The art of subject/verb agreement.
“In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.” Genesis 1:1
Being a former English Language Arts teacher for many years I taught subject/verb agreement more times than I care to count. Subject/verb agreement helps to ensure that the meaning of the sentence is clear and accurate. I can pick apart a sentence more quickly than most, and not because I’m trying to, simply because it was my profession for close to 15 years. I’ve known this particular scripture for a long time. Seems like I came out of the womb knowing it. It wasn’t until much later in life that I came to notice the VERB chosen here. It’s quite literally the first action listed in the scriptures. Fast forward through my teaching years, coming upon the precipice of my art journey, I suddenly saw this mundane verse in a whole new light! “In the beginning God created…”
Wait…WHAT!??! Hold the phone! Shut the front door! (Insert your favorite idiom here.) GOD CREATED??!! First and foremost God is a creator?? I mean, that’s what I am, right? 🤯🤯🤯
Up to this point, I suppose I’d always put God in a realm of words such as Omnipotent, Conqueror, Savior, King, Counselor, Almighty….you get the picture. Words that certainly DON’T describe me on my best day! Words that can sometimes make God seem out of reach. But THIS word…creator. Well, now that’s something I can relate to! I mean, I’ve always known creation is Yahweh’s, but it wasn’t until I truly began to consider myself an artist that I understood the magnitude of this connection.
You see, when I am creating, I am totally at peace. One with myself and my surroundings. All the loud voices in my head quiet and I can make sense of some things for minute or two. I can breathe. It’s a brilliant release of whatever emotion I happen to be feeling. A burst of pleasure and excitement! What will my creation become? How will it grow and change? What possibilities could this empty canvas bring? By creating I see a reflection of myself that’s odd and strange and beautiful and scary and bold and brave and fun! Are my creations a clone of me? Well, no. How boring would that be! But they are a part of me. Pieces of myself I give away to whomever will share them with me. Do I want to limit my creations to only certain people?? Now, why would I do that? I want EVERYONE to come and share in what I’m doing! Not only do I give myself away with each piece, but I can even teach you a trick or two about how to create your own little worlds of happiness, if you’ll allow it. 🥰
Will I force these creations and reflections of myself on you? Certainly not. Where would that get me, I ask you? Nowhere but have you frustrated and annoyed at me, I’m sure. Some may reject my work, and say, it’s not for them. Not their style, not their vibe, or whatever the youngsters say these days. But here it is none the less! My works of heart for all to see. Little glimpses into the soul.
Can anyone see my correlation yet? How this simple VERB connected me with my creator? If I can feel all these things about my work, my art, my creations, then why shouldn’t my creator feel all this as well? It’s an extremely vulnerable place to be. Putting yourself out there and hoping people accept it. What an awesome way to express one’s heart!
To bring to life something that didn’t exist before! To build. To shape. To form. To grow. To design. To forge. To kick something off! To get something started! To manifest! There are so many different ways we all create. I bet you created something yesterday. Or you’re going to today! What will it be?! What part of yourself will you give away?
YOU are the subject…what’s your VERB?? If you’re not sure, let’s talk about it! Talk to me! I’d love to know! I bet you create and don’t even realize it…😉
