40 Comments
User's avatar
Mariam's avatar

I felt this on so many levels as a creative. The internal conflict of holding the things I love most so close, but feeling like I “have” to share them publicly so people know what I’m doing. Being blessed with many gifts while trying to make room for them all.

I’m still figuring out how to answer the call while honoring self-preservation and what feels authentic to me. Not sure if this was the sign I needed, but I felt this…deeply. Thank you for this!

Adam “Lumkile” Thomason, EdD's avatar

I'm overwhelmed by the “analog” type of creativity and moved by emotions. I'm humbled the Lord brought you across my feed; you are a fresh wind and fresh fire. @Rich Pérez

Jaya Nicole's avatar

Thank you. I have been feeling the need to document and share my life more. But doing it for me and for the fun and joy of it. And if it be for someone be for the people of the future who need to know what’s really going on in the world as they try to erase it. But the intent is for the fun and catharsis of self expression and being present in this season Im in. Because soon it will change.

Nyamwathi Adodoadji's avatar

Grateful for this encouragement, and I'm going to check out that speech from Toni Morrison. These words came right at a moment when I was wondering if I'm getting "too deep" or "too out there," so those words land deeply with me.

Gloria Lawrence's avatar

Grateful for this post. This was much needed as a creative 😊🙏🏼

Calvin's avatar

This sent chills through my heart ❤️

KeiAuna's avatar

I felt this in my chest! Living the life I was conditioned to live has become heavier than I could ever imagine. Just reading "answer the call" helped my shoulders rise a bit.

What call am I answering? I am answering the call to speak, write, and be involved.No more doing the things or taking the jobs that people "think" I would or should be doing.

I am answering the call so I have a reason to step out of the room I am currently in. It is time to find like-minded people instead of trying to change the minds of those around me.

Thank you for this post.

Dessa Mae's avatar

I hear the “Loooove Meeee” song in the background with her voice as the narrator

Mia Bland's avatar

This woke me up. I actually have so many inspirations from this is not even funny. Thank you for your obedience and thank you so much for inspiring us. I cried about it for 12 years because I don’t know how to answer the call. But the artist within myself…. yeah, it’s time.

Steph Renee's avatar

Thank you for your words. Since I found you on Substack your words have been like a soothing balm. I’ve been struggling with answering my creative call and been consistent on honoring it. Sometimes I let the fear be stronger than the call, but no more. Thank you for this.

Elesia's avatar

I love your films!!! I can relate to many of them!! Your creativity is so inspiring❤️👑

Keanna Virgil's avatar

“I know that action on your own behalf, Art on your on behalf, is how you reclaim the arena of your own life” - this right here! Thank you for this call to action and affirming words. This year I’m choosing me and all my full body yes’s. It’s a bit of a ride but I’m here for it.

Xandra's avatar

Timely message. Been feeling moved to create for a long time, yet felt stuck until I decided to just start even if it's not perfect.

Elorm's avatar

Saw it an IG and I’m seeing it here too🥹.

Yes I will answer the call!! To be bold, to be creative, to be who God has created me to be🫶🏾

According to Phoenix's avatar

Awww man this was incredible and so timely!! Your words and visuals were beautifully crafted 💕

Omotola Alade's avatar

This is easily my favorite Substack read of the week. So beautifully written, and honestly, it really resonated with what I’ve been thinking about lately around being seen and choosing visibility.

It made me think about how often shame or embarrassment can quietly hold us back from becoming who we’re meant to be. The piece felt so profound in that way. We all have a calling to become, and I really believe visibility is a big part of answering that call. You have to allow yourself to be seen.