“We were created by the creator to be creative”– there is so much humbling truth in this. Being in an artistic industry, life is pretty fast-paced, and I can often get caught up in forgetting where my creativity is sourced from. Deadlines endlessly pile on one another, and the stress reaches new highs that no coffee can manage. When the pressure mounds, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking you’re not good enough, despite trying your best. Taking a small moment each day to reflect on the creativity God has placed within each one of us will help us to remain humbled and grounded in this fast, full-on life.
As Christians, we are called to occupy all streets- most importantly the streets we’re most scared of. God will put us in dark places for our light to only shine brighter. I am thirsty for God to take me out of my comfort zone, into deep waters and radiate His love in the darkest of places. The music industry, the film industry, the arts- these are all places God wants us to boldly occupy. As a writer of many topics- though mainly fashion- I can only grasp onto the loving hand of Christ as He leads me into these lightless places.
Working in the fashion industry is no different to any other job. Every industry is filled with lost, unbelievers in need of hope and a saviour. Yes, it’s tough and a place driven by money and lust, but I’m ready to be used by God to change people’s lives. We’re all called to be missionaries, and my mission is the world of arts. Though a dangerous field to enter, I know this is my calling and the place God wants me to so boldly dominate.
As I tune into the word each morning, I refresh myself with God’s promises, reminding myself of just why I am here. I commit the day to Him, and whatever I am set to endure (pitching ideas, writing trend reviews, attending events- one day is never the same).
The Bible tells us to be in the world but not of it. Along with many other prayer requests, I pray each day that the Lord will inflict His wisdom upon me. I work in fashion, but that’s not what defines me. I work hard, and fuel my very best into what I do, but if there’s something that wouldn’t honour God, I don’t do it. With the Holy Spirit living inside each of us, He stirs us when things seem wrong. Ever been amongst friends who intensely gossip about others and you’ve got that wrong feeling in your spirit? That’s the Holy Spirit. Living and active power of Christ that lives within us stirs our soul when something doesn’t feel right. In an industry so drenched in sin, I can’t survive a single day without leaning onto the strength, wisdom and authority of God.
If as tribes of Christ we’re going to occupy all streets, we can’t turn a blind eye to the places that need us the most. I’ve come across many Christians who show no interest in my career in journalism as it’s ‘a dangerous field for a believer’. Carrying my cross on this journey called life, my eyes are fixed on His wonder and my soul is all His. “Use me Lord,” I say each day, for I fear no evil.
By Lisa Walden