The Terror of Being Known
The time comes in every creatives life where they have to face one of the most terrifying steps in the process: letting someone else see your work.
It could be a mentor you know you need advice from, it could be a teacher trying to grade your work, it could be a beta reader helping you spy the plot holes and mistakes in your writing, or a boss at a studio trying to get the best product for their client. Whoever it is, whatever it is, the process of providing your work up to be critiqued feels a little like offering up a lamb to slaughter.
And it’s usually terrifying.
Sometimes the fear can stem from a pride issue — I can’t comprehend that my product might be subpar, so I am afraid of critique — but more often than not it comes from wanting to do well and fearing the consequences of failure. It might feel like your entire creative career or role in the project is at stake, or you love the project exactly how it is and really don’t want anything changed. Whatever the reason, having your work critiqued is unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Regardless of the why, the emotion that is being felt is the same: fear.
God, however, calls us to a different state of mind. He calls us to let go of fear, anxiety, and to rely on His strength because He has already won all of the battles that mean anything. Yes, facing a critique of your work is still a battle, but the worst that will come of it is immaterial to the fact that you, Christian creative, have the backing of the God of the Universe on your side. There is no earthly trial, struggle, or failure that can take away your eternity, your God-give joy and peace, or your salvation. And all of these things, honestly, far more important than your career, your project, or even your talent.
Now, God won’t snap His fingers and make your project pass whatever critique, trail, or scrutiny its going through. However, if you fail, you can rely on Him for strength. Strength of mind, of soul, of creativity, of talent, and of skill. You can also rely on Him for other opportunities. For wisdom to persevere with the new information you got from the critique, and for direction on what to do next if it does fail.
And for a final thought, just because someone tears a project apart does not mean that either: a) they did not like it or b) they do not like you. Sometimes the best way to lovingly teach someone is to show them what is wrong with the way they are going about it. It’s unpleasant or fun for the person being critiqued — especially when we think we know what we are doing — but it is often necessary for our growth as creatives. God provides those opportunities to us, where our projects are pulled apart at the seams by people older, wiser, or more talented than us so that we can grow. Regardless of why you fear, know that every unpleasant situation has a purpose for the Christian!
Putting it into Action
The best way to get over fear of any kind is also one of the most difficult things on the planet to do: face it head-on. Fortunately, the Christian has God to help strengthen them for the difficult tasks ahead. If you fear critiques in your project, take time this week (and in the future weeks) to actively seek out fellow brothers and sisters to give your project an in-depth look. It will hurt, but it will also get easier the more you do it. The first critique is agonizing, the second painful, the third uncomfortable, and so on and so forth until you’ve built up callouses in the right places and can handle them like a pro. Take time with each one to reframe your mind; see the critique as it is, not a mark on your eternal soul, but an opportunity to collect new skills and tricks for your trade. You got this, and if you don’t, God does!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
