allume

real light living

Everybody Starts Somewhere (On Amateurs and Professionals)

By

Stephen King wrote in his highly acclaimed book, On Writing,

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.

Paul in his letter to the Colossians wrote,

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (3:23-24 NIV)

I know you’ve heard this before, but this time, I want you to really listen. Are you listening? Okay, here it is–

Everybody starts somewhere.

That dream you’ve been rolling around in your brain, the one that makes your heart lurch and your stomach churn a bit when you think about it, it’s okay to go after it–you have to start somewhere.

For years I bad-mouthed my own writing. I’ve wrestled fear and inadequacy like it was my job, and most of the time, they’d pin me in wicked defeat. I could almost hear their boastful cackling as they’d lift their boot off my face, leaving me there broken and reluctant on the mat of self-worth.

The problem was, I didn’t want to start somewhere, I wanted to be there already.

I’m going to share some hard truths with you, I call them hard because I learned them the hard way–and because for some of you, they might be difficult to hear.

The truth is, unless your last name is Rockefeller, or Vanderbilt or  Grantham, you will actually have to work at becoming a professional. (Hard truth #1)

Overcoming fear and anxiety about being an amateur among professionals, is no easy thing. I’ve been blogging out-in-public for about two years and still there are many (many) days when I feel very wet-behind-the-ears, like the new kid on the first day of school. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing and they all speak the same language which includes words like SEO and phrases like Google Analytics–please don’t ask me about either of these–ask Amy.

Starting somewhere can be scary. Somewhere feels a lot like nowhere. (Hard truth #2)

Working as unto men will leave you feeling unfulfilled and hollow–see the verse above from Colossians.

Here’s what I want you to know–

God created you for purpose, and sometimes, while serving that purpose (your art, your gifts) you’ll look like an amateur. (Hard truth #3) But look at what Paul says in Galatians,

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(1:10 NIV84)

It’s okay if the world sees an amateur, you’re not creating art to please people. You create to honor the One who created you.

The main difference between a professional and am amateur is this:

A professional doesn’t scoff at starting off in the mail room. Professionals put in the time necessary to become what they hope to be–even when they don’t feel like it. Professionals embrace humility.  (Hard truth #4)

As Christian artists, we will never overcome amateur status if we are working to please the world. (Hard truth #5) Becoming a professional is more about maturity and commitment, than talent.

When we commit to our art, and own our gifts, our art blooms. When we accept that starting somewhere is more important that never starting at all, we allow God to use us in our humility.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 NIV

Comments

  3. So good, Kris. You’ve always had a knack for sliding in the hard truth in the midst of grace. So, thanks for that. I really needed this…I’m listening to hear what He wants to say… 🙂

    • ha, thanks, Ashlie, that is actually a very generous word from you, as I have been fearing that God is calling me to say the “hard things” and I have questioned my ability (and willingness) to obey Him in that. Thank you! XO

  5. Love this reminder! So encouraging. While I don’t seek fame I suppose I need to know that someone, somewhere is blessed or encouraged by my labor, be it the humanitarian work I do, my writing or mentoring. Focusing on Colossians today and I’ll trust Him to take care of the rest.
    Sooooo good Kris!

  6. “professionals embrace humility”…yes Lord, may it be so. In the corporate world I work in, that is NOT encouraged, but I want to be in the world, not of it. It’s easy to forget where you’ve come from, where that starting point was once you’ve reached your goal. Fabulous post, my friend!

    • Yes, as you well know, humility is not something I learn easily. god continues to lower me and from the ground I lift my hands in praise. But that’s where he wants me, lower and lower still. It is not a position the world understands or even respects most days, but in HIS kingdom, upside down is right-side-up. 🙂

  7. You’re speaking to my heart. Eyes on the Lord…eyes on the Lord….eyes on the LORD. That’s my key to humility, hard work, and overcoming the fear of amateurish work.

  8. So many truths in here. “The problem was, I didn’t want to start somewhere” this rings true in my heart.

  9. A scripture verse I read on humility really spoke to me yesterday. This is such a powerful post Kris, so much truth for this path of life we walk out daily. Thank you for your faithfulness to follow Him and then share what you learn along the way.

    • Shelly, you know how I feel as if I’m always stumbling down the path, rather than walking it. God is gracious to make up for my failings again and again–and how generously he disciplines and teaches me. May it always be so. Thanks for walking it with me. You make great company for the journey.

  10. Kris, I came here from Shelly’s share on facebook. I read this with a smile from ear to ear, as someone who daily feels like an amateur I loved reading your hard truths, thank you for sharing and giving me much to ponder on.

  12. Bring on the hard truths! Loving it! Man, talk about motivating, knowing I am not alone in feeling inadequate in my writing. But seeing a writer like you thrive in the Lord’s doing is such an encouragement!

    • Christie, you are such a talented writer, never doubt the gift God has given you. Your pen is dipped in His grace and where your words are, His fingerprints remain. He’s got you–you honor Him with your gifts. It’s a beautiful thing to behold.

  13. I love this: “Becoming a professional is more about maturity and commitment, than talent.” God gives us everything we need, doesn’t He! Thank you for the encouragement, Kris.

    • yes He does. He is the author and finisher. In Him we lack no needed thing. It is a blessed place to rest, a safe haven of comfort knowing He is our “all in all”.

  16. ah, Kris. Yes, this. Can you write this to me every day? The enemy whispers insecurity and fear and uncertainty, and it can be paralyzing, stealing the joy and vision and LIFE God calls us {me} to.

    “Therefore encourage one another daily…” Thank you for encouraging me. *hugs*

    • Well, how about you and me tape this one up on our mirrors so we see it daily. I may have written it here, but please know I wrote this as much for myself as I did for anyone else. I too need the reminder. Much love, my friend. Choose to believe the TRUTH. Cling to it. XO

  18. “It’s okay if the world sees an amateur, you’re not creating art to please people. You create to honor the One who created you.”

    Yes and Amen 🙂 Great words! I love you!

  19. Thank you, Kris – I really appreciated reading this. The verses you included were great – such good reminders of who we write for, and do everything for.

  20. Someone told me once not to despise the days of small things (Zech 4:10) and I often cling to that. Thanks for posting this for us.

  22. Recalling how much God delights to see the work begin is important for me, too. These hard truths are definitely self-evident. Thank you for reminding us of our part in this process of going after our dreams.

Categories

Archives

Google+