Theresa Dedmon’s Born to Create Book Review

Anyone who has read my blog (AMOKArts.com) would know this is a book that is right up my alley, using creativity in ministry and as such, this book surely does not disappoint. While this book is great for creatives, there is another group that could probably use this book even more and that is people who do not believe they are creative. Dedmon tears down so many of the walls people build around their own creativity. I have always believed myself to be a creative and truthfully this book even felt liberating to me.

There is a wealth of information here from someone who is at the forefront of creative ministry and everyone could be blessed by reading it. I think at the ore of the message of this book is the idea that creativity is a gift from God that can, and must be used, in a multitude of ways to the glory of God and for His Kingdom. You were born to create. If you don’t believe that, you need to read this book and if you do believe it, read it anyway, it will spur you on to even greater love and good deeds.

Another Easter Piece

I’ve been working on some art to represent my thoughts on Easter, God and everything. Inspired by Teresa Dedmon’s Born to Create and her challenge to create work and give it to people to bless them. The first piece was done and given away digitally since I was away from my studio. This inspired me to keep going with these digital pop art pieces and I have done five pieces so far.

This one is really simple—a cross reminding us of the ultimate gift of love. Jesus humbling Himself, laying aside the majesty of heaven to come to earth and be our Savior. My hope and prayer is that it’s simple message will touch and bless someone who sees it.

In case you haven’t been following, here are the other pieces. Creating art born out of prayer is fun and fulfilling. Ask the Lord how He would have you express Him and put your gifts to work to His glory. Then share it however He leads you to do it.

Create and be a blessing!

Can Art Be Used to Change Lives?

This excerpt from Theresa Dedmon’s book Born to Create shows us how God can use a work of art to transform a life and beyond.

“A similar example of how God touches people through visions and activates their imaginations to bring transformation is the story of Count Zinzendorf, the leader responsible for the Moravian movement of the 17th century. His model for 24-hour prayer and worship as well as modern-day missions, has impacted churches today in bringing revival around the planet. But how did Count Zinzendorf get his inspiration.

During his Grand Tour (a rite of passage for young aristocrats) Nicholas (Count Zinzendorf) visited an art museum in Dusseldorf where he saw a Domenico Feti painting titled Ecce Homo, “Behold the Man.” It portrayed the crucified Christ with the legend, “This have I done for you-Now what will you do for me?” The young count was profoundly moved and appears to have had an almost mystical experience/vision while looking at the painting, feeling as if Christ Himself was speaking these words to his heart. He vowed that day to dedicate his life to service to Christ. (from Influence of a Painting, Count Zinzendorf: Christian Biography)

As you approach your next creation, think about the influence it may have. Think about the lives that might be touched as God uses your work. Creativity is more than just us “making stuff.” Done properly it is us connecting with the Lord and making the things He lays on our hearts visible to the rest of the world. Allowing Him to influence and inspire our work will allow us to create work that influences and inspires, work that has an impact on lives for good and for God, maybe even work that will be used to draw many into His Kingdom.

As Christian creatives, isn’t that the ultimate goal?