When you put yourself out there, when you share from the heart, when you take a leap of faith, when share your art, your feelings, your commentary, your gifts, etc. there is always going to be a chance that someone is going to love it, hate it, be inspired by it, criticize it...even dare I say "steal" it.
Here's the thing, I feel that even though my skills, my gifts and abilities are "mine" they are not mine to keep. Yes, I suppose that I could hoard it all for myself and never share, but "whoopie" that isn't going to make a difference, a change or encourage anyone, including my own self.
When you have a gift, you have it for a reason. It was given to you to share.
duh.
This morning I got a message today and have actually gotten several like this in the past:
"just a quick question for you. I have noticed that lots of people are commenting that they have taken your classes. I was just wondering how you feel when you see that we have used your work as our inspiration for our Bible journaling. And does it upset you if it very closely resembles something that you have made? I am still pretty new to word art and I your work as inspiration for many things I make....and just want to make sure it is ok with you!!
and here is my response:
"Because my purpose is to inspire, share, encourage, remind and teach, when I see that others are creating, especially in The Word, it makes my heart overflow."
and that is the truth.
I feel and know this for a fact because recently I experienced a situation where I saw art from one of my previous students that is now manufactured and is being distributed. For a second, it stung. No actually, it knocked the wind out of me and then I remembered, it was not my idea in the first place.
again, there is the truth.
Not too long ago, someone very well known and that I admire in the creative industry asked me straight on "Where do you get all of ideas?" and I answered right back without hesitation, "God."
I think my answer was a surprise to this person and then within a few seconds, a smile and a nod confirmed to me that this person understood.
If you put aside all of the what if's, stay aligned, focused and work your purpose, everything will work out just the way it is supposed to. Don't worry about this, that and the other. Keep going, stay true and by golly, create art!
Thanks for asking...
