Bigger than (your) life

A disservice to the word

Over the weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to host panels at the Christian Creative summit 2022. To fully get into my creative bag I dressed very different to how I would normally and got styled by one of my friends as seen below, someone said I look like a member of maverick city loool. I’m used to speaking at places, but hosting isn't something I've done much of. It’s a whole different ball game to giving keynote addresses or being a panel member, requiring you to engage the crowd whilst posing questions that prompt the panel to give insightful, meaningful responses. It all went well which is good, but even better was the inspiration and relationships that were fostered that day. Being in a room with all these creatives excelling in their respective spaces not only inspired me, but got me thinking……….

A disservice to the world 

For a long time, there were skills and gifts I had that I simply just didn't use or shied away from utilising. I disguised shyness and fear with a false humility, not trying to ‘do too much’ or ‘be too much.’ I often stopped shining to make people more comfortable, dimming my light not to shine as brightly. I know I'm not the only one that's done this, nor am I going to be the last. Sometimes there's a counter intuitive imposter syndrome like feeling, it's so difficult to describe because it’s senseless. Not only is it illogical (considering our difference is what makes us unique), but it’s a disservice to humanity. I often think about the amount of incomplete plans, unrealised thoughts and unfulfilled potential that’s died with people. I think about the world we could’ve had if each person fully demonstrated their facets. On the day of the event I realised each creative unapologetically displayed their God given capabilities, almost as an act of worship. 

The world will be so much better when you begin to do what you've been made to do. A watered down version of yourself does nothing for the world. 

It’s bigger than you

Throughout history we see that the most memorable people had such an impact on people, shaping and influencing their patterns of living. Fully expressing yourself does that, transcending your life span with something with a far greater longevity that will change how people live for generations to come. Ultimately, there are lives attached to you doing what you’re created to do. It's like you ‘doing you’ enables and empowers others to do them. One of the speakers from CCS, Jemima Jacobs, said the statement “style tells stories.” An outward expression of yourself, whether through your clothing, content or a song, delivers a message to others. That message could be what changes people's lives and ultimately impacts the world. 

Thought: I often think of the lives attached to me living in purpose. The sheer amount of people who could be impacted by me just doing what I’m created to do. I look at the young people I’m blessed to have on my programs, me being just an instrument used by God to support shape the trajectory of their lives.

Ungrateful for what's been placed in you

When I think of it, not fully exhibiting your gifts almost expresses an ungratefulness to God. The motivation to exhibit your God given capabilities stems from a desire to give glory to him because of what he has placed, again an act of true and proper worship. A life poured out is exactly that. Leaving this world empty after having utilised, expressed and dispersed what's been placed in you. 

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. (2 Tim 4:6 NIV)

You want to leave this world completely empty; having displayed all you have to give with not a bit left. Think of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, it was the slave burying what was given to him that frustrated the master. Gone are the days where we would put our lamps under a basket (Matthew 5:15) concealing our light, effectively failing to allow people to glorify our father. For me, displaying my gifts and its fruit became a form of evangelism (disclaimer: this isn’t to say you shouldn’t go and directly evangelise) and seeing it that way caused me to express even harder because it’s not about me.

Hope this inspired you to do what you've been created to do! If you’re looking to start something and don’t know where to begin reach out to me, I’ll definitely try support or connect you with people who can.

NYA