get creative (again)
Recently my husband and I got to help a friend lead worship for an event here in Nashville. Using my voice in a worship setting always awakens me creatively, and as we drove home after the final service I was reminded yet again of the essential value of engaging that part of who God made me to be.
As creatives, we feel most alive — and grounded — when we’re using our gifts. Which is why the enemy loves to make us feel shut-down or stuck, creatively.
I am very familiar with this challenge, as evidenced by the fact that this is my first newsletter in months, and writing it has taken me way longer than normal. Which is why you’re getting it today instead of my usual Thursday. But that’s nothing compared to when I was in my twenties and stopped singing for a decade. Not to mention all the other seasons of creative lull, some ranging days, others going on for years, for a variety of reasons.
I’m thinking you probably have your own such list of examples, because, really, I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t. And while there’s no shame in this very human experience, it’s important to recognize what might be driving it, as well as what it costs us.
Pausing from “producing” creatively is ok, as long as we’re paying attention to what’s behind the pause.
In my case, being gentle with myself about how frequently I write and post lately has mostly been an act of self-care, and there have been other seasons when pausing creatively was the right choice given the circumstances. Losing a whole decade in my twenties because of unresolved trauma and shame? Not so much.
It’s normal to go through dry and “stuck” seasons, but be aware the enemy will try to trap you into believing you’ll never emerge from them.
Typically, he’ll start with just a little interruption to your creative flow, so you don’t even realize what you’re missing. Over time, if you’re not paying attention to the spiritual battle involved, shame and fear will cloud your view, and you may come to believe the gifts you once found joy in are no longer available to you, or that getting back into using them will be too emotionally exhausting. Don’t let this steal your hope.
Re-engaging creatively after a pause may require some time and effort to regain full capacity, but the creative gifts God gave you are still yours to claim.
Romans 11:29 tells us the gifts and callings of God are never canceled. This means that even when you’re not using your gifts, they don’t disappear. They might get a little faint in the rearview mirror, though, which is why it’s important to be mindful of staying creative during pauses, even if only in small ways.
For example…
If you’re a SINGER, try doing at least 10 minutes of vocal warmups a few times a week (see my note below about a cool app for that)…
If you’re a VISUAL ARTIST, try doodling, sketching or designing just for your own personal enjoyment…
You can even try a TOTALLY NEW ART FORM, to remove any pressure of performing at a previous level, wander through creative spaces and exhibits, listen to some new music, or just sprinkle a little creativity into “normal” life activities you do every day…
Whatever your creative expression, carve out at least ONE moment a week to flex that muscle.
This is a proactive way to prevent ever-lengthening pauses that will lead you to (falsely) believe your gifts are over and done with. Cause they’re not.
And look… I finally finished the darned email. Hopefully the next pause will be shorter. And if not, at least you’ll know I’m aware of it. :)
For TRUTH…
- cr
