God crafted each of us with generative power – the ability to create and bring more life and goodness into the world. But while this is our birthright, it’s also extremely vulnerable, which often causes us to hide behind our many fig leaves. It takes much courage to keep revealing our creative efforts to the world.
For instance, couples trying to conceive experience this vulnerability in their very bodies. Despite their desire and many efforts, much of this journey is still outside of their control. And so, while they must participate in the process, they remain vulnerable to many uncertainties along the way.
And this is true for each of us that seeks to create, whether in our work, relationships, or communities.
For example, despite our gifts and desire for impact, there’s still uncertainty in knowing how others might receive what we offer. As such, we often play it safe and hide behind mediocre work rather than taking creative risks to try something bold and new.
This might also be simply maintaining the status quo in our relationships. It’s risky and potentially disruptive to ask for more. And so, instead of putting our desire for more on the table, we hold back to avoid rocking the boat.
Likewise, communities tend to have many enduring traditions that serve us well. And yet when it’s time to create a new approach to serve this generation, this comes with the risk of feeling rejected and treated as an outcast.
To be sure, whatever it looks like, trying to create and bring something new into the world is risky and marked with many uncertainties.
But we allow the world to grow a bit darker when we hold back and don’t create the good God has called us to bring into the world.
The desire to create runs deep. But we can’t control the outcomes, which makes us vulnerable. Do your part to create anyway – taking whatever risks necessary to bring more life and goodness into the world.
