To create in any way, shape, or form, is an intimate act of worship to the ultimate Creator, maker of the heavens and earth. The very first sentence of the Bible declares, “In the beginning, God CREATED…” He simply spoke and life came to be- the majestic wonder of dust and a rib creating flesh and bones and emotion and all humanity. He invented melody, vocabulary, flavors, colors, sounds, seasons, light, textures, and all things beautiful. Everything we do is a mere sub-creation. Therefore, I view being a “creative” as the sweetest ministry, and I hope to steward these gifts well to give our Lord Jesus all the glory.
It was during my last semester of college that I randomly (or by divine providence) joined a Creative Small Group, a gathering of artisan women from Birmingham, Alabama. And wow did these Godly women change, inspire, and mold me! Every Thursday afternoon we met in the darling home of Rylee or Joanna and shared a meal + life together. This small group intertwined spirituality and creativity. We discussed a variety of topics that creatives tend to struggle with and learned what the Word says about them. These women fostered collaboration over competition, authenticity over reputation, & mission mindedness over success.
The grand finale to the 13 week small group meeting was the concept of giving back with our gifts. And here is a few snap shots of the event, The Spring Pop Up shop hosted at The Nest in Avondale! All the proceeds went to She Dances, a non profit rehabilitation center for girls sex-trafficked in Honduras. How wonderful, a group of diverse women with different talents of music, cooking, calligraphy, painting, home goods, florals, photography, design, and writing, all coming together to serve. That is the body of Christ. That is Church.
And to my dear creative sisters, thank you for loving on this young soul. For encouraging me in weeks when I had so much doubt about my creative endeavors. Through listening to your struggles and vulnerability, through watching you serve and show hospitality, through your laughter and kindness, I am all the more excited for this “post-grad-full-time-job” artist journey.
Thankful for this community. Thankful to create. Thankful for the cross that enables it all.
^^Our sweet small group leaders 🙂
PS- Follow along the artistic journey of these lovely ladies, here’s some of their instagram accounts. Enjoy 🙂
@cdmcfadden
@catherinebjones
@raganhouse
@lauramccarty
@sidneybragiel
@augusta_cole
@koraldean
@lindsiemosley
@paybowling
@megsmccall_
@lagaloo
@alexandraschmitt
@yulogies
@catlady_katie
@laurenbstarnes
@tupelohoneydesigns
@sarahbabian
@lynseyrichardson
@shainanix
@canagrooms
@ryleehitchner
@joannaballentine
@amyhstone
@court_bryant
@mkatiek
@liz_bacon
@ebphotographyartistry