Writing Creatively – from failure to success. “An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” –Dr. Edwin Land – Failure is an essential part of success, as well as a fundamental aspect of creativity.
Writing Creatively—From Failure to Success
“AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF CREATIVITY IS NOT BEING AFRAID TO FAIL.” DR. EDWIN LAND
It may be odd to consider failure as an essential part of success as indicated in the quote above by Land. But this is a Biblical truth, as well as a fundamental aspect of creativity.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ESV
Writing Creatively—Failure to Success—I will fail.
If you have ever undertaken a creative endeavor and failed, you know it feels like a calamity. For that matter, it may even look like one. During the creative failure, there are many thoughts which come. Among them, at least for me, is the thought that ‘I am a failure’, ‘I’m not creative,’ and most of all, ‘I can’t do this.’
We live in a busy and self-sufficient society: “Get it done.” “Do it quickly.” “Do it yourself, if you want it done right.” You feel you are on your own. All your success depends on you. It is good to know that as a follower of Jesus, this is not the truth. The truth is you will fail! BUT—there is Grace.
Writing Creatively—Failure to Success—Strength in weakness.
As with so many biblical truths and principles in the kingdom of God, the idea that there is strength in weakness seems very contrary to our worldly view. Paul rejoices in his weaknesses, in his failures because that is where the “power of Christ rests upon him.”
He goes on to point out that when he is weak, it is then that Christ is able to be strong in him. We fight weakness when truly we should embrace it in order for Christ to be strong in us. How does this relate to creativity?
There is only one perfect Creator—we can only ask that God’s creative power work through us. Nothing we create will ever reach the perfection of anything God has spoken into existence. However, this is not something to grieve; this is a fact to embrace. In your weakness or imperfection, the grace and creative power of God can manifest and make you strong.
Writing Creatively—Failure to Success—I can do all things.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
I take great comfort in knowing I can do all things because it is Christ who gives me strength. He is the one who gives me the strength to breathe. He is the strength I call upon when getting out of bed every morning and carry on throughout my day with the things He has gifted me to do. So, with all my creative projects—whether writing, painting, or business strategy—this is my prayer:
Lord, let me have a deep and full understanding that Your grace is sufficient for me. Let Your power and strength be made perfect in my weakness. Teach me to be content in all circumstances and even to rejoice in my difficulties because I know it is in these times of weakness You have become my strength, and I can do all things because it is You who give me strength.
I encourage you to write you own prayer about weakness, failure, and taking on the grace and strength of Jesus in those times.
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Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg, counselor, business coach, publisher and author of 7 books, lives with her blending family and menagerie of farm animals in North Texas. She is happiest when she has multiple pending tasks to work toward and hopes to finish a Ph.D. in Family Therapy in 2017! She’s going to have to put down some tasks to follow and finish this course!
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