you are creative.

It’s a feeling that I had not experienced in a long while. Self-doubt. Can you relate? Maybe you have an area in your life where you battle the self-doubt day in and day out. If that’s you, I’m right there with you. Believe it or not, I’ve never experienced a heavy wave self-doubt in the area of my creative ability until recently. The moment I stepped into a full time role of designing, writing and creating, I faced a loud wave of opposition.

For months, I struggled to create anything. Sometimes, I would be so frozen with doubt that I couldn’t create or write or move. It was unreal…but so real to me. It’s sad, really…I was so engaged in my own thoughts and lies, that I could not receive encouragement from friends and family. Can you say words of affirmation: closed for business?

The voices in my head told me things like:

You can’t create that… UNEQUIPPED

Your words won’t be read…. UNNOTICED

Your work looks too much like theirs…COMPARISON

You don’t know what needs to be shared…UNKNOWLEDGABLE

You’re not enough… UNWORTHY

These are some of the lies that I faced for months.  Sound familiar? Are there words, thoughts, and obstacles in your life right now that seem like giants? Raise your hand if that’s you, sister!

The way I see it, you have two options in the face of self-doubt:

1. You can believe the lies and remain paralyzed by self-doubt.

Or

2. You can press forward with confidence and experience FREEDOM, living in the fullness of what you’re called to do.

Months after my battle, I had a sweet friend ask me: What does God say is truth?

I am enough in Him.

I am creative because of Him.

I am free because of Him.

I am strong in Him.

I am able in Him.

IN HIM…. He is my strength. Read that one more time if it didn’t sink in.

Everything I see, create and do in this world is because of Him. Every time I feel strong, it is because of Him. Every day I create art or design, is because of Him. And I am fully equipped, because of Him.

So, I’m writing from the other side telling you that in God’s strength, you can experience freedom and joy! Once I surrendered my fears and doubts to Him, I was fueled with creativity like never before (the proof: this new LO magazine). And honestly, I had no idea what I was doing, but God worked in me. I believe He can do that for you too.

Let’s pause for a moment. If you’re reading this and cannot relate, read this: I believe that every human is designed to create and make things for God’s kingdom. I mean, our God is the most creative designer ever. He is our Father and we are all designed to create. Whether it’s art, music, businesses, relationships, community, churches, Instagram captions or stories—every human is wired to create for the Kingdom. When we create the things we are called and positioned to do, we experience freedom.

“ Now, God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” Ephesians 2:7-10 MSG

For those on the verge of creating something big, I want to encourage you in this—God is waiting for each one of you to step forward to create new things. Remember, God made you to create. He has already stirred inside of you ways to make use of your gifts and passions. And if you haven’t experienced that already, let me tell you, God is waiting for you to ask and activate your gifts and passions.

Father, I pray for every person facing self-doubt today. May you silence the voices that are lies, and amplify your truth. Give us eyes to see ourselves how you see us. Reveal to us the gifts you have given us, humble our hearts and empower us to say YES to serving you with those gifts. Father, we thank you that you are always enough. You are our strength. In Jesus, name Amen.