The following is a result of a writing prompt at tonight’s Reflective Souls gathering:It is interesting that not creating, not being creative, causes such tension inside of me. I notice it as a physical change with a short-tempered response to life. I think engaging in the creative process of writing is freedom that comes like a deep breath followed by the slow exhale of release. When circumstances, people, schedules, other’s demands box me in, imprison me, the confines of it all comes out in physical ways (muscle tension, body aches, a sense of anxiety, edginess).
So, what keeps me from expressing my creative voice? Time demands and schedule restrictions limit my freedom for time to be creative.
Expressing this part of me feels like freedom in other ways, too. When I write, when I am creative, I feel validated; I feel connected with the One who made me, placing this bent in me. And when I don’t express this part of me, I am denying me, denying the me that God, my Creator, made me to live as His image bearer.
So, what keeps me from expressing my creative voice? Sin.
A schedule of over commitment, failing to say, “No” to other’s requests; all because of fear of letting others down, disappointing them, or fear of losing their acceptance/friendship/love.
The primary sin is that of failing to keep my focus on Jesus and His call on my life to live my values – my value of sacred margin, my value of intimate relationship with Him as my Priority.
Thank You, Father, for me; for who you have made me to be, all You have placed in me to live into, all You desire me to express as Your daughter.
What love, what boundless love that has shaped this creature!
Lord, cause me to not deny You by denying me.
Thank you to the other Reflective Souls present tonight that encouraged me to post this and therefore more deeply consider the longings of my heart.
