Give us your best 5 minutes on Dive
He says there are those who create and those who copy. But aren’t we all imitators in a way? Aren’t we the composite of thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Aren’t we all saying things that have been said a million times over, echoed throughout history and laid down in texts scratched on papyrus and stamped in clay. Don’t we all have a common story? Hasn’t the sun grown weary of the things seen?
So why is my story worth telling? Why do I sit staring at the curser blinking dully on the screen, taunting me to push it further down the screen with words that speak my story out loud, spilling bits of soul stuff and God stuff and life stuff for all the world to see? Why should we risk diving in and saying anything when there is a good chance that there is someone out there saying the exact same thing, only better?
Because he’s right. There is a difference between those who create and those who copy. The copiers will never lead, never forge ahead pushing past safe words. They will never make art that costs something, make art that matters.
They will never make the sacrifices it takes to prize what Christ is doing in their lives. Never risk sharing the scary parts, never risk being thought well of, never risk losing it all to gain life. Never admit how desperately lost they are without true inspiration that comes from seeing God’s beauty.
The copier will never stake their life for their art. They will never be what they claim to aspire to. They are inexhaustible about that which they know, or think, or believe but the copier will change as rapidly as the tides, married to the current and swayed across the sands of time.
So yes, we all imitate. There is nothing new that has not been done. Nothing that hasn’t been poured on the page or spoken throughout the years. But who are we imitating? Who are we inspired by? All beauty is God’s beauty. If there is any art made by my hands, let it be an imitation of Christ alone.
I don’t know about you but I have missed this wonderful group of bloggers who gathers every Friday to encourage, engage, and equip each other to be better writers, better followers of Christ’s grace, better friends and mothers and wives. It all happens over at Lisa Jo’s place. We put down pretenses and platitudes and span hearts and souls and faith in just 5 minutes. No backtracking. No editing. Just write. All is grace here. Join in.
Wanna join in?
Here are the Rules to play
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Oh, Alia Joy…you are right, there is nothing new, yet each of us has a unique story. Lovely post, friend.
Mary recently posted..5 minute Friday…
Thanks Mary.
Oh wow!!! Just right there between the rib cage and straight into the heart. I love you! You don’t hold punches and your convictions are right there in plain sight – no pretenses… and your words friend – they push me, push me beyond myself and into the wonder that is God’s.
Tonya Salomons recently posted..5 Minute Friday – Dive
I don’t know I’ve ever had anyone say they love me because I punch them.
But I’m glad you’re being pushed toward God’s wonder. That is always the best compliment! That my writing would glorify Him.
You made me giggle. Do you know how hard it is to make me giggle at – 7:30 in the morning? Before I have finished a cup of coffee! I’ve been suckered punched by Alia and I love it!!!
Tonya Salomons recently posted..5 Minute Friday – Dive
If there is any art made by my hands, let it be an imitation of Christ alone. <—This…YES! I was thinking the same things today. Hasn't it all been said? Then my hubby said something that hit me…"Yes it's been said, but YOU haven't said it." He went on to say that God has given each of us a unique voice to share pointing to Him in it all. (Gosh I love when D does a little preaching.) Love the voice He has given you my sweet friend. Thank you for sharing it. Blessings and much love.
Wendy recently posted..Standing On The Edge
It’s all been said, but not by you. So true. Wise hubby you got there.
Much love to you, Wendy. I am loving hearing how he is using you to speak into people’s lives through your study.
girl…just when I thought…
please believe me when I tell you I needed this. thank you.
and you, friend, are an original masterpiece. a true work of art. simply captivating.
Nikki recently posted..DIVE {Head First} ~ Five Minute Friday
Oh, I missed you Nikki. Thank you so much. I’m so glad to be back in the Five Minute Friday groove and connecting again. You bless me to pieces!
Wow girl… I loved this! How many times have I scratched something down – only to find the same thought in print already… how many times have I questioned my story and my voice because I am too busy comparing it to others? “All beauty is God’s beauty. If there is any art made by my hands, let it be an imitation of Christ alone.” Yes Lord… let it be true of me too!
~Karrilee~ recently posted..Five Minute Friday – DIVE
Thank you so much. I think every writer thinks that. It is so hard not to compare. But I know when I start to, I get discouraged and nothing good ever comes out of that. I know when I fix my eyes where they need to be, on Christ, I can say what He gives me with no expectations beyond obedience and my joy is full. All beauty is God’s beauty! Let it be true of all of us! So glad to have met a fellow PNW gal.
You inspire me, my friend. How I love you and your unique voice to say it. Speak it, sister. And keep on speaking it because when you say it, it feels new all over again.
Ashley Larkin recently posted..To create is to trust
Love you Ashley and you inspire me too. Can’t wait to read your imperfect prose post tomorrow. I keep seeing it tweeted and I know I need to make time because I always like to sit a bit with your words.
So – it’s late… but I have posted a few comments that have disappeared here… uh – I won’t read anything into that! How often have I scratched down a thought only to find it written down in print already… deflated and bewildered… why do we shy away from telling OUR stories – when we really are the only ones who can tell it! and this: ” All beauty is God’s beauty. If there is any art made by my hands, let it be an imitation of Christ alone.” YES! Let it be of me too Lord!
~Karrilee~ recently posted..Five Minute Friday – DIVE
Don’t be sorry. Your comments ended up flagged by askimet as spam but I always skim my spam before deleting them just in case. Every once in awhile a real comment gets thrown in. Was this the first comment that got lost or have you commented here before? I saw two comments on this post. The one above and this one. So sorry about that. Not sure why askimet does that sometimes. But THANK YOU for taking the time to come back and do it all again. I know how frustrating that can be.
Hi Alia-Joy
I love your metaphor of our lives being a work of art. I have always believed and still do that even the slightest idea that we can have to even create a thought or word, comes from the Creator.
Much love
Mia
Mia recently posted..Ek Theos
Yes, so true. All of the inspiration in life that is of any value comes from Him. So in a way, even our most meager contributions are beautiful in their own way.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
Oh! We write because we can’t stop. Because even if it has been said before, it still helps me see what He is doing around me and in me. To see the beauty. Creative, original take on the prompt. Thanks for your encouragement last night and I can’t believe how many words you can write in 5 minutes!
Laura @ Pruning Princesses recently posted..Unbridled Joy
Yes, I think for writers, those who process through words and stories really can’t help themselves. I always wrote. But there’s something about being called to share it with others that can make us feel the need to perform. The need to explain ourselves and we vacillate between pride and discouragement when God really just wants us to trust and reflect. I am so glad you are encouraged! Write every day, even if for just 5 minutes and you’ll be amazed how many words you will produce. My BIGGEST problem is editing my normal posts because they are all easily around 1300 words, not exactly blog sized.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
You spoke directly into the biggest lie I tend to believe from the enemy, that I shouldn’t bother, someone else has done/is doing it better already and why would anyone bother to read my words? I needed this reminder so badly this morning, the encouragement to keep moving forward because THIS is who God created me to be, so there must be a place for me somewhere
crystal recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
It’s a constant struggle, right? Do I say it again? Is it worth it? That or, why am I not being heard because I am super awesome/ pride monger. Yup, that crafty enemy is always coming up with lies. Only by staying in the truth do we avoid them and live out God’s dreams for us.
So glad there is a place for you because I have personally been blessed by it.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
All beauty is God’s beauty. So true! I love this post because I am struggling with why I write. Everyone else does it better.
Thank you so much for sharing this and be blessed:)
Jennifer @purplebuoy recently posted..Five Minute Friday~~ DIVE
Jennifer, All beauty is Gods and no one does what you do. What you were made for. Only God truly knows what that is but never doubt your place in reflecting Him. We all do it differently, we all have a different voice, but really we are all imitators of a God who is all inclusive and looks on hearts willing and obedient. I think we’ll be surprised when we get to heaven and see how everyone’s works shake out. The ones with the most talent aren’t necessarily the ones with the most fruit. Only He can make our impact truly beautiful and we may never see any of it in this life. Be blessed, friend.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
Amen! I work towards imitating Christ Only because I cannot go wrong following Him. Found you on Wendy’s(Saved Sister’s) blog.
Have a super blessed New Year!
Love
Ugochi recently posted..CAN THESE BE SAID OF ME?
Thanks for coming over and saying hi! I love to meet new readers.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
Alia, as always, you drip grace and beauty as you string your words. Perhaps it IS true, that there is nothing new under the sun, but the way you carry these words? With reverence and humility? In the gifting of them to all of us, they become multi-faceted, friend, catching all the many ways that the Light rains down. And it is most definitely art in your hands.
So thankful for you.
Holly recently posted..Dive
Holly, I just love reading your comments. They are like their own mini blog posts and so delicious to read.
My poet hearted friend, so thankful for you as well.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
loved the oxymoron – how there really is nothing new – yet we do, each one, have a story to tell – that He compels us to tell!
lovely!!!
and i’m always amazed by how many words flow out of you in 5 short minutes.
blessings.
richelle @ “our wright”-ing pad recently posted..Five Minute Friday ~ Dive
Thanks Richelle. So glad to connect again. It feels like forever since I’ve seen you guys even though it’s only been a month. I’m glad to be back in the swing of things. I loved your post as well, your take on the word prompt, just truth!
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
“Never risk sharing the scary parts”- this is beautifully challenging, Alia! I find myself often reevaluating what God is doing/ wants to do through me and this is a great synopsis of that. You are right- there isn’t anything new, BUT when I am willing to dive in and be used by Him in whatever way He desires then I will create and not copy. He must be our inspiration!
And THIS is why I love your writing so very much- always makes me think and desire to go deeper!
Becky Daye recently posted..Five Minute Friday~ Dive
Thanks Becky, glad to inspire more depth in your relationship with God and your desire to create as worship to Him. He loves our obedience and I know when I am not wallowing in self pity or soaring with pride, my obedience is beautiful to Him as well.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
So, you wrote this straight to me whether you know it or not. I even changed my little linky below to go to my One Word – create. Don’t be surprised if I link back to this in the near future. You give me food that I didn’t even know I needed it at just the right time. I hardly know what else to say to you about this. There are deep words in me right now that just can’t make it to the surface for you. Thank you will hae to do, but know that is not all. Much love, heart sister.
Amy Tilson recently posted..One Word 2013 – CREATE
Amy, I am so glad it resonated with you. I was writing it to me, but if you got something out of it, BONUS! In most of the writing I do, I am preaching to myself. lol Such a great word! I love that for a One Word. Can’t wait to see what 2013 holds for you!
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
No imitation found here, Alia Joy! Only God’s puposefullll expression coming forth as only you can do!
Paula Barnett recently posted..{Grace} Dive Right In
Sweet Paula, thank you.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
Yes, yes, yes. I so needed to be reminded of this today. I struggle continually with wondering why I bother doing this thing at all. Thank you for this beautiful piece!
It’s a struggle for all of us. Right there with you! Thanks for stopping in and saying hello! I love to meet other Five Minute Friday friends.
Alia Joy recently posted..In Which I Dream Out Loud
As always, so beautiful. Love this -> “If there is any art made by my hands, let it be an imitation of Christ alone.”
Amy@PermissiontoPeruse recently posted..How to Finally Quit Fearing
Thanks Amy! Did you link up this week? I didn’t see you over at Lisa Jo’s.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
oh, friend, I can’t even get my five minutes out today! Thank you for your balm to my struggling writer’s soul!!
Julie Anne recently posted..What’s in a Dream?
I’m glad it helped your struggling writers soul. I had a whole month of that but I’m easing back in. Missed you at the #fmfparty last night. Glad to be connected again after the December break.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
Beautiful bold words from the overflow of your heart. So glad to see strength in your art and life on the page coming from beautiful you. LOVE THIS!!
Elizabeth, wynnegraceappears recently posted..For The Love Of Peace
Yes, I’m gaining my footing and firm ground a bit more each day. Thankful for you in the times when it isn’t so.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
These words, this God stuff and life stuff and soul stuff that you are encouraging each of us to make wholly our own? It’s so worth it. I so admire how you craft words that zoom right into my heart. So grateful for your take on this prompt, today.
Missy recently posted..Five Minute Friday – Dive
Thank you Missy. Love the stache!
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
“They will never make the sacrifices it takes to prize what Christ is doing in their lives.” This line has such depth of soul and truth. It is hard as a writer/artist/whatever you see yourself as to not think that your words are just regurgitation. You are right to say that we are all imitators. Unique imitators of something and I hope that my children, and children’s children and more importantly that God finds me saying that I was an imitator of Christ. This was a great 5 minutes. Thanks for sharing friend.
Love you Jessica. Love doing the writing thing with you and sharing in your unique story.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
You know I needed to hear this! I’m glad you are sharing. So encouraging and inspiring! Loved hanging with you girls last night for fmf.
Libby recently posted..DIVE
Me too! I loved chatting over at the #FMFparty! Thanks for dropping in here and saying hello!
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
Wow Alia! What great words. And such an inspiration for writing and sticking your neck out there to create. I’m glad to “know” you.
Thank you Nataline. Learning to stick it out inch by inch.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive
Thanks for stopping by last night.
I think living authentically is messy. Copiers don’t want messy–they let someone else do that part. If you’re going to dive in and live authentically, it won’t be neat.
Sheryl recently posted..Diving In
Oh yes, so messy! I’m glad God is a pro at making beauty from the mess. Thanks for visiting me back.
Alia Joy recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Dive