Doing Your Creative Best by Karma Pratt

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message) 

I cut these verses out of a pamphlet for a weekend retreat over four years ago and have carried them with me ever since. The Message translation really stood out to me and these verses have guided me as I've traveled the writer's path. 

As Christian writers, we are on call to write the words God gives us in whatever form they may take. This is why it's so important to "make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given..." It takes time to dig deep into the calling on your life. It takes time and dedication. You must commit your life to God, asking Him for clarity, wisdom and discernment. If you are called to create as a writer, God will guide your steps. You, in turn, have to continue taking the next right step as you go. 

The next right step, according to Galatians 6:4 is to "sink yourself into that" (aka the work you've been given). Walking out our faith as writers can take the form of pen to paper, stylus to tablet, or keyboard to screen. No matter what tool you choose, know that you honour God every time you practice your craft. 

The next two sentences just wreck me every time I think of them. 

"Don't be impressed with yourself." In other words, stay humble. There's no need to get big-headed. It's God working in you, not the other way around. Your value as a writer is not determined by numbers of books sold, or amount of engagement on your platform. It's not about you and that's okay. That's exactly as it should be. 

Along that vein, it's not about anyone else either. We are told to not compare ourselves with others. The comparison trap can create doubts in our hearts and minds. We can succumb to the lie that we don't measure up, or that we somehow don't have anything worth contributing. Here's the truth: God gave you a gift and lit a spark inside of you that only you can fan into flame. Your unique experiences have helped shape your writing. It's not necessary to worry about what others may or may not be writing about. Your words are exactly what God wants you to dedicate yourself to.

"Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

We are called to partner with God in this life, to walk with Him on our journey. The Holy Spirit moves in and through us to guide our creative endeavors. It's up to us to give our best everyday. When we pour out the gifts we've been given, we honour God, and allow Him to multiply our efforts.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

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Karma writes from the golden house in Northeastern BC. You can connect with her online at redraincoatcreations.com

The Writer's Apprenticeship by Karma Pratt

Our prompt: Share discoveries and turning points of your writing apprenticeship (past or present).

I wasn’t sure I had much wisdom to contribute on this topic. In many ways, I feel that my writing apprenticeship has just begun. There’s so much learning to still be done!

From a technical perspective, learning the mechanics of writing has been a simple side effect of loving to read. From childhood, I have had a deep love of words and books. They have been my constant companions. 

Words have taken me on journeys to new lands, uncharted territories unbound by the desire of imagination to thrive in the wilds. In my mind, words have shaped images into stories; stories with twists and turns, moving me from dreams to reality and back again. I so love the power of each carefully selected word, cozying up to its partners on either side, creating a whirlwind of emotion, provoking thoughts. Words are the catalyst for new creation, for the stirrings of possibility awakening to new life.

My love of words gave birth to a desire to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal communication. I became a “word geek”, studying English language and literature, and throwing in a side of Spanish for fun, because words are magical in any language. 

Eventually, I moved on and studied Professional Communications, becoming a Master of Art in the process. That still gives me tingles. Despite what the title might indicate, I do feel as though I am at the beginning stages of my apprenticeship.

The winding path of this writer’s apprentice has been studded with dreams.  I remember a vivid dream from many years ago, when Jesus told me I needed to become an apprentice, and showed me the first steps to creating clarity and getting guidance on that path. Well, in my dream he actually said “disciple”, but my small world was not ready for what that meant, so I kept asking him to repeat himself, until finally I got the clear word, “Apprentice! You need to become an apprentice!” As a girl who grew up less in the church and more in the oil and gas industry, the word “apprentice” made more sense to me than “disciple”. I simply didn’t know enough to understand the significance of discipleship (yet).

Fast forward many years, two children, and one home church later: I feel as though I’m finally stepping fully into the apprenticeship I have been called to. I realize this love of words and books is the expression of a gifting God has graciously instilled in me. My job is to steward that gift, grow in it, and allow my life to take shape around the love and light of Christ.

I read a devotional recently that stated, “No matter your circumstances… He is your purpose.” What a beautiful reminder! He is my purpose in all circumstances. Every word I write, think, or speak must be guided by my desire to grow in Christ. As a disciple of Jesus, I am committed to using the gifts he’s given me to move through this world sharing His love in the ways that make the most sense for me. I have a feeling this is the type of apprenticeship that never truly ends. I’m looking forward to the journey, however.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.  Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. 

Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message Bible)

Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. Say hello at redraincoatcreations.com or connect on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn