Identity Reflected In Creativity?

Identity reflected in creativity?

I belong to a writer’s group that has been meeting for over 10 years. I have grown considerably in my writing skills and also as a person. One thing we discuss is the importance of Not looking or receiving our identity from our creativity. As I grow in my relationship with God and see my identity through His lens, is my true identity reflected in my creativity? What does this mean?

We receive fantastic training in our artistic skills. What if there is a deeper purpose for these gifts? What if God has a calling, a vocation in our creativity we had never dreamed of?

This Creative and Identity thing just Flows Together, Right?

You may think your identity will just flow through your creativity, or that the excitement of sharing will always cascade abundantly. You sit down with creativity coming into your head. Time goes on, and it becomes very apparent the simplicity or excitement seems to vanish. Even the very wonder of creating begins to ebb away. Fear begins to rise– Questions surface. “Am I losing it? Have I lost it?”

LOST WHAT???

Are you in a Rut? Maybe God wants to get at something deeper. Don’t be afraid.

Walking on the same road even as a creative can have negative effects. You get in a rut, Think about it. Walking continually on the same path will produce a boring rut. Let’s give this rut some names. – anxiety, writer’s block, fear, or huge frustration. You realize a NEED to get out of this rut. The creativity becomes dry. Even life is becoming dry. 🙁

Anxiety Starts to Build.

The anxiety builds. YOU ARE READY TO QUIT! Everyone else is getting more likes, more hits, more comments. No one is even looking at your artwork to purchase it. The comparison lie is strangling you. What are the natural steps to take?

Who has the Answers for Your Desires, Your Identity?

You may start looking to what is REALLY working for someone else and think “that has got to be the next right thing for me”. We want a quick fix, but please stop and think: “Does their plan work with your creativity, your needs, your desires. your identity?” It may be what you need but don’t just jump into it because it works for the other guy. How will you know if it is your “next right thing” if you don’t slow down to see what God is saying about you or what are His plans for you (phrase “the next right thing” is from Emily P. Freeman’s book. https://nextrightthingbook.com/ )

In THE GIFT OF BEING YOURSELF, David Brenner speaks to life. and the choices we make to knowing ourselves and living our :true self. Think about creativity. How does the time, work, and heart you pour into your craft reflect how you see yourself and your relationship with God? As you slow down and contemplate, God will reveal His love and plan for you.

Our calling is therefore the way of being that is both best for us and best for the world . p.88

David Brenner https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1080607.The_Gift_of_Being_Yourself

Your identity reflected in your creativity.

Your art, your craft, each impression you express and contribute to the world is an opportunity to share the creative gift God is developing in you. Allow yourself to walk into a deeper contemplation upon your identity and the person God created, This will bring a freedom and wonder to your creativity.

In my last post I mentioned three different gifts. Community, Create, and Contemplation. https://sandiaackerman.com/a-beginner-as-a-living-poema/

• Community
  • Share, grow, and learn.
  • Be honest with others and ask for prayer.
• Create
  • Be honest with yourself, and allow yourself to create.
  • No barriers out of fear.
  • If there is fear, be honest and go to the community.
• Contemplation
  • God is the first ONE to go to. Quiet time to see how He names you, describes you, and loves you.
  • Create out of the Heart and Art God gives you.

Take advantage of these for discussion either here or on my Face Book page. I also have a Devotion Page (Creative and Artist) for engagement as well. Contact me here, and I will send you an invitation to join. We are all on this journey of life together. I would love to hear how creativity and life is flowing.