So, have you talked yourself out of your art yet? Have you found enough reasons why you just don’t have what it takes? Are you still feeling guilty for having a passion that may not have a job description? Do you feel like you’re cheating a little bit if you get to actually do what you love?

What if you began to see your art as something other than your idea? What if it was bigger, more necessary than just a dream? What if you taking the next baby step toward creativity is actually you stepping into a bigger story? Art is a gift wrapped up in a box of grace straight from the hand of God. Stop asking questions about it. Stop trying to talk your way out of it. Receive the gift, say thank you, and begin to live like you believe it’s true.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8

What is your gift according to the grace given to you? Name it in the comments – I won’t tell anyone, I promise.

I’m not ready. You want to wait until you’re ready? Kiss that dream goodbye, friend. You’ll never be ready. Embrace it and fly.

I don’t have permission. Most of the time we don’t realize we’re waiting for permission, but we are. We want someone to tell us it’s okay, that the time is right, that this is the best decision ever. You want permission? I hereby grant you permission to go forth and create. There.

It’s not the right time. Sometimes this is legit. But most times we’re just afraid. Want to know the difference? Here are 5 ways to know if the art has to wait.

People might not like it. Yeah. So?

I might look like a fool. Mmm, hmmm. Your point?

Someone else can do it better. Oh forthelove.

I have nothing to offer. I’m listening now – This is a big one, where the art takes a huge hit. You believe it’s already been said, done, created, explored. That you have nothing new to say. Say it anyway. Be brave anyway. Throw out your inhibitions and spin around in this crazy world of recycled ideas. There is nothing new to say. Say it anyway.

I am not an artist. We’ve been over this one. Allow me to convince you otherwise.

It’s a waste of time. Define ‘waste’. . . And then dare yourself to re-define it.

It’s too much work. Truer words have never been said. It takes work to show up, to be present, to engage your ideas and escort them with love and attention from seedling to full grown, leafy, living art. But don’t be fooled – it takes work to ignore it too. And that work can be just as painful, if not more so–running from the voice, hiding from inspiration, denying the way you were made, pretending you don’t care about the art. Are you going to do the work of hiding or are you willing to do the work of art?

What did I miss? What keeps you from showing up and living the art?

There is someone missing in your world, and it might be you. Your world may be mothers of children with autism or musicians living in China or athletes who love to read. Your world could be your aging next door neighbor or that group of women at your church or those two babies at your kitchen table. Only you know who is in your world, and if you don’t, I would encourage you to figure it out quick.

Because they are waiting, begging you to show up. They need you passionate, alive, optimistic, engaged, present. They want you to lead them, to inspire them, to see them. You don’t have to be hope for the whole world. But you can bring Hope to your world. You are alive so that you can live. You are loved so that you can love. You are seen so that you can see. What are you waiting for?