Creative Conviction [After Sinners}

Not sure how deep you’ve gotten into all the Sinners chatter, but whew—Ryan Coogler really did something with this one. I went in just wanting to see a good movie, and came out questioning if I’m really walking in my full creative calling.

At first, I was overanalyzing all the symbolism, the storytelling, the details. But then something deeper hit me…

As the credits rolled, I felt this weird creative separation anxiety. Not from the movie itself—but from the realization that I haven’t created at my highest level in a long time.

And I get it now—maybe that’s why people are watching it over and over...to get a hit of that creative high; trying to reignite that spark that’s been buried under deadlines, distractions, and doubt.

The Blind Spot That Called Me Out

I did one of those viral ChatGPT prompts asking for my blind spots (I was feeling brave that day, lol), and here’s the one that slapped me in the face:

“You’re called to lead loudly, but sometimes play it safe. Your anointing was never meant to shrink.”

It hit. Because I know I’m creative. I’ve been a photographer, a designer, a storyteller... but somewhere along the way, I started creating for comfort. Not calling.

I started thinking, “Will this make sense to people?” instead of “Is this what God put in me to release?”

What Sinners Sparked in Me

While folks are still online arguing about whether or not we should’ve watched the film (I get it, for real), God used it to stir something completely different in me. It reminded me that I’ve been holding back. That I’ve allowed comfort to shrink my creativity.

So now I’m asking myself:

• Am I creating out of calling or comfort?

• Am I waiting for perfection before I move?

• Am I creating to please... or creating on purpose?

Have I turned down the volume on what God turned up in me?

Time to Wake That Gift Up

I don’t know exactly what the “more” looks like for me yet, but I know it’s time to stretch. Here’s how I’m starting:

• Revisiting old dreams I shelved

• Creating even when it’s messy

• Letting go of needing it to be perfect

• Asking God to breathe on what I build

  
  

And If You’re In the Same Boat…

If you’ve been feeling creatively stuck, safe, or small—I dare you to sit with these questions too. Ask God what He’s calling you to create in this season. Let Him show you the version of you that’s not just talented—but fully tapped in.

Scripture Reminders:

• Genesis 1:27 – You were made in the image of the most creative being ever.

• Ephesians 2:10 – You were created on purpose, for a purpose.

• Exodus 35:35 – God literally fills His people with creative skill. It’s not random—it’s divine.

  
  

Final Thought:

God doesn’t just give us gifts for fun. He expects us to use them. Loudly. Boldly. Creatively. And if a movie like Sinners can help wake that up in me—then maybe it wasn’t just “entertainment.” Maybe it was the reminder I didn’t know I needed.