Comparison

But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord, you will not be handed over to those who fear you. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 39:17

I bumped myself into the biggest novel killers around yesterday. In fact, this poison arrow has enough ammunition to take down a whole author - dreams and all. But as I learned long ago, recognizing the captor fills this girl with staying power.

Competition. It is fierce in this industry. Everybody working to prove that they have something worthy to say ... that they are somehow important because of this article or that agent. I've fallen prey to this competitive mentality, and doing so has mocked the artist within.

Part of my reason for starting this novel so early is to keep my creativity alive. Getting bogged down with building a portfolio, taking all the right classes and working toward the appearance of success can get tiring. And if I'm not careful, I could very easily jump on the hamster wheel of pride and futility.

So today, I set down the high expectations I place on myself, and I give myself permission to simply be. I stand against the fear that tells me I might make a wrong move.

Hogwash. (How's that for creative?)

I shift over into the place of faith, that has every move I make - covered.

Joy is in there somewhere, ready to share her story with a world caught in the clutches of comparison.

Let go of the lie. Grab hold of the beauty God made in you.

And create.