Deconstructing False Narratives About Creativity
By Veronica Riordan
We hear the word “creative” often in our world and assume it only for certain people. False. But I am getting ahead of myself here. Being “creative” is most often linked with art, music, and media (photos, video), you name it. And then our next thought is that some people are just more creative than me so I don’t have that gift. True, some are very talented in their respective fields, but I would argue that we all have something to contribute.
We are made to be creative. And that looks different for everyone. Not all creativity is art and music. It could be order, woodworking, writing, woodworking, working with leather, or creating an amazing spreadsheet. You name it. Saint John Paul II said that: “Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it as a work of art, a masterpiece.”
We are stuck in a lie that we don’t have the ability to create. Today, every “creative” avenue is oversaturated and it seems that there is not room for more ideas. I’ve often wrestled with that fact when I have an idea for something. And then, quickly my excitement and motivation is extinguished. But there is more to the story than a saturated market. I read somewhere that there is room for you, even in a oversaturated space. For example, I love sharing my life on Instagram. I’m not an influencer by any means, but does that mean I should stop sharing? Other people do it way better than me and have more followers and sponsorships, so I should give up. No! If my page could impact or bring joy to one person. Then it is worth it.
The question becomes what is holding you back? Is it a fear of failure, disappointment, judgment, that it won’t be influential to others, rejection, or comparison? The list goes on. If the number of times that I gave up on ideas or quit working on something was money in my bank account, well, let’s just say I would have more money than I do now. Projects that I didn’t even start still linger in my mind and I often ask myself “what if” but then quickly justify that someone else could do it better. I surrender.
Take it from another angle, what about the artists you love and listen to on repeat. What if it never existed? There is a space for every creative and their work. There are endless artists and creatives, but that doesn’t mean there is no place for you. You have a place and a purpose with your passions. The victory is not in popularity or “making it” according to the standards of the world. The victory is in using our gifts and practicing them.
What is something you started and gave up on? What could’ve been the impact if you finished it? What if we weren't being held captive by fear? Instead, think about confidence, even if to the world your creativity isn’t “good enough.” The enemy wants you to believe these lies so that others don’t experience “truth, beauty, and goodness” through your creations.
The enemy doesn’t care how many projects we start. He only cares about the ones we finish, because that is where he is afraid of us. Our creative minds give glory to God. We are children of the Creator. Own it! Timothy reminds us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7)…”
You may be wondering, what is the goal here? Why am I sharing this with you? And it is one word, Freedom. Sister, I want you to pursue the dreams and the creative ideas that our Father has placed in your heart. You are enough. You are talented. You are worthy of this gift and creating something beautiful that will in turn reveal the beauty of the Father. I want to encourage and challenge you. Do the thing. Get people around you to support and keep you accountable. Step into what you have been called.
