Here’s a truth to swallow that will serve you well when voices rise against you.

Not everyone will celebrate your success!

“The man waxed great… and the Philistines envied him.” (Genesis 26:12–14 KJV)

Part and parcel of saying “no” to the status quo is resistance from those who are better served by you staying small. Your growth, grit, and grace will expose others who have settled for less than best.

It is convicting when someone steps out in faith, doing what you only dream of doing. Their faith highlights your fear and can lead to irrational defensive reactions.

Be prepared. Your courage will inspire some, but incite others!

It’s a scary thing to step out; write a book, create a product, share a story, produce a course, start a podcast.

Whatever means you employ to share your worth, with it comes the opportunity for others to judge and criticise you.

Fears of what others will think or say stops way too many gifted people before they even begin.

Don’t be that person who nurtures innumerable ideas but never brings them out in the open. Be bold enough to step out even when you don’t feel ready.

SPOLIER ALERT: You will never feel ready. Readiness is cultivated in the oven of discomfort!

Glorious Imperfection

I speak about the delights of imperfect action in my book Faithful Creative.

Truly, I think in the realm of creativity perfectionism and procrastination are the killer twins that slay an army of ideas before they even take their first steps.

Embracing imperfection and being willing to step forward without guarantees is a skill worth learning.

Imperfection is delightfully addictive once you get used to it. Being willing to put your worth on the table even when it seems no one is listening is part of the bootcamp. Practice in public!

You’ll get better with every step.

Say “nay” to the naysayers

Don’t bow down to the critics.

Say “nay” to the naysayers and don’t back off. Keep creating.

Sure you’ll make mistakes. For certain sometimes you’ll be failing forward. But at least you’ll be moving in the right direction. Stumbling through the learning curve is nothing to be ashamed of.

It sometimes takes shooting a lot of shots at the target before you hit the bullseye, but if you keep firing long enough your aim and your ear for God’s gentle leading will improve with every shot.

Keep believing.

After all, what’s the alternative?

I think Peter had it right.

When Jesus asked the disciples if they wanted to leave like so many others and go back to their old way of operating Peter rightly concluded…

“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68 KJV)

The Holy Ghost is speaking words of eternal life today, what is he saying to you? About your business? Your ministry? Your marriage?

He’ll prove Himself faithful whatever the circumstances look like right now.

What a glorious journey even amidst the challenges.