Art Overcomes Adversity: The Art of Phil Hansen

I have been a fan of artist Phil Hansen for a long time. His work is some of the most innovative brilliant stuff out there. What’s really interesting is what cause his innovation. You see Phil was an art student with, as he puts it, a single minded devotion to pointillism. Eventually the gripping of the pen for hours and hours making dot after dot did permanent nerve damage to his hand. He was left at a crossroad with a choice, quit art or learn a new way to make it. He opted for the latter and the world is richer for it. Watch the above video and check him out for yourself. This is an audition for Phil to become a speaker for the 2013 series of TED Talks.

If you like what Phil has to say I’m sure he’d appreciate your vote at
http://talentsearch.ted.com/video/Phil-Hansen-The-art-of-the-impe;TEDNew-York

To see more of Phil’s amazing videos check out his website at http://www.philinthecircle.com

Journey through Michael Hyatt’s Platform: Post Four The Obstacles

In Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, Hyatt talks about the obstacles that keep us from creating what he calls “wow” products and experiences. What are they? Read the book!

I want to key in on the one that often effects me and many of the creatives I talk to… fear. How many times has fear kept you from delivering your very best? How many times has it held you back from following God’s lead and doing what you feel led to do? You get an idea and the  questions start to fly. What if it’s not good enough? What if people don’t like it? What if? What if? What if? The more questions, the more daunting it becomes until eventually you’re sitting in front of the TV watching reruns and accomplishing nothing?

Then there’s the other fear. What if it’s just me and not God ? I think I’ve been asked this question in ministry more  than perhaps any other (also I may have asked if of myself more than any other). It makes some people just quit and others in an endless cycle of “I’ll pray about it.” While I want to be heard loud and clear that praying about things is great and important and necessary, there is also a time to act, a time to get started and see the project through. I always like to get this question to be honest with you because in asking “What it it’s not God’s will?” my first concern is alleviated. The person loves God and wants to be in His will. In asking this question, I know the person cares what God thinks, and wants to please Him. The thing is, if I a limited human being, can pick that out, surely the God of the universe who knows our hearts better than we do, can pick it out.

The opposite of fear is faith and it’s in faith that we find the answer to our fears. If you feel like God is leading you to do something, start it and bathe it in prayer. That the next right step  each day until one of two things happen. It gets done and is ready to “ship” or God steers you in a different direction. I once heard a speaker say it’s easier to steer a moving car. Don’t get caught up ion the paralysis of analysis or you’ll never do anything. God is not going to withdraw His love from you if you’re earnestly seeking to please Him and “miss it.” He’s too good for that. He loves you regardless, so give it your best, honor Him and be sensitive to his “steering.”

Remember Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” If you’re a follower of Chris, you are God’s child and He is a perfect Father. He doesn’t write y0u off for making a mistake. He loves you and will guide you, so don’t be afraid. Give Him your best each day.

If you haven’t done it yet, check out Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World.