Dear friend,
Have you ever helped someone solve a problem before?
I have. Usually, it involves talking out a plot hole with a writer friend (like Alli Prince, Vella Karman, and Noah Matthews) until a solution appears.
Let me tell you, it is such a satisfying feeling.
Our job as creative people is to inspire others.
I think we forget that too often. I know I do.
I get so focused on looking for inspiration for my own life, that I forget the reason I do art and tell stories is in part to inspire other people.
We search for ways to grow our creativity, to solve our problems, to fill our proverbial cups. In the process, we forget why we do so.
Don’t get me wrong, filling your well creativity is great and necessary. Just don’t forget why you do it.
Our responsibility (and joy) as creatives is to inspire others. Not just with our work, but in our everyday lives.
I fully believe everyone is creative to some degree (read the article here). But for those of us with an abundance, we are in a unique position to inspire others in ways only we can.
Our job as Christians is to inspire others.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
The writer of the letter of Hebrews is talking about encouraging (or inspiring) each other in loving God and loving others.
This can also apply to our creativity. God gave us a gift, a skill set, and he wants us to use it to encourage others and bring them closer to him.
What being inspiring can look like.
Sometimes this looks like sharing what God’s been teaching you with your friends. Sometimes it looks like being brave sharing your art with people who will critique it so you can get better. And sometimes it is encouraging other artists to keep going when they feel like they’ll never get better at their craft.
Give of yourself. Be an inspiring person. Be who God created you to be, and you may just find your cup is being filled at the same time.
Sincerely,
R. J. Catlin
“I get so focused on looking for inspiration for my own life, that I forget the reason I do art and tell stories is in part to inspire other people.”
Such a good point. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for reading!
Really great article, Bekah! Good reminder.
Thanks Noah! Glad it was helpful.