“Remember my name, fame
I’m gonna live forever
I’m gonna learn how to fly, high”

Round bristle brush in hand, high leg kick that almost takes your back out but you keep twirling around in your living room without a care in the world, while your mom is telling you to keep it down because she’s watching ‘las novelas’ in the kitchen, i.e. Spanish soap operas (yes, I’m a Latina). She doesn’t get it though because you’ve got vision. You’ve got a dream. You can taste it, see it. This city can’t keep you down, you all the way up!

Cut to: 8:57am, you’ve got three minutes to clock in, and you’re making a mad dash for the elevator. It opens up but it’s already packed (so there’s a basement level, who knew?), you smile as the door closes in your face with stares that scream, “Don’t try it”. You decide to take the stairs; it’s only the third floor. You arrive at your desk, out of breath, with coffee spills on your new suede booties. You try to wipe it off with saliva (didn’t Jesus do something like that?) but then you realize you still haven’t clocked in. Clock strikes 9:00 am, got ‘em! Phew! You plop down and since you now actually have a minute to think, you look up at God and tell Him “…but I’m a creative.” You think to yourself, I’m not about this 9–5 life.

Ladies and gents, I know the struggle. I moved to Los Angeles from New York to pursue acting and many creatives and artists alike hold down numerous gigs to pay the bills and keep their day time open for, let’s say, you know creating things … auditions … jam sessions … writing sessions, and gym sessions — you name it. And that’s what I did for the first few years in Cali. I was averse to office jobs so when people suggested I sign up with temp agencies, I politely declined. How many of us know that didn’t last long? Especially when you’re praying and singing, “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders” because the God we serve hears those prayers, doesn’t He?

I found myself with a position I was unqualified for but it paid the bills (last I heard artists have to do this too) and it had to do with numbers, accounting of all things. They decided to take a chance on me (let’s call that favor) and I learned so much in the two years I was there. What I didn’t know was that God would use that job to set me up for the next position, another office job, which was a higher paying position. The entire time, I am saying “…but I’m a creative”. However, through prayer, quiet time, His Word, I kept hearing to remain faithful to my current post, whether I liked it or not and so I did. I’ll kick and scream my way through but I’ll do as He tells me.

I did this for three years as I continued to see God use something that I didn’t study (accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping) continue to take me into purposeful places. You missed it. There was a purpose for each office I stepped foot in.

I didn’t learn that right away, I can only appreciate that in hindsight and this is why I’m sharing this story, to encourage someone in their NOW because God is working out the NOT YET. You probably have some questions right? Were you able to continue acting? When did you find time for your craft? Auditions? Was the job flexible? Did you quit any of them? What happened, chica?

The short answer is, creatives always find a way to express themselves. It may change. It may look different. It may be short and sweet versus the nights you used to spend coming up with that one opening line for your poetry piece. I believe an artist is who you are, not what you do. Others may value what you do, you may glorify God in what you do but what you do won’t take on a life of its own if you haven’t lived a little. Been hurt some. Persecuted a little. Frustrated much. Cried yourself to sleep. LOL (laugh out loud) so hard that tears stream down your face. Love hard and have it reciprocated — now that’s a great feeling isn’t it? More on that process and your questions in the next blog post.

Stay where God has planted you, there is purpose where you are. God is intentional and I know we say this and don’t believe it fully but let me tell you, I’ve lived it. I’m on the other side cheering you on and hollering, “keep swimming!”

Things to consider: If you work a blue collar construction job and manual labor is your day to day, can you still say … but I’m a creative.

What’s your definition of a creative, is it one that has restrictions? Did you put creativity in a box? Share your comments below. Let us know where you are in this process. There’s freedom in sharing our stories.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)”

Unlike the sage burners, I only light incense for the fragrance. Our use of the word “light” isn’t to be confused with transcendental meditation, chakra, or that natural deodorant that doesn’t work for those of us with an overabundance of sweat glands. We’ve determined that our light isn’t just for dark places. Our light inspires others to perceive correctly. We assist where some might be stagnated from perverse thinking and confusion. Our light (referencing John 1:5) can even overcome the darkness of corruption and greed.

But what happens when we’re asked to dim our light? Have you ever heard the subtle implications that you’re shining a little too brightly? Have you ever reconsidered sharing a new opportunity to avoid being discouraged by a small-thinker? The “glow up” isn’t threatening as long as it’s used for Snapchat crowns or makeup contouring. We’re allowed to shine as long as that attention and publicity interfere with the focus on someone else. We should expect preferential treatment. But we should also expect some may not approve of this notoriety.

Allowing my light to shine is an act of obligation. And if I’m doing it correctly, it should attract others to me. Isn’t that what our light is for?

Glow Up in the Marketplace
We shouldn’t be considered any less generous for requiring a flat fee for our work. Yet, somehow we are now aloof and arrogant because the use of words like “bro” and “sis” don’t act as a fee waiver. So the idea of “men giving into your bosom” is only for your entrepreneurial endeavors? If we profess that our Heavenly father will provide every financial need, wouldn’t we be proving our illegitimacy by not expecting to reap financial rewards for our effort?

Glow Up in Business Partnerships

We don’t have to convulse on the floor and spit tongues of fire to observe someone’s lack of integrity and business practices. While I do believe in the Holy Spirit and importance of fivefold ministry, I’m realizing that as disciples (disciplined ones) our spirituality is an invalid excuse for our lack of preparation and poor execution.

Three years ago, I launched my first blog. Because of the sensitivity of the content, I asked a close friend to record and edit the first video. That close friend proceeded to edit, including music, and add subtitles to the video. Because of the overwhelming response, I quickly began preparing a series. Anyone who has a background in media can attest that editing is a challenging and long task. After a few months of this pattern, that friend communicated that they would no longer be able to assist in video production. Because of my immaturity at the time, I couldn’t understand her issue. Not only had she not been compensated her for her work, she was doing the most difficult part. While we would reconcile as friends, she made an intentional decision to avoid partnering with me again. Before, I would consider this as “unforgiving or “disloyal.” Now, I understand that she wasn’t profiting from her investment. How many times have we used the words “favor” and “help” as an excuse to exploit the talents of others in our creative network?

Glowing up isn’t about our refusal to resolve conflict in relationships. It’s about our decision to come into the light and identity of who our God has called us to be.

Good to see you finally shining,
Ana I.S. Kin

After popping my third maximum strength pain reliever for chronic back pain, it occurred to me that I could probably avoid a rehab stint by doing some simple stretches for my tight hamstrings. Within minutes, I experienced relief. This didn’t even begin to include the list of night sweats, throbbing headaches, or skin breakouts I’ve been experiencing over the past few weeks. Is it just me? Has anyone else had to set a reminder to take care of themselves lately? Is it the messy top buns and college alumni sweatshirts stalking my social media that make me feel like hard work requires sleep deprivation? If I’m grinding (which I interpret as exerting only my effort and ability) what is grace for?

For the creative entrepreneur, our laptops can be just as isolating as the standard grey cell in cubicle nation. I understand that we often fight against lethargy and our own laziness, specifically in meeting those creative deadlines. In that instance, our procrastination may result in dire consequences. But are they really still recruiting for “team” no sleep?” Doesn’t that team only play during midterm and final exams anyway? Has anyone considered joining team Sabbath, team nap, or team rest? How can we know the importance of a savior if we are trying to be one for everything and everyone else? How can we be in awe of a crucifixion yet work ourselves to a slow death? While creating new ideas can be arduous, it shouldn’t be punishment.

Real Ones: If you find your pictures or statuses being used for evangelical or even motivational purposes, it can be very easy to deflect from your own issues. A public image and biblical knowledge can be misleading. Socialization is still important, even with your social media accounts. We must be sure that we are developing an authentic community that isn’t afraid to ask about the condition of our heart, our addictions, or even our emotions. We need people who aren’t afraid to get us in our feelings. We need a tribe that can ask us the difficult questions.

Take Care of You: It really is just that simple. I’m learning that rest doesn’t have to include a nap. “Rest” could be setting a boundary, saying “no” or extending a deadline that you really are just unable to meet. Usually, I try to beat my deadlines. While ambition and hard work should be praised, I’ve had to examine the condition of my heart. If I don’t get the recognition for my timeliness, would I still be ok? If my eagerness is not acknowledged, will I lose my zeal? I discovered that I had been creating from a place of fear; the fear of being replaced or even that persistent case of imposter syndrome. Rarely, do I ever create anything profound or life -changing when I am creating from a place of fear.

He’s Your Day 1: This consists of daily prayer, worship, and a body of believers to be connected to. Spiritual leadership, especially for the independent thinker, keeps us accountable to not just biblical doctrine but our sanctification and righteousness. Without consecration, we may find some venues of entertainment too tempting or compromising. We eat daily. So, we have to keep a consistent diet of the word of God.

What are some of your plans to keep yourself summer time fine this season?

From the Kermit the Frog Instagram memes to the trending Twitter hashtags about whatever debacle or scandal is in our pop culture, I think we can all agree the internet is great again. When I say the internet is “great”, I’m not including the sensationalism, explicit content, or invasion of privacy.

But don’t we all want to be great? Don’t we all want the recognition for the laborious hours we spend creating art? For some, even our meal preparation has taken painstaking hours of filter selection for Instagram.

There is something in us, perhaps not above an ordination or “calling”, that wants or even needs others to be able to experience (hear, touch, feel) what we create.

So how do we do it? How do we continue to glorify God while creating marketing campaigns that bring visibility to our brand or product? In the search of our “come up” it can be all too easy to become a poor imitation of what Google Analytics has deemed as “popping.”

Of course, we do need the public to take a stake in what we do. The artists cannot eat on Youtube views and compliments alone. But we do not have to compromise our convictions to do so. When we are untrue to the source that gave us the ability to create, we have exalted our glory over His. When we act with sincerity, humility, and integrity we bring others close to God.

We must be convinced that the hustle of entertainment will always be more favorable to those who are by His agenda.The crowd may forget your wordplay, choreography, or technique. But your conviction from the Holy Spirit, which compels them to gain knowledge and understanding from the Word of God, is the lasting fragrance in the room.

Are you gracious to the sound technicians doing the levels on your microphone? Have you looked for an opportunity to serve the volunteers that run the product table? Even with millions of viral views, the greatest of all is the servant. We can never be so consumed with our own agenda that we forgot to take an opportunity to inspire someone to be their most authentic self.

Does our idea of winning include winning lost souls to Jesus?

Everyday We Lit: For the Win was originally published in The Listening, Inc on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the continuous search of our “come up”, we cannot be threatened by the greatness in others. If it doesn’t result in compromise to our belief system, we should even be willing to patronize others’ events when possible. The sow and reap principle isn’t just for our tithes and offering. Before we are artists, we are first disciples. Our actions will always require us to love as an action verb. We cannot simply rely on inserted bible scriptures on social media. We should also repent quickly if we’ve been harassing others with those horrendous religious chain letters and electronic emails. In the time of social media seminary and Facebook Bible College, this is how others will know our true identity.

If a brother or sister is exposed in a scandal, do we choose to publicly humiliate them? What we consider being “petty” is actually a spirit of divisiveness and strife. We cannot allow the entertainment industry to be our code of conduct. If it had not been for the blood of Jesus and a new laptop, how many of us would be exposed? If we think that sabotage or slander will promote us, we have forgotten that promotion does not come from the human resources department. Our promotion comes from God. Are we afraid that if someone receives an opportunity, we will be denied one? Or is it because we are actually lusting for the same opportunity? Remember: art inspired by the Holy Spirit will never go stale.

There is nothing wrong with ambition. The bible says that “…a sluggard craves and gets nothing…. “(referencing Proverbs 13:4). However, when our ambition is used as an excuse to be insensitive to others, we’ve made our work ethic an idol. This is why it’s so problematic to not know your identity. If the same God who created oceans and continents created you, why don’t you believe He will create opportunities for you? If we understand this, we can resist the darkness. We can even resist the urge to manipulate, extort, or destroy others for greatness.

When you understand that your reflection is supposed to be continuously transformed more into the image of God, you will then understand what truly makes you beautiful.

“What happens in this house, stays in this house.”

I know I’ve heard this saying many times.

Some artists were raised in cultures where religion and tradition have neglected emotional health. We may be scrutinized for not being “strong” or “enduring” a hardship without complaint.

If we profess ourselves as people of faith, it can be especially difficult to identify our emotions. I sincerely believe we can be disappointed by a set of circumstances and still proclaim to see the goodness in trials and adversity. This isn’t because an event or incident in its nature is good. It is because we know the goodness of the God we serve.

We must not confuse using the word “faith” as an excuse to use avoidance and passivity. Our faith works best when we choose to believe despite the circumstances in front of us.

Yes, “it” happened. And it doesn’t matter if “it” occurred in our childhood or a few days ago. By making a deliberate decision to overcome, we must resist shame. Some of us may have been scolded by caregivers with the saying, “What happens in this house stays in this house.” We may even be considered disloyal to talk about the events that have occurred. Some may have even experienced dire consequences or physical punishment for their honesty.

But, we can own our stories. We can even change the narrative. Didn’t you realize? We are the house. If we are experiencing any level of dysfunction or compulsive behavior from the experiences we refuse to talk about, we are not as effective as we think we are. Likely, those encouraging us to repress these experiences have denied some of their own.

Housecleaning: The artist has a unique ability to create their own reality. However, we can’t be delusional. We must be courageous enough to take an honest inventory of our lives. If this is too overwhelming, this can even be done with the help of a trained professional, psychotherapist, or spiritual leader.

Lift The Rug Up: We all have corners where we sweep the dirt to when we want to avoid too much effort. The realization, of course, is that the dirt is still there. We will likely continue to sweep dirt into the corner until it piles up. By the time we actually decide to clean properly, the filth is much more difficult to remove. We could have avoided the now strenuous chore if we were simply willing to do the work in the beginning. What are we unwilling to confront from our childhood home?

Garage Sale: What does our storage look like? No matter how daunting the creative project, we experience a sense of relief when we’ve completed it. We must use this same tenacity in our lives. We must be willing to edit, modify, correct, or even delete when necessary.

-By BM Blogger @anaiskin

“If a writer falls in love with you, you can never die.” — Mik Everett

For my professing believers of the Gospel, can we just ignore the sacrilegious sentiment for a few minutes? I’m examining the creative writer’s ability to immortalize our lovers, specifically those of the past. Is it fair to say that any person who consents to a relationship with us is signing up for public humiliation if the romance goes awry? Is anything really sacred after the breakup? Are we ingenious or just insensitive for writing about our intimate partners?

Isn’t our writing just as endearing as pet names and permanent tattoos? After all, why wouldn’t we honor something that was disappointing for us to lose? How many ballads (insert fictional first name of past lover) have we bawled our bloodshot eyes to? Did we not feel a sense of comradery with that vocalist? Should we actually be praising their past lovers for inspiring such brilliance? Without their heartbreak, what would be used to commemorate our very own?

Well Done or Medium Rare: I’d say that you want to make sure this thing is dead. This is not to be misconstrued for cannibalism or violence. I’m referring to the relationship. If you’re still considering reconciliation, you may want to rethink hitting the “publish” button until you’ve made a decision. Sometimes, we’re merciless when our emotions are still “raw.” I’m learning that it isn’t just about censorship. Some things really aren’t necessary. They don’t contribute to the literary piece. They don’t develop a plot or help readers understand the context of a story. We probably won’t omit the salacious details. I’m not sure that we always should. But, I do believe in being merciful.

Burnt Offering: It may seem like generic psychobabble to write a letter to those who we’ve been involved with. But it isn’t about the actual correspondence. It’s the opportunity for closure. The letter (or whatever act of creative expression you prefer) allows uninterrupted communication about our grievances. We shouldn’t immediately mail it. Similarly, I’d like to think we’d consider the impact to those involved by making our art public. If we decide to spare them for sake of privacy and human decency, maybe we can consider burning it. I don’t mean actually committing arson. I’m referring to canceling a creative project. Or, at least waiting until we’re not so prone to complete verbal annihilation.

Ashes or Fertilizer: The power of the pen gives us executive control. But we can’t control people. We also can’t predict the outcome of a relationship. Maybe that’s why we decided to be writers; to control the plot twist in our lives.We can’t create fictionalized characters to avoid confronting interpersonal relationships. We need that conflict to examine ourselves. Is it possible that we put the “characters” of our literary work under such scrutiny because we are unwilling to confront some of our very own shortcomings? Is our dialogue a way of compensating for our ineffective communication in a relationship?

There are some artists who rely on stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens to inspire them. Are we perhaps addicted to the emotional high of dysfunctional relationships? Are unsuitable partners our drug of choice? Do we fear that we can only create in strife? Where are the artists creating from reciprocity, mutual respect, and boundaries? Are we doing the work necessary to not just complete projects? Are we striving to be complete people?

“What’s bad for your heart, is good for your art”- Unknown

I’m not sure if artists necessarily have to suffer in order to create. But I do know we owe some of the century’s greatest masterpieces to turmoil and angst. I’m learning that even our most devastating experiences can be used for our art.

Even when the circumstances of my life seem unfair, they are still fueling my creativity. These events have created character and discipline. Of course, I would encourage you to omit information that doesn’t conceal the identity of guilty parties. Defamation of character will rob you. I mean that quite literally. This begs the question — how much is too much for us to share? Are we at any point vilifying those who are a part of our stories? Can we still act in forgiveness and still in our truth? How much information is too much information? Assuming that we are not just defaming character for retaliation — do we still not deserve to communicate our trauma? Should we now be asked to silence ourselves because it may make others comfortable?

Our art doesn’t have to be made public. It can be used privately for us to vent and regroup. It can also help us avoid impulsive behavior. It may even give us reasoning and logic where we might be prone to self-destruction. By not creating and attempting to impose our own doctrine or belief, we may be denying ourselves the opportunity to cope or heal. We may be interrupting our very own creative process. Free writing, or having an opportunity to exercise an art form without appraisal from others, is a crucial step in healing. Often times the urge to connect or communicate is important. Our thoughts and experiences need to be validated; even if that validation is just from us. At the very least, you should be able to stare at something that commemorates all you’ve experienced. Do you not deserve tangible proof of goodness and mercy? When you are beyond this trial, you’ve created something that will remind you how strong you really are. Most importantly, your art may help someone still trying to find the “good” in the “bad” heartbreak, setback or disappointment.

What Can I Do?

1. Own It: So, it happened. We aren’t strong by enduring or pacifying. We aren’t weak to admit the existence of things. We aren’t timid. So talk about it, write about it, and create from the experiences and pain you would rather bury. Take the time to paint (or whatever your instrument of choice is) and sketch out the details.

2. Redirect It: This isn’t just about you. There are people who need to see you overcome “this.” If you knew what you know now four years ago, how much more impactful would things be? What would you have wanted someone to communicate to you? Perhaps a minority or underrepresented person may feel that an exhibit or art movement lacks inclusion from a specific community. Could your willingness to display your work bring unity within that group? Could it mean the survival of someone else?

3. Work It: Don’t wait until you feel the urge or inspiration to work on your art. Develop the discipline because you place value in what you do.

If we are willing to use our experiences, our art reminds us that even our pain has a purpose. We are the blank canvas.

I hope you find your way to lilies in the fields and skies full of rainbows. I really do. But more importantly, I hope you find the courage to use whatever life has thrown at you to your advantage. I hope that you find the “good” in every “bad” situation. You just have to train your eyes to see it;use that creativity.

Remember, “what’s bad for your heart, is good for your art.”