“ Let the simplest relation toward a fellow human being even if is only embodied in the act of buying from the market, passing on the street, or during some transactions be recognized as a true heart meeting of the that human soul. Let our eyes perceive deeper than the surface. …. Whatever the simple or seemingly insignificant degree of such interaction, let it’s outcome be in truth and friendliness “
George MacDonald The Gentlewoman’s Choice.₁
The Christian writer has a fantastic opportunity to go with her reader far beyond dialogue and activities. Interwoven throughout the story, the writer can take words she receives from her own personal quiet time with God and share them in a unique fashion. For example, in the retelling of George MacDonalds’s novel THE GENTLEWOMAN’S CHOICE, one stays in the context of the story, but also comes to terms with a teaching of how Jesus wants us to relate with each other in daily living. Expressing God’s heart is not limited to the genre of non-fiction. A poet and fiction writer with her ear close to the heart of God can be a conduit if she so chooses. .
To create in this style of writing is no simple matter. One needs to write with quality without preaching. . To have depth, it must reflect the author’s own intimate time spent with Jesus. .
DOES GOD NEED THE CREATIVES TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GOALS?
The answer is a resounding NO! God has the capabilities to express whatever He wishes in whatever manner He wishes. Does God want the created seed within us to bloom and join in the dance with Him because He loves us?
Absolutely YES!
As artists, why do we create? Why do we give physical form to a voice, a message, a picture inside our being? Our pastor shared in a message, we all have a need to be seen, to be noticed. A question to ask as we create might be: where does the approval we seek NEED to come from?
NEED IS NOT THE CALL!
Are we willing to release our minds and souls to the One who created us thereby only walking on His path.. There are many topics calling for words, but listening to God’s heart for His direction frees our creativity. Madeline Lengle from Walking on Water. puts it this way “ to be an artist means to approach the light, and that means to let go our control and allow our whole selves to be placed with absolute faith in that which is greater than we are”.₂
What I am asking? : Are we willing to take the time to sit and listen to God’s heart? Are we writers and artists who long to create for the reason to WORSHIP God in Spirit and Truth? Is there a passion put there by God, where we are willing to use our gifts as the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT to express in a way that will touch the soul?
It may take time to wait and LISTEN! It may take developing the craft to deeper levels. We may need to slow down to notice, to BREATH ! Waiting is hard. Deadlines are out there.
The world needs the response of creatives who are listening to God’s heart and obey.
Will you know when He speaks ? Pay attention to the ladybug on your lap, the gentle breeze as you walk your kids to the bus stop, or the siren screaming past your house. God is speaking in these voices?
WHY CREATE?
ARTIST WHO HAVE AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS HAVE THE FOUNDATION FOR THE GREATEST LOVE STORY.
The creative with Jesus as their Savior has a deep true reality to draw from and share .
Psalm. 89:15-17 MSG
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.
Delighted, they dance all day long; they know
who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet!
Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—
you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air!
All we are and have we owe to God,
Holy God of Israel, our King!
Why do you create?
Be
Free
To
WORSHIP
As
You
Were
CREATED!
₁George Macdonald THE GENTLEWOMAN’S CHOICE. (Michal R. Phillips, Editor) ©1987 , P. 46
₂Luci Shaw BREATH FOR THE BONES © 2007 P 109