Dear Becky,
Hey Girl, it’s been a hot minute hasn’t it? First it was thanksgiving, next it was Christmas, then my solo show, and now I’m preparing for a whole list of events this spring. I have felt a smidge flooded. Would you believe I even photographed an image with video and it’s been two weeks and I haven’t even laid the groundwork for completion? These are busy days, but momentum is building and it feels good.
At any rate, while I was picking up a print in OKC and made an interesting observation while at a stop light. As I sat there my eyes wandered to a 50-something woman hobbling back and forth, with a cane, carrying a sign that said “Family in need, anything helps”. It’s funny the things you notice when you choose to be present. First I observed how she hobbled, carrying a cane. It looked painful. But then I noticed how clean her clothes and hair looked. I thanked God that whatever circumstances had brought her to this point, she still had access to clean clothes. I also noticed another woman across the intersection, slightly younger and likely related because she had similar build and clothing. I wondered again what sequence of events would lead these two individuals to choose to beg for handouts on a street corner?
You know me well, Becky, so you must have guessed that I would try to put myself in their shoes; that I opened my mind and heart to the voice of God as I inquired what He might be whispering at that moment. Were these circumstances truly out of their control? Was it a result of their own poor choices? Was it laziness or entitlement? Could it be poor health? You know--all the things —fair or not—that go through the head of a middle-class white woman, who’s never known the sort of circumstance these two were facing. A million thoughts filled my head as I tried to stretch my mind to understand. I could think of at least a thousand things I would choose before coming to a street corner, but is that privilege talking? What cascade of events would drive a person to the point of deciding that panhandling was the best option? I found myself asking if there could be a better way. Granted this is not a profound question—and I am in no way profound for asking. But, if I were to spring into action, what would that look like? What could I possibly have to offer this woman, or any other person for that matter, that might help for more than just a day? That’s when I heard a whisper. What if I could teach her some practical skill, craft, or form of creativity that she could put in the service of others? What if I could provide a platform for apprenticeships for needy individuals that could turn their products into income? Something that would bend and flex to their particular needs or limitations? Something they might perhaps enjoy? The only thing I really have to give is creativity!--and at first glance might seem to fall desperately short, but does it? Does it really?
For me creativity has been a life sustaining force. It has offered me an avenue to push past my self-imposed boundaries and explore the wilderness spaces both inside and out. It has granted me connection and community. Most importantly, the practice of creativity has allowed me to encounter the most tangible, inextricable, and experiential encounter with who I call Jesus.
Do you follow me, Becky?
Creativity is breath. It is life. It gives purpose. We were all born with it--in the image of it. It is only circumstance and misunderstanding that steals it from us little by little, day by day, until we are left destitute and driven to... panhandle maybe?
When we are prevented from using our creativity, we forget who we were made to be, Becky! Don’t you see??? Imagination and creativity are the language of the Spirit—that’s why art is universal. By reminding this woman what she was born with and helping her cultivate what’s already inside her, could her dry bones live again? Could flesh and sinews be reformed into lucrative purpose? I wonder what she could bring to the table that this world is desperately lacking?
I don’t know, Becky. I just don’t know. But by asking these questions, I felt the breath of inspiration wash over me like a bucket of ice cold water. Had an idea just taken hold of me? I think so. Who knows if it's viable, practical, or possible. I don't even know where to begin. But I know now what I have to give and it's one of the most valuable things I possess.
Creativity.
All my blessings, Becky!
-Lauren