I didn’t see infinite possibilities of worlds to explore, of adventures to have, or living creatures to connect with. I saw the deepest darkness I could have ever imagined, contrasting so starkly with the welcoming warmth of our nurturing home planet. — William Shatner, 2022
I'm so glad that most of the authors I've illustrated for are Christian authors.
Not because I wouldn't be willing to illustrate for anyone with a great tale to tell, but because as Christ followers, we're literally walking out the greatest story ever told!
The best kept secret that all creatives know, is that whatever is inside of a creative leaks out into whatever work they are creating. When you are filled with His Light, Life and Love, it shows! The subject matter doesn't even have to be on specifically Christian subjects, His Light and Life will shine through.
If you take a course in storytelling, you will learn about metaphors and types in stories that ultimately represent the universal battle between good and evil, darkness and light, life and death.
We especially like the stories where the good guys win, because we are made in His image and, like Him, we want to see justice prevail. If you are a Christ-following, storytelling creative, eventually you will arrive at the conclusion that ultimately, all stories are representations of this universal battle.
Keep following and creating and eventually you come to realize that you, yourself, are walking out this same story in your own life. All of us are. And the story we're walking out is a really good story filled with struggle, defeat, a valiant Hero who comes to save the day, then victory, and ultimately the good guys win and we all live happily ever after ... FOREVER!!
If anyone ever asks you if you believe in fairy tales, tell them, Yep! I'm living one out every day!
If you belong to Him, you are a citizen of another kingdom. But you are not home yet.
For now you live here in this battlefield where you will be tried and tested and opposed.
Keep trusting and leaning on Him. Spending time alone with Him will give you strength.
Some days it won't be so hard. And some days will be gut-wrenchingly lonely.
You will want to give up. You might lose friends and family who don't understand.
You'll go through seasons where He'll bless you abundantly with His favor.
Through the good and the bad, it's all for the purpose of growing you up and getting you ready for eternity.
He'll use you to invite others to come join with Him ...
Maybe you'll go out and preach great sermons that draw crowds of people to Christ.
Maybe you'll simply be a mom or a dad quietly taking care of your little ones.
Or maybe you're a drawer of books. And you can't possibly imagine having any important impact on a lost and dying world. You only know that's the task He's called you to, and you are most fulfilled when you are about that task.
Then one day you sit down to that task and find that you are stuck. I'm talking about that-bone-dry-ideas-won't-come-and-I'm-ready-to-throw-in-the-towel kind of stuck. Frustrating for any creative. But when you're His creative it's not so worrisome, because you're in the middle of a story He's telling ...
Unlike Mr. Shatner, I DO see infinite possibilities and adventures. I know the Author personally, and the story's not finished yet! My prayer for Mr. Shatner is that he will have his eyes opened to the One who is obviously trying to get his attention ...
Meanwhile ... here I am at the beginning of a new chapter ... it's just opened with our main character in a dilemma ... the enemy has blocked her path! He wants to discourage her! Will she falter? Will she push through? Is help on the way? ... can't wait to see how this one turns out ...