BOOST #030: Creativity & Vulnerability 🎨
Pride, Perfectionism, and the Courage to Share Generously
💖 DEVOTIONAL:
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
Picture this: You've poured your heart and soul into a creative endeavor. Your masterpiece, born from the depths of your imagination, is ready to be shared with the world. But as you stand on the precipice of vulnerability, a familiar foe arises—pride.
Pride, that quiet voice of self-importance, attempts to sway you from the path of humility. It tempts you to hold back your creative work, to guard it jealously, and to compare it endlessly to the achievements of others. In doing so, it builds walls around your heart and stifles the generous act of sharing.
Yet, let us remember the wisdom of Scripture. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Pride erects barriers that prevent our creative offerings from reaching their intended destination. It places our focus on ourselves, rather than on the purpose behind our creations—to inspire, uplift, and connect.
Shipping creative work, whether it be a piece of design, a song, a story, or any form of expression, is a journey of humility, vulnerability, and faith. It requires us to relinquish our grip on perfectionism and embrace the imperfections that make our work uniquely ours. It calls us to step out in faith, trusting that our efforts will touch hearts and make a difference.
The fear of rejection and the trap of comparison are formidable adversaries on this journey. They plant seeds of doubt, making us question whether our creativity is truly valuable. But let this truth anchor your spirit: You are not defined by the opinions of others. Your creativity is a gift from the Creator, a reflection of His boundless imagination.
In the midst of these struggles, remember that you are creating from a journey, not merely for a destination. Each stroke of your brush, each word you write, each note you play—it's a step along the path of growth, learning, and self-discovery. Embrace the process, for it is in the process that you find your voice, your style, and your unique message to the world.
So, let pride fall by the wayside. Let humility be your guide as you navigate the creative landscape. When you create with an open heart, you invite others to join you on this journey of vulnerability and authenticity. Your work becomes an offering, a bridge that connects hearts and souls, reminding us all that we are united in our human experiences.
As you embark on this creative expedition, cast aside the chains of pride. Embrace the freedom of humility, for it is through humility that your creativity will truly shine. Release your creations with open hands, knowing that your willingness to share generously is an act of love and an offering of your heart.
🙏 PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You as creative souls, humbled by the struggles we face. We acknowledge that pride can be a stumbling block on our journey of sharing and connecting. Help us to let go of the fear of rejection and the trap of comparison. Fill us with the courage to share our creativity generously, knowing that it is a reflection of Your goodness and creativity. May our humility be a testament to Your grace and love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
🤔💭 APPLICATION:
Take a moment to reflect on any instances where pride has held you back from sharing your creative work. How can you intentionally choose humility and vulnerability in those situations?
In what ways can you encourage others to embrace the journey of creativity, focusing on growth rather than the destination? How can you use your experiences to uplift and inspire those around you?
💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:
✂️ Share Work-in-Progress: This transparency highlights your creative journey and reinforces the idea that creativity is a ongoing path of improvement, not just a quest for flawlessness. Moreover, it allows your audience to better understand and value your craft.
Hey, creatives!👋
Wow, can you believe we've already reached our 30th devotional? When we kicked off this journey earlier this year, we never could have imagined the wonderful path it would lead us down. Yet, here we stand together 30 drops later.
To be completely honest with you, there are times when the words don't flow easily, or when the demands of other projects feel overwhelming that I literally write the week’s devotional hours before they drop. But there's something truly powerful about accountability, as Seth Godin might put it, "putting yourself on the hook." It's the sense of responsibility and commitment that keeps us consistently showing up, and we're so grateful to know that there are people like you who find value in what we do.
Here’s our promise: These devotionals will continue to be available to you for free, for as long as we can make them.
Stay inspired and keep creating!
Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning
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This is such a good and important message. I've had to read it a few times and reflect on ways I've been prideful in this area. It's tricky because it sometimes shows up as false humility--and, as you so wisely pointed out, perfectionism. One of my core nemeses. What I'm feeling some guilt and shame over now is that as I look around, I don't actually have anything to share...I've been so tripped up over second guessing and inertia and perfectionism and fear I've not actually created. The last thing I "made" that wasn't breakfast is a series of watercolor swatches just to see the colors.
Another stumbling block is the area of community and social media...do I share only from my personal account? Do I create and share on an art & business specific account? What about when all my offerings are so different? Just some areas I'm working through...as always, thank you for your amazing devotionals and encouragement!
Thank you! Keep writing, it blesses me. ❤️