BOOST #122: The Lie That Everyone Else Has It Together 👀
Why Your Messy Reality is More Beautiful Than You Think
💖 DEVOTIONAL:
"Each one should test their own work. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." — Galatians 6:4 (NIV)
Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and felt like every other creative has their life figured out? Perfect studio spaces, dreamy family vacations, beautifully organized homes, viral content that seems effortless. Meanwhile, you're sitting there in yesterday's clothes, staring at a blank canvas, wondering if that idea you've been wrestling with for months will ever see the light of day.
If you ever feel like you're the only one struggling, let me pull back the curtain for you: it's all a lie.
Not that people are intentionally deceiving us, but we're seeing highlight reels, not messy behind-the-scenes footage. We're comparing our rough drafts to everyone else's polished masterpieces.
Paul knew something about this human tendency to measure ourselves against others. In Galatians 6:4, he invites us into a different way of being. Instead of looking sideways at what everyone else is doing, he suggests we look inward at our own journey with honest eyes.
"Test your own work," he says. Not that writer's bestseller. Not that artist's gallery representation. Your work. Your craft. Your faithfulness in the daily practice, even when no one's watching.
This isn't about lowering artistic standards—it's about recognizing that God's creative call on your life is uniquely yours. The projects you're developing, the voice you're finding—that's between you and the One who first spoke creation into being.
What if we started celebrating the beautiful mess of our own artistic journey? What if we found pride not in having "made it," but in showing up to the blank page, the empty stage, the unfinished canvas, again and again?
The truth is, no creative has it all together. We're all just experimenting, wrestling with the same fears, learning to trust that our creative gifts aren't dependent on measuring up to anyone else's portfolio.
🙏 PRAYER:
God, thank you for seeing me as I really am—not as I pretend to be or wish I were. Help me resist the temptation to compare my inside to everyone else's outside. Give me eyes to see the good work you're doing in my life, even when it feels slow or small. Teach me to celebrate progress over perfection and to find my worth in your love, not in how I measure up to others. May I be brave enough to be real about my struggles and generous enough to celebrate others without diminishing myself. Amen.
💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:
This week, when you catch yourself comparing, ask one simple question: "What's one thing I can celebrate about my own journey today?" It might be as small as getting out of bed on a hard day or as significant as a breakthrough you've been praying for. Write it down. Let it remind you that your story matters, exactly as it is.
We’re working on it! ✍️ (What do you think?)
We've got the main outline mapped out, but I'm curious… what A.I. questions are keeping you up at night? What fears or concerns about A.I. and creativity are you wrestling with that we haven't touched on yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Your real struggles will help shape this ebook into something that actually serves you where you are.
😲 Prices are going up in a few weeks! Grab your copy now while they’re still cheap!
Creative Juice Booster: Overcome creative blocks and become a wellspring of ideas! Join countless Christian creatives who’ve rediscovered the joy of creating with God through Creative Juice Booster. This practical, Bible-rooted guide will help you sharpen your creative thinking, overcome blocks, and walk boldly in your calling as an artist for the Kingdom.
Scriptures and Scribbles: Dive into this interactive activity book that encourages Bible reflection through creativity! Featuring 100+ Scripture-based reflections and creative prompts, it’s designed to help you connect with God while nurturing your artistic spirit. Perfect for journaling, sketching, or simply exploring your faith in a creative way.
*Check out our previous email update for more information.
THAT’S IT FOR THIS WEEK’S DROP!
Your feedback is a gift! Send us your comments, suggestions, reviews, and questions. The best way to reach us is through sending us a DM on Instagram: @indie.beginning. Or drop them in the comments below.
If you’re enjoying our weekly devotionals & want to SUPPORT it, forward or SHARE this to someone who needs a BOOST!
—Brian V.
It’s not that I fear AI overtaking my creativity, but that people will prioritize profit over unique creativity and turn to AI for profits reasons and no longer desire authentic creativity.
Thank you for being a blessing everytime I open the app. I often beat myself up for being 'messy' when I create but now, I've learnt its apart of the process. Be messy and refine it so it can be better.
That is what God does. He takes our messed up lives and makes something beautiful and brand new.
God bless.
-J. L. Gittens