"We want this to be good."
Here’s my little pep talk on leaning into your gifts.
If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you likely know that I love making things and being creative. I also love music and am fascinated by people that are gifted at it (because let’s face it, I can’t read music and my 5 months of piano lessons were not my finest hour).
The creative process is so fascinating to me. I’ve found that when I find an artist I really love (whether it’s a musician, an author, etc.) I usually want to dig deeper to figure out where their inspiration comes from, how they started out, and how they got to where they are now. It all ties back to the fact that we were each made in the image of the One who created sunsets that seem to set the sky on fire. This same Creator breathed into existence a world full of intensely complex human beings who share emotions that transcend language barriers. If you truly stop to think about the vast spectrum of created things, it is mind-blowing. We were made in the image of this ultimately creative being, with the hope that we’d in turn use our gifts to reflect our maker. I think what makes Him truly happy is seeing his kids living into what he put us here for, stewarding the things we’ve been given. And the more I think about it, creativity all has the same finger-print. It all comes from one source.
However, one of the key bits that I think we often miss is that we were designed to put our whole hearts into what we create. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, and creativity takes hard work. Stewarding the fire and passion that the Lord put in each of us requires us to give 100%. If we don’t, we’re short-changing ourselves and others. It’s like God sees us holding back and whispers to us “you were made for more.” If you’re anything like me, we constantly need reminding of this, because our natural inclination is to settle, to believe that we don’t have what it takes, or that what we have to offer isn’t really all that valuable. But I truly believe that regardless of our feelings, we owe it to others to lean in anyway. The things that hit home the most are the ones that mean something, where the creator gave it their all.
Things that are beautiful, good, true, and holy are not instant. But they are so worth it.
Seeing people live into what they were so clearly created to do is beautiful and infectious. When you find these people and recognize the deep purpose behind what they’re doing, it’s hard to look away. It’s like they’ve tapped into something that so many of us miss.
Just take a moment, look down at your own two hands, and know that there is divine purpose and power there. Don’t discount that.
In case no one has told you today, you are here for a reason. Whether you’re designing a rocket ship or in charge of cleaning an office building, there is creativity in all of it. And the world needs you.
There are a few artists I’ve found that, from my perspective, really seem to put their whole hearts into their work. One of these, Dermot Kennedy, once shared during an interview a story of playing piano with his older sister. They were playing a song for their parents and she kept messing up. Dermot was three years old at the time, but remembers being frustrated at her. He told her a few times to do better, and at one point he remembers yelling at her, “We want this to be good!” Although they came from a child, those words can have profound weight if you let them sink in. This motto is one of the trademarks of his music, to the point he has a sticker with these words on his guitar. If you listen to any of his music, you will hear it. There is a deep-rooted commitment to give his art everything he has and to create excellence.
Steve Moakler once said,
“You can never control how people will react to you and what you're doing as an artist, but you can control how present you are in your work.”
Here’s a handful of the artists that seem to instill this whole idea and really give it all they have. I share them with you, in the hopes that you’ll be inspired, as well.
Dermot Kennedy - If you haven’t heard of him, it’s only a matter of time. This Irish singer-songwriter is a force of light. He started out busking on the streets in Dublin, but I have no doubt he’s going to be selling out stadiums in the next few years. Each of his shows now sell out within minutes. This video is him in a nutshell for me, in terms of how much he cares for his craft. This also gives you a glimpse at how special his live shows are. Based off interviews and the way he speaks, he’s one of the most positive hopeful, and humble musicians out there. If you want to hear more, I put together a video playlist of other gems by him. But if you only hear one of his songs, “Outnumbered” is the definition of hope.
LANY- It’s no secret that this band is one of the most honest, grateful, and talented out there. Their latest album “Malibu Nights” is the most beautiful version of heart break. Their acoustic version of “Thru These Tears” is also some kind of mood and absolutely worth watching. Paul Klein, the lead singer, wrote this and is something I think we all need more of.
Patrick Droney- I recently discovered this guy, but after you hear his music you’ll want to join the fan-club, too. He’s one of those crazy talented artists that will make waves. His perspective on his craft is really encouraging. My favorite song of his lately is “Brooklyn.” You’re welcome.
United Pursuit- this band holds a special place in my heart. Back in college I spent many nights in the dark room developing prints, and I cannot tell you the amount of times I had their music blaring in my headphones. This song is an example of that.
Corey Harper- Where do I even start with this one? Not to put him in a box, but he reminds me of a younger John Mayer, with the guitar skills, vocal chords, and songwriting abilities to prove it. Some favorites of his are “Best of Me," “Beneath,” and “Still Need to Love You.”
Nick Wilson- This British 24-year old singer songwriter may not be one you’ve heard of before, but is definitely someone worth listening to. His live performances have been described as “slow burning acoustics washed in dreamy synths.” A few of my favorites are "Colour Me In,” his Celine Dion cover of “Think Twice,” and “All the Same."
Sleeping At Last- If you’ve ever watched an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, you’ve likely heard his music. SAL is a music project led by Ryan O’Neal, who is by far one of the most creative and fascinating individuals I’ve yet to meet. (Listen to any podcast with him and hear his creative process and the way his mind works. It will move you). In 2010 this singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist committed to released three songs a month for a full year. And let me just tell you, they weren’t just half-hearted tracks he threw up on Spotify. Each of them is a 10/10. For his latest project, he released 9 songs, one for each of the enneagram types. Beware, listening to them will likely hit a cord, so prepare to be an emotional mess in the best way possible. Another all-time favorite by him is “Saturn.”
Hannah Brencher- As one of my favorite authors, she’s also known for her TED talks and the girl that moved to New York City and fought depression by leaving love letters for strangers all across the city. Her latest book “Come Matter Here” is a piece of literature I feel like every human should read. Not only does she have a gift with words, but she has a God-given ability to use the pages to relate to others in their brokenness. She’s one of those people that’s building bridges in a world where it feels like most people are putting up walls instead. I could share probably 100 quotes from her book, but here’s one for now. “Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises, it’s about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it.” If you want to read this book but don’t know if it’s worth the money, please send me your address and I will personally mail you a copy. That’s how much I genuinely think these words matter.
With that, I updated the boombox playlist with some tracks I’ve been loving lately. May this be your soundtrack to keep going, to keep creating. We’re all rooting for you.
