Last night, @ church, the writer & director of the movie Hoodwinked spoke & did a Q & A. It was great. He is a Christian. This is his first feature film. And it's his dream come true, not to mention turning into a big hit & success!
The biggest thing he touched on was the fact that God gives us each talents & gifts & BIG DREAMS! And it's OK to follow those dreams. Sometimes it might even be scary & we gotta take that 'leap of Faith'. Also that the path to our dreams might not always be the way God has intended for us to reach our dreams.
It was so refreshing to hear that. So often, I think 'arts' in general are overlooked in 'the church'....unless it's singing & 'worship'. kwim? Where does that leave the painter, actor, quilter, film maker & writer? As if these other endeavors are forgotten or overlooked as 'acts of worship'.
The week before the pastor read & spoke on these scriptures:
Exodus 35: 30-35 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftmanship. And he has given both Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiders in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers-all of htem master craftsmen and designers.
Ex. 36: 1 .........are to do the work just as the Lord commanded. (emphasis, mine)
He explained that God has commanded that we use our gifts & talents. TO NOT use them would be in direct defiance of God. WOW!
It's OK to use these 'other gifts'. Even if you can't sing but you can make great movies, or sew or act or whatever---to NOT do so would be defying God. Can you believe it?
Maybe to someone else this seems like such a no brainer....but in some churches they really don't know what to do w/ 'other talents' that the congregants have. It's easy to place someone who can sing in the worship group. What do you do w/ a dancer?
Using your gifts IS an act of Worship to the one who GAVE you these gifts. It was so inspiring & affirming & encouraging to hear this message.
Also it was great, as a parent, to hear that it was OK to encourage these gifts in your children. To be their biggest supporter. If it's what God has directed them to do, it's OK if junior wants to be a stand-up comedian & NOT a doctor OR pastor. kwim?
I have MORE thoughts on this that I want to share but ds needs to use the puter to upload HIS latest 'movie' he made today! ;o)
I LOVE the idea of incorporating all the arts in church. One of my favorite services that dh ever did was when he talked about the Potter's Hand and the potter threw a pot right in the middle of church. It was amazing. He has also used an artist to paint a picture during the sermon. Just awesome.
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