BOOST #042: Fear of Criticism in Disguise 🎭
Dismantling the "People won't like it anyway" Excuse
💖 DEVOTIONAL:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the dimly lit corners of our creative minds, a subtle but formidable excuse often takes residence: "People won't like it anyway." It's the insidious fear that our art, our expression, our creativity will be met with criticism or rejection. But let's unpack this for a moment.
Consider the story of Paul and Silas in the prison cell, singing hymns at midnight. The atmosphere was heavy with despair, and yet their worship was a beacon of light. They could have succumbed to the darkness, believing their praises wouldn't matter in that dungeon. Instead, their creative act of worship became the catalyst for liberation not just for themselves, but for those imprisoned with them.
Similarly, when we create with the excuse that "people won't like it," we underestimate the transformative power our creativity holds. Matthew 5:16 reminds us that our good works, our creations, are meant to be seen. It's not about the applause of the masses but about shining a light that glorifies our Father in heaven.
The fear of criticism can be paralyzing, but we're called to a different mindset. Our creative expressions are not merely personal endeavors; they are opportunities to glorify God. When we create with the intention of reflecting His light, the fear of what people may think loses its grip. Our focus shifts from seeking approval to being vessels of divine creativity.
So, the next time the excuse creeps in, remember Paul and Silas in that prison cell. Your creativity has the potential to break chains, not only for yourself but for others who need the light you carry. Step into your creative space with boldness, knowing that your work, when infused with the light of God, can impact hearts and minds far beyond what you can imagine.
🙏 PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help us overcome the fear that our creative expressions won't be appreciated. Teach us to create with the intention of letting Your light shine through our work. May we find courage in knowing that our creativity is an act of worship, a reflection of Your divine light. Grant us boldness to share our creations, trusting that they can be instruments of liberation and glorify You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Read more reflections on Paul & Silas’ prison story in BOOST #019: Worship that Breaks Chains ⛓️
🤔💭 APPLICATION:
Identify a creative project you've been hesitant to share due to fear of criticism. Pray for courage and a shift in mindset, viewing your creativity as an opportunity to reflect God's light. Then, take action and share it!
💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:
🫂 Embrace Vulnerability: Instead of allowing the fear of criticism to stifle your creativity, embrace vulnerability. Recognize that every creative endeavor is a journey, and not every response will be universally positive. Share your work with a spirit of openness, understanding that your authenticity has the power to resonate with others. Constructive feedback can be a catalyst for growth, refining your craft and deepening the impact of your creative expression. Remember, your vulnerability can foster connection, turning the fear of rejection into an opportunity for genuine engagement and collaboration. Trust that your unique perspective, illuminated by the light of God's creativity, has the potential to inspire and uplift those around you.
Hey, creatives!👋
The readers have spoken and shared their favorite ice cream flavor! Well, at least ten of you did (out of almost a thousand. 😅) If you’re confused about what this is about, check out the little experiment I started at the end of last week’s BOOST drop.
With the information gathered from that experiment, we are prompted to reinvent this last section of the newsletter. We still don’t know what to put here for future drops, but we are hard at work in our thinking chairs to come up with stuff that will bring more value to your weekly devotions. Because that’s just how much we love you guys! 🤗
So, for the ten of you who read the newsletter up to this point—thank you! Haha. I probably won't be writing a “letter” at the end of next week’s drop. But while we’re still praying for ideas, we hope you enjoy these brief candid brain dumps.
Have a creative week, friend! Keep creating! 👊
Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning
@indie.beginning
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This definitely has been a struggle to be confident in sharing the things I’m working on for fear of them not being “good enough”. So this was a refreshing reminder seeing as I’ve been truly wanting to shift my concerns to an audience of one, allowing all of it to be worship and offering back unto Him.