“Did you make that?”
A loaded question for sure. I contributed. If you like it I did it, if you don’t like it I had nothing to do with it…
Have you ever had that conversation with yourself in the seconds after that loaded question? I have and I fight those thoughts in the times that I am most unsure of my own identity.
Who are you?
A lot of times we answer that question with what comes after the comma.
I’m Stephen, the creative guy, the artist, the husband, the father, the Creative Arts Pastor…
Do you know who you are after the comma?
What do you stand for?
Why do you do what you do?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
What do you do well, and what are you still learning?
Who would you be if all the things you attach your identity went away?
Secure grounded people understand who they are behind it all. It is a constant struggle to stay connected to THAT person. It takes intentionality, community, and sometimes counseling. It takes honesty and vulnerability to be and stay connected to who you really are. Artists often have a tendency to be chameleons.
Regardless of what you do, there will be times when YOUR THING goes through a rough season. Profits will dip, people leave, and you will fail at some point. YOUR THING WILL BE TESTED and when it does how will you respond?
The truth is God cares a lot more about who you are becoming than he does about what you are creating. You are an artist but you are a person first.
God created you. He built you to be the best you that you can ever be and he wants you to continue on the journey of discovery of all the awesome things He has hidden inside of you.
Be brave. Be honest. B the absolute best you that you can be…it’s who we all need.
What a great post. Sometimes, yes, there is a need for acceptance with our art…usually, it indicates our process is betraying us. “The truth is God cares a lot more about who you are becoming than He does about what you are creating.” Love that, Stephen. Thank you!
OF COURSE! The truth sets us free.