So you’re on the fence about writing a blog? And you’re a Christian?

Making a decision as a Christ follower can be difficult, but not impossible.

In this blog post I won’t be telling you what to do, but I will be telling you 7 reasons why I decided to start a blog as a Christian artist.

My hope is that my personal reasons inspire you and ultimately help you make a decision.

 

 

Number One on my List 

Since I became a Christian in 2014. I started to understand my immense need for Christ. The word of God became my only refuge and my comfort. Whenever I looked elsewhere for comfort, eventually I came back weaker and thirstier. 

Making art has always been helpful at letting out frustrations and writing helps me process my thoughts, but art and writing never fill me or drive me to look beyond today. The word of God grounds me. It reminds me that being an artist and blogging is good, but ultimately not eternal. Only the word of the living God is forever.

And since I am a Christian artist, but more importantly a child of God. My trust and confidence don’t depend on me but on His grace and strength. 

The scriptures tell me, “God—his way is perfect;[a]  the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” – Psalm 18:30 

And that’s where I’ll look to when I ask, “Why did I start this blog in the first place?”

I will be conscious of the possibility of failure in the blogging world and in the art world, but the word of God is where I’ll stand.

Is that where you stand?

Connecting with People through Art and Faith

Community! 

Have you ever just felt out of place? 

I don’t know about you, but I struggle to make friends. I always have, and it’s not because I don’t like people!

There is just something laborious about connecting with others. At times personalities just clash. But I just miss talking to people that speak my language!

ART. SCRIPTURE. MESSY LIFE. YET. LOVELYLIFE.

You know, like in college or high school?

Connecting with other like-minded people is a beautiful gift.

” Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

I can’t wait to learn from others and have interesting conversations about oils vs. acrylics, Christian struggles and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ! 

 

 

My Personal Art Journey

I’ve had a bit of a bumpy journey in this creative path. 

I have doubted the idea of being an artist. And I hope to write very detailed blog posts about topics related to creating, and more specifically about being a Christian creative. 

At times, I find it difficult to talk about art in a real sense because it often feels surreal and even unimportant. Do you agree? There is also a lot of stress in this area and I wish to bring some light into the troubles, fears and joys of being a maker.

I’m not an expert and I won’t say, “you need to do this”  or “ you have this issue”. I am not a therapist! I simply want to speak from experience and let the word of God bring truth to any topic that might be controversial. 

Sharing is caring right?

The Fear of Man

I am afraid at times. I know, that’s a shock! 

Aren’t Christians supposed to be fearless and full of the power of God? 

Well, yes and no. I’m human. 

I struggle every single day with sin and that often involves__ doubts, fears, temptations and anxiety. 

And perhaps the hardest thing to process at times is the fear of man.

I heard about this not too long ago and I was like, “where have you been all my life”. I had never heard of this concept. I actually still have no idea how to really process it or even communicate it. I even bought a book. And clearly I haven’t finished it!

Anyhow, it goes like this. I care too much about what other people think. It’s evident when “people pleasing” begins to creep in or when you ignore a talent you have just because you don’t want to show it off. At least that’s the rationale!

I believe these issues live under pride, with a hint of idolatry and vanity.  Like I said, I’m not very clear on this yet, but I do know it’s wrong (sin). I have a conscience and I know God tells me to trust him above all. 

The problem is that you either stop or don’t do something because you fear the voices of men or your own voice. 

If it’s not sin or against the word of God I believe the extra seasoning of FEAR is not necessary. Fear is never a thing we should embrace in the flesh. Unless, it’s the fear of God of course!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14: 27 

 The Art of Writing  

I like to write.

At times you need a hobby far removed from your original hobby! Sounds funny but it’s true. 

Painting is great but when you get the anxious bug or the critic visits it’s best to say, “see you later.” 

I have come to realize that being an artist is my job now. It’s not just fun and games anymore. Art was relaxing but once I decided to sell and show the world it exists. The art process brought a bit of pressure and that makes the fun expire. Not always of course, but it does happen.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like art, but writing has always been fun for me. I’ve always wanted to write children’s books too. I even took two classes in college.  

My hope is that blogging will somehow give me the push to go the extra mile. You have to start somewhere. 

 

Deep Thoughts 

This one is similar to the last one, but it’s not about the art of writing and creating. It’s about practicality. 

I have a hard time communicating in the form of speech. Talking takes me a minute. I can’t formulate the words in a cohesive way and it can be frustrating. I have never truly admitted it. I’m not saying I need speech therapy. I just struggle. And part of the reason I struggle is that my thoughts are distracting. I can’t focus!

At times it’s great when my thoughts are about God’s word because I can dwell on a verse for a month or more and I’ll be okay. But when it’s bad thoughts, ooh that’s when I need an outlet. Writing takes complete concentration, so you can’t multitask. It helps me to focus my attention on something beneficial and not on a thought that doesn’t edify my soul but causes me stress and ultimately anxiety.

Writing a blog post every couple of weeks will allow me to dive deep into thoughts that are honorable and good.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Phil. 4:8 

 Consistency is the Goal

I honestly admit I am not as stable as a rock. I actually identify with that verse that talks about a wave being driven and tossed by the wind.

I don’t believe in perfection, but in order, and it’s clear in scripture that as believers we must strive for maturity. I am also aware of the corruption of man and we fall short daily, but I’m also hopeful because I believe in the redemption of man.

I want to write this blog as an experiment to see if accountability is really a thing. Every Christian circle talks about this! __ “Get an accountability partner. Tell them your struggles and pray for each other.”

I think it’s true but to an extent. I also believe in commitment, discipline and mercy. Nonetheless, since I’m struggling in this department, this blog will be my accountability partner. It will keep me in check.

I want to learn to stay consistent no matter what (even if it’s just in writing)!

What’s your next step?

As you can see none of my reasons really involved money or influence. And if we are honest, usually the main reason we start dreaming about blogging is to hopefully monetize our blog.

And I would be a liar if that was not also true for me. But as a Christian I understand my desire for something should not be above Christ or for pure gain.

Can you glorify Christ in what you’re about to do?   

Are you being completely honest and authentic?  

Answer those questions with an honest look inward. We have the ability to make choices. And if we are not careful those choices can be built on sinking sand and not solid ground. 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24-27

Only the Lord has the answer for an anxious heart. And only He can lead us.  He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Where will you stand?

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9