A few days ago i quietly launched re:create into the online world….
The idea? A web-page which links to Christians being creative in various ways here in Northern Ireland.
So far the content is minimal, simply because iv not had time to add more links – I have more suggestions to add soon.
There are a few things about ‘creative Christians’ that I’d like to say though!
We are terrible at supporting one another!
Maybe I’m just having one of those weeks where I’ve encountered the wrong people and read the wrong blogs etc – but if I hear/see another artist/songwriter/creative/designer criticising someone who they think they are better than, I might just slam dunk my iPhone down their throat!
Musicians, artists and creative’s have this tendency to slip into a competitive and critical vibe – they look around at others and compare their work far too often – we all need to stop doing it!
I’ve done it, I still do it! I look at other designers, or at other ‘in store magazines’ or online bookshops and I think my own contribution sucks – sometimes I think my work is better and it massages my ego for a few minutes! If I really believed that my talents were given to me by God would I act that way?
The thing is though, life is NOT A COMPETITION! Look farther afield to people’s jobs, their cars, houses and overall image? Somehow we have embraced the horrid world-view that we need to compete with each other in everything!
It stinks!
So, re:create is just a page of links but beneath the surface its a small encouragement that hopes to say “keep using your talents – we love what you are creating and sharing.”
If we can actually physically say that to the fellow song-writers/artists/writers/designers/photographers within the Church family it would be so much more Christ-like than comparing ourselves with them and thinking we are no:1!
Would it not?
Good work Ally! Keep doing what you do and guard the heart above all. Competitiveness and rivalry are a particular poison to offerings of service by followers of Jesus. Didn’t he say something about the hunger for greatness and seeking service above first place?
That was totally me ranting about the layout of that book the other day wasn’t it? Hmm yeah, sorry for that. Not a good example or a good vibe to be spreading around
See, even my ego wants to say “father of a creative genius?” – must be my dad commenting!!
ha, thanks though mr anonymous!
oh andrew!!
Make sure it is not a first generation iPhone you ram down anyone’s throat. I think they had some toxic chemicals in them and you don’t want to poison anyone do you? It should probably be a 3GS, because it has rounded edges (easier to swallow) and won’t suffer from the iPhone 4 reception issues trapped in your competitive friend’s throat.
Actually I think Apple would consider this action with the iPhone warranty invalidating. Try a shoe instead – easier to replace.
I don’t like all the violence. And in a way I disagree. I’d want anyone to tell me if there was any way I could make my stuff better. The best writers in the world don’t get there by being immune to criticism..
Any suggestion Ally or I supported violence I think is only tongue in cheek (or phone in throat in Ally’s case)
There is a difference between genuine constructive criticism and someone arrogantly slamming others because they think they are better………..
I hear what you are saying Graeme but i think my point is directed at Christians favouring competitiveness in creative ministry/business as opposed to encouraging & supporting one another where possible.
Encouragement and support should not exclude constructive criticism if its necessary
‘Life is not a competition’ I often forget this part. Thank you for reminder.
wonderful idea!! keep pressing on and hope your N.Irish creative community will inspire each other!
“so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – romans 12:5
rock oooooon!