Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Write Creativity: Building Our Image in Nations

Hey #JustWrite!! It is October and officially Fall and we are discussing creativity. This is definitely the season where creative ideas seem to just "autumnatically "fall" from our minds onto paper and later with added diligence and prayer into a built masterpiece. When I think of creativity, many words come to mind: forward-thinking, colorful imagery, wordplay, quick-wit, artistic, and imagination. The definition of creativity is the use of the imagination ( our Image In Nations) or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work. Throughout the yearsI've had many conversations with other creatives and scribes on our appreciation for the arts and how many artists (filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, actresses, etc.) have worked hard and tirelessly through adversity to be true to themselves and trust that their diligence and hard work is what created a table for them. I say a created table or a built table because we as creatives have to recognize that we don't have to wait for other people to give us tools to what we already know to build. Many of us heard about the recent unveiling of Tyler Perry's new studio and how he literally built it without any funding from outside sources. Here's a man who was once homeless with numerous jobs (been following his career and story since high school when people had the bootleg VHS tapes, lol.) now a multi-millionaire who has employed more people of color and continues to give back to the community. He has built his empire in Atlanta, GA and has paid homage to many who came before him and many who he has been blessed to walk with. His imagination (creativity, storytelling, business savvy, giving spirit, etc.) plus faith and hard work made room for him, not only locally but nationally. Tyler Perry's amazing story and triumph is known across the nation.


We can't forget that the greatest creative of all time is our Creator God as stated in Genesis 1:1 ("In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.) Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, "Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.") Colossians 1:16 says, "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him."The last part of Colossians 1:16 reminds me that everything we do is created from the image of God and it is up to us to live out that creation throughout the nations. Every idea may come through us but it is ultimately for God's glory and to make Him known. Whatever ideas given to us must be written down and carried through as God would want them. Let's build His image in nation.


In His service,

Lequvia Ousley