By Jim Nichols

Most of us are occasionally impressed by what we sense is a true act of creativity. A Brahms symphony arose spontaneously from the mind of Brahms. Something or some idea that did not exist previously now blossoms.

I have no doubt that true creativity does occur, but I suspect that much of what we deem as creativity is the result of another more understandable activity. You and I may have a small number of truly creative times, but I imagine much of what we contribute is a recycling or reassembly of acts or ideas. This is not to downplay the importance of this, but to be realistic as to how good our minds are at re-shuffling ideas and experiences and producing potentially breakthrough conclusions or products. It is simply a different version of creativity. This is certainly true in the world of science.

Occasionally, I encounter a statement or proposition that carries unexpected weight. It just kind of hits me and I think, “That’s right!” A certain friend of mine, when confronted with such a statement, comments, “Why that’s almost Bible.”

Beginning a new year here, perhaps we could consider a few I have noted recently. They are unconnected and random, but they speak to me; maybe I am not the only one listening.

1. “You don’t color with other people’s lines; you make your own lines.” This was a comment from a friend’s funeral l attended. This friend was an artist, particularly of jewelry and painting. Ginna was a no-nonsense person who had clear ideas of her own. She was speaking to her grandchildren about their hesitancy as they approached trying to draw something that they deemed was beyond their expertise.

Children are not the only ones who pause with concern when faced with a task that is unfamiliar. Am I smart enough to try this? Am I skilled enough to do this? What if I make a mistake? What if the product is a disaster?

My artist friend was trying to counter that hesitancy by stressing the validity and importance of personal authenticity. Thomas Merton suggested that “. . . a tree gives glory to God by being a tree.” Similarly, we should try in our lives to play out the emotional, physical, and spiritual body God has given us. That sometimes takes bravery. 

2. “Until the lion learns to write, the hunter will be glorified in every story.” This African proverb can take multiple interpretations, but it is clearly about power. Specifically, who has power and who does not.

I have wondered why the United States is known as unusual/exceptional compared to other countries. Several options make sense to me: our abundant natural resources, our democratic form of government, individual states but one country. In addition to those and others, I would propose that the freedom of the press (and speech in general) is a key distinguishing factor.

We see this clearly illustrated in the fallout from the most recent Presidential campaign, election, and now the unfolding of another administration. If there were ever an illustration of power, we are seeing it now. The word POWER seeps through virtually every press release, every appointment, every public appearance. I propose that the most effective counter to the over-use of power is the privilege of the citizens to say “no.” To say it and to write it. When and if citizens are stifled from free speech in any form, the hunter will continue its domination. Lions need to write.

3. To lend each other a hand when we’re falling—perhaps that’s the only work that matters in the end,” writes Frederick Buechner in Brendan. 

The Bible considers the relationship between “faith” and “works” frequently. “Which is more important?” we ask. The response is that they are a pair; they work together. An action occurs because of some faith or belief backing it or causing it; to deny that does not make sense.

You and I fall a lot—literally and figuratively. We count on one another to aid us, forgive us, and help us grow from our fall. We cannot function alone; you can see in me things that I cannot see. Give me your hand; I need it. 

Jim Nichols is a retired Abilene Christian University biology professor and current hospital chaplain