I was in Washington D.C. two Sundays ago and decided to explore before my middle school groups arrived for a week of urban ministry. I went to Eastern Market, a weekend market that offers produce and homemade arts and crafts. This place is so cute and full of energy. I was walking through the vendors when one caught my eye. Quest is an eclectic beauty, displaying her completely unique works of art in the Eastern Market.
Some individuals just walked by. Others stopped and browsed. Me and Quest began a conversation. I couldn’t help but be captivated by her art and I just stood, taking it all in. It was full of freedom. She was unapologetically herself. Her hair was feathers – literally feathers. How beautiful and free is that! She expressed herself however she wanted and was courageous in showing her artistic voice to the world.
She asked me if I danced. I told her, “No. I wish.” She stopped me and said, “Don’t wish.” She told me that I have one life to live and I should go do the things I want instead of wishing for them.
Simple as that. If I want to dance, I should go dance.
It’s as if our spirits were connecting, both searching for and living out freedom. There was a depth in our meeting. I was to learn something from her.
Here’s the lesson. It’s not just for me, but for everyone who has a creative bone in their body. Though you may fight it, EVERYONE has a creative bone, some use it more than others. So I guess this lesson is for anyone who is currently breathing:
Do your art. There are some that may never understand it. They may never see the value of it. They may never realize what it took for you to get to where you are. Do your art anyway. Through words. Through painting. Through pictures. Through dance. There will be some that get it. There will be some that may understand the depths of the wrestling you had to do it put into the universe. There are some in the arena, getting knocked out and getting back up. You, along with them, are the courageous that show their vulnerability. Those are the ones you want to listen to. Do your art and don’t apologize for it.
Please consider supporting me prayerfully and financially to stay in the Center for Global Action. I am undergoing training, discipleship, and apprenticeship with a focus on Leadership.
You can partner with me financially with a tax-deductible donation by clicking on the “Donate” tab, which will take you to the website with giving information. Thank you and God bless!
p.s. If I can’t stay in CGA, I can’t keep writing these wonderful blogs 😉
