“Vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it appears that it’s also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love.” Brené Brown
The theme of the worship service this past week has me thinking a lot about the challenges and the blessings of being creative in community. Being a part of a community has always sounded like a comforting and wonderful opportunity to me, but it can also feel vulnerable, especially when one feels less familiar.
In Children’s Chapel, some of the children discussed how well-meaning communities have dismissed concepts that only later proved to be brilliant inventions. We often refer to these creators as “ahead of their time” and it makes me wonder what it means for us to practice being ahead of ours? We do not get to choose how brave people will be. So, how thoughtful can we be in our interactions and how much do we respectfully entertain ideas that sound a bit wild? What does it mean to recognize inherent worth and dignity aside from presenting those words? How are we already inviting folks in and what else might we do to nudge people to show up and share? These are just a few questions that come to mind for me when I consider what it means to foster creativity.
May we continue to create and grow a safe, welcoming sanctuary, rich with creativity, together.
Children’s Programming is paused during the week of Memorial Day but will resume on Sunday, June 4th.