reflecting creative depth is an introduction to the next post in the Vintage Hymn series. The simple Joy and Love of the author as he said Yes to giving his life to Jesus flows through the story.

Remember my post about Fanny Crosby. (God’s Heart through Blessed Assurance) Her life was filled with abundant challenges and yet her life was full in loving and serving God through her creative gifts of words. Fanny flowed in the love she received from God through her words. William Featheston’s story reflects his love for God through words, but it is so different.

William Featherston’s simple creative story.

Between 12 and 16, Featherston said “YES my life is yours Jesus”. It was a simple YES, without more written about it. . The result of this decision though, poured into words reflecting a deep love. The poem he wrote became MY JESUS I LOVE THEE. But what happened to this poem and to the author?

Many of my future posts about Vintage Hymn authors, their stories and the why of their poems will reflect deep life challenges. Does one have to go through trauma to hear and share God’s Heart? Featherstone is an example where simplicity in saying yes can reflect in intense creative depth.

Featherston shared this poem with his aunt who lived in Los Angeles, CA. She was overwhelmed with the words. Somehow the poem made its way to England where it was published anonymously in The London Hymn Book two years later.

In fact when the poem and music were finally put together in a hymn by Adoniram Judson Gordon around 1876, that was three years after Featherston death at age 27.

This is where I ask you to ponder for a few minutes before you go forward. After reading that Featherston wrote a heartfelt expression to God without receiving any promotion for his work while alive, what are your thoughts concerning your creativity? Does being seen affect how you create?

Good Friday Simplicity in Depth

I am aware this is coming to you after Good Friday. Still, give yourself time in silence and solitude to reflect upon this grace. Open your heart to simply receive, reflect and then respond.

My Jesus I Love Thee, I know though art Mine,

William Ralph Featherston

Art Piece for time of Silence and Solitude

Reflecting God’s Heart through Your Art does not need complex expressions. Commune with God first and then flow in what you receive.