I don’t hear many people talk about the courage it takes to create something from scratch and then put it out into the world for others to see!
Think about it: Writing a book. Composing a song. Starting a business. Launching a blog. Sharing your story. Or simply stepping out to pursue something that has been stirring in your heart for years.
There is something incredibly vulnerable about taking an idea, a dream, or a vision that once existed only in your heart and mind and allowing others to experience it. Because, the moment you share it, you open yourself up to the opinions of others.
Some will celebrate you. Some will encourage you. Some may not understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. Others may never acknowledge it at all. And you know what? That’s okay.
The Courage to Begin
As I was reflecting today, I felt the Lord lay this message on my heart. Rather than waiting until my next scheduled blog post, I decided to share it now. Consider this a bonus blog! I believe someone needs this reminder, perhaps even me.
Creating something takes courage. Not just the courage to begin, but the courage to keep going when the excitement of starting has worn off, when the results aren’t immediate, and when the applause you may have expected never comes. It takes courage to believe that what God placed inside of you is worth nurturing, even when no one else can see the vision.
What Happens When We Allow Others to Define Our Worth?
In last week’s blog, I wrote about the importance of having the right perspective. I shared how my perspective of myself changed as I began to understand who I was in Christ. This message feels like a continuation of that conversation. #IAMWHOHESAYSIAM
Because how we see ourselves influences how boldly we are willing to show up in the world.
If we see ourselves through the lens of other people’s opinions, we may find ourselves constantly adjusting, second-guessing, or shrinking back. There is a tremendous difference between seeking wise counsel and allowing the approval of others to determine whether we move forward!
One helps us grow. The other can keep us standing still.
You Were Created to Be You
Psalm 139:14 reminds us:
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” KJV
I love this scripture because it reminds me that God’s creativity is reflected in each of us. He didn’t create us all to think alike, sound alike, write alike, or express ourselves in the same way. Our gifts, personalities, experiences, and perspectives are different for a reason.
And while someone else may have written a book, recorded a song, started a business, or launched a blog similar to yours, no one can bring your exact perspective, experiences, and voice to it.
That is the beauty of authenticity!
We don’t have to compete with someone else’s calling. We simply have to be faithful with our own.
Learning to Create Without Seeking Approval
I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. Writing has always been one of the ways I express myself, process life, and share what is on my heart. The same is true of music and worship. But I also understand how easy it can be to allow outside opinions to influence what we do. We live in a world where so much is measured by likes, shares, comments, followers, and views. And while there is nothing wrong with appreciating encouragement or wanting our work to reach others, those things cannot become the measure of our worth!
Impact and popularity are not always the same thing.
I believe we must be careful not to allow the response of others to become the reason we create or the reason we stop.
There is freedom in learning to do what God has placed on your heart without constantly looking around to see who approves.
Be Careful Whose Voice You Allow to Influence You
Now, I want to be clear about something;
Showing up authentically and refusing to be controlled by the opinions of others does not mean we shouldn’t listen to wise counsel.
In fact, the Bible teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who can offer wisdom, guidance, and godly perspective.
Proverbs 11:14 reminds us:
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” KJV
I believe there is great wisdom in this scripture. We weren’t created to navigate every decision alone. We need people who can speak into our lives, challenge us when necessary, encourage us when we’re uncertain, and help us recognize things we may not see ourselves.
But here’s something I’ve learned along the way: Not every voice deserves the same level of influence in your life!
Everyone may have an opinion, but that doesn’t mean everyone has earned the privilege of speaking into your dreams, your purpose, or your calling.
I believe we must learn to recognize the difference between someone offering constructive guidance and someone simply expressing a personal preference. Just because someone doesn’t understand your vision doesn’t mean your vision is wrong.
And just because someone doesn’t like what you’ve created doesn’t mean it has no value…..
At the same time, we must remain humble enough to receive correction. Sometimes the very people who love us most will challenge us to think differently, improve our work, or reconsider our approach.
The goal isn’t to surround ourselves with people who always agree with us. It’s to surround ourselves with people who genuinely desire to see us grow. There is a difference between a voice that builds and a voice that tears down. A trusted voice may challenge you, but it should ultimately help you become wiser, stronger, and more grounded in truth.
As I continue learning to surrender my plans to the Lord, I’m also learning to be intentional about the voices I entertain.
- I want to remain teachable without becoming easily influenced.
- Open to wisdom without becoming dependent on approval.
- Confident in who God created me to be without becoming unwilling to grow.
Because at the end of the day, we need wise counsel, but we don’t need everyone’s permission to pursue what God has placed in our hearts. #selah
Galatians 1:10 asks a powerful question:
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” KJV
We cannot spend our lives chasing the approval of people while trying to remain faithful to what God has called us to do. There will be times when others don’t understand our decisions. There will be seasons when we are building something that hasn’t yet produced visible results. There may even be moments when we question ourselves.
But I am learning that faithfulness isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it looks like writing another page, practicing another song, taking another step, or continuing to build when no one is cheering. Sometimes obedience is quiet. And sometimes the most meaningful things we do begin with a simple yes to God.
Give Yourself Permission to Grow! You don’t have to be perfect to be authentic. In fact, sometimes the most beautiful part of sharing our journey is allowing others to see that we are still becoming. I certainly am.
Show Up for Yourself, Too
I want to emphasize something that I believe is often overlooked. There is an importance to showing up for yourself. Not from a place of selfishness or pride, but from a place of recognizing that the gifts, dreams, and abilities God has entrusted to you deserve your attention and stewardship. Sometimes we become so accustomed to showing up for everyone else that we continually place our own dreams on the back burner.
We encourage others to pursue their goals while quietly postponing our own. #ME
A Final Thought: Create Anyway
As I close this bonus blog, I want to encourage you, and remind myself, of something simple.
Create anyway.
- Even if everyone doesn’t understand.
- Even if the response isn’t what you hoped for.
- Even if you have to learn along the way.
- Even if you are starting later in life than you originally imagined.
Create because there is something meaningful inside of you worth expressing!
Your assignment is not to be everyone’s favorite. Your responsibility is to be faithful with what God has entrusted to you.
As I continue walking through this year with the word Surrender on my heart, I’m reminded that surrender isn’t just about what we release. Sometimes it’s about having the courage to move forward, trusting God with the outcome.
Be encouraged. Be courageous. And most importantly, be authentically you!
A Question for You
Is there something you’ve been wanting to create, pursue, or share but have been holding back because of what others might think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Perhaps today is the day you give yourself permission to begin.
With love,
Marvlun
