Are You in the CLEAN-UP CREW?

Kanye West (https://www.kanyewest.com/), says, “We came into a broken world and we are the clean-up crew.

We all go through some form of brokenness at some point in our lives and we will all respond differently.  Death is the obvious brokenness and we will all face it, ultimately our own, but prior to that, the death of those that we know.  Some struggle to recover from grief, but as Christians, as the clean-up crew, we can do whatever we can do to support.

I have many creative friends who tell me that it is because of their brokenness that they are creative.  They use creativity to channel their pain, their hurts, and their loss.  They do this, in the hope that their creations will bring comfort to themselves and others.  This is the reason why I create, to impact lives and bring about change.  To bring change is the role of the clean-up crew.

As an author, a poet, and a film producer, I want every book, every poem, and every film to bring change.  Often, we will never know about those that our work has touched and inspired, but we still create, because God made us that way. 

Over the last 7 years, I have become even more creative, creative in new ways, with new ideas and I have been led by God, but also inspired by others.  Who are you inspiring and who is inspiring you?

The more creative people that I meet, with a story of brokenness; the more I want to help them in some way.  I want to help them tell their story and to share it with the world.  I’ve lost count of the times that I’ve helped other authors with publishing or marketing knowledge.  I love to empower others and to share my knowledge, as I have blogged about before here.

My latest creative, supportive venture is a brand-new podcast that will launch soon.  It’s called ‘The Creative Christian Chat Show’ aka DOG in the POD.  If you are wondering why the DOG in the POD part, well, my surname means, ‘Son of Yellow Dog’.  You can learn more about my name in my blog, ‘What's in a Name?’

When I told a friend about my podcast, his comment was, “I thought film was your thing?”

“No”, I told him, “Message is my thing.”  Isn’t it strange how people see one aspect of our creativity but miss the bigger picture?  I know my role in the ‘clean-up’ crew and I am a Message Bringer. Do you know your role?

The first series of my podcast is currently in production and it is called, ‘Creative in Brokenness’.  I have been overwhelmed by the response from people that want to come on the show and I am humbled by their stories.  Please get in touch if you would like to join me on the show for a creative chat.

VISIT MY PODCAST HERE

Brendan is a creative Christian; a digital marketeer, podcaster, film producer, poet, and author of 8 books, including 'The book of PSALMS in Rhyme.'  He lives in Stroud Gloucestershire.  There are 'self-made men' and 'God-made men', Brendan is the latter.  An associate speaker with Christian Vision for Men.  A member of the Association of Christian Writers and Evangelical Alliance.

Click here to visit Brendan's website

Do You Want FAME?

I spent over 30 years of my life working in charity (and still do some).  I was a Youth Worker and one of the founders of a great youth charity in Stroud, Gloucestershire.  As a result of my work, many years ago, the charity’s Patron suggested that he should nominate me for an OBE.  As the Patron was a Lord, I knew that there would be a good chance of success, but I turned him down, saying, “I don’t need that.”

Looking back, I now say that, “I didn’t want that”, you see our minds can change, I now realise that fame can be useful.  Years later, someone else suggested that they nominate me for the same award and I thought to myself, “That would be nice.”  As far as I’m aware, he didn’t do as he said, and I was a little disappointed.  Now, when the new year honours are announced, I think to myself, “That could have been me.”

I used to believe that if we received our thanks on earth then we wouldn’t have any in heaven.  So, what made me change?  Why is it important to be known by many?  Well, as a writer, there is the obvious point, that more people might buy your books, but that shouldn’t be the main reason.

I recently watched a film on Netflix called, ‘Another Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood’ (starring Tom Hanks).  This is the story of a Presbyterian minister and children’s TV presenter, Fred Rogers.  Mr. Rogers (as the children know him) is interviewed by a journalist, Lloyd Vogel, and Lloyd asks, “What is it like to be famous?”

Fred responds with, “Fame is a four-letter word, like face, fast, same, and flat.  It’s not about being famous, it’s what you do with fame that makes a difference.”  The more widely we are known, the bigger the difference that we can make and we call that marketing.  Any author needs a bit of that.

Another point that Fred makes in the film is, he asks Lloyd a question, “What do you think is the most important thing in the world for me right now?”

Lloyd shrugged his shoulders and Fred answered, “Talking to you Lloyd.”  The point that Fred was making was, where ever you are, be there.  My friends, how often have you been somewhere, but your mind is elsewhere?  Writer friends, how often have you sat down to write, only for your thoughts to drift away to nowhere?

So, do I want to be famous?  I want my books and films and the message contained within to speak into people’s hearts.  I don’t care if they remember my name or not, but I do pray that my words will bring them hope, freedom, and change.  Then it will be another beautiful day in the neighbourhood.

Brendan is a Christian filmmaker, poet, and author of 8 books, including 'The book of PSALMS in Rhyme.'  He lives in Stroud Gloucestershire.  There are 'self-made men' and 'God-made men', Brendan is the latter.  An associate speaker with Christian Vision for Men.  A member of the Association of Christian Writers and Evangelical Alliance.

Click here to visit Brendan's website

Journey into the UNKNOWN?

Photo: Chris Buckwald - Unsplash.com

Amongst other things, I am an author and a film producer.  I use those skills to communicate a message, a story, or share some information.  You will not be at all surprised to hear then, that I love watching films and that one of my favourite scenes is from, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  Towards the end of the film, Indiana (the hero) has to step off of a cliff edge into a ravine.  He has to take a huge step off faith and following his father’s instruction, that is what he does.  He steps, yet does not fall.  As he changes his perspective, the previously invisible bridge is now seen, stretching out across the perilous ravine.

As we all start a new year, for many, we may feel like Indiana Jones as we step out into the unknown.  The last two years of pandemic have brought so much uncertainty for so many and as humans, we need a balance between certainty and uncertainty.  We can all make plans for the year ahead, which helps to establish a level of certainty, but plans can change, brought about by the unexpected disruptions of life.  Nevertheless, we adapt, we press on towards the goal, we finish the race and just like Indiana Jones, we follow our Heavenly Father’s instructions.

I am usually a very good planner, though, this year I am struggling.  The reason for my struggle; I have surgery planned for 11th January to rebuild my shoulder.  I've been waiting since an accident in June 2020 and it's been postponed several times, all for various reasons.  It is likely that it will be postponed again. So, I journey into the unknown (feeling like the intrepid explorer) and I write what I can, when I can, however God leads me.  I still expect to publish 3 more books this year.  This is despite the unknown, despite the pitfalls and the barriers.  I set SMART targets and know that despite hindrance, I will achieve.  How do I know this?  Well, God always sends the encouragers to bring balance to the hindrance.  They come in the form of friends, family, and especially other writers. The family of the Association of Christian Writers (ACW) is the greatest encourager.  Though many members are the same as me, with their own struggles, they always find time to motivate, support, and push each other on. I was inspired to write this blog after reading a blog by Wendy H. Jones and now I will commit to putting my plans for the year into writing.

Whatever you are planning for this year, I pray that it brings you happiness, hope, and joy.

Brendan is a Christian poet and author of 8 books, including 'The book of PSALMS in Rhyme.'  He lives in Stroud Gloucestershire.  There are 'self-made men' and 'God-made men', Brendan is the latter.  An associate speaker with Christian Vision for Men.  A member of the Association of Christian Writers.

Click here to visit Brendan's website

What is your LEGACY?

St. Paul's Cathedral by Roman Fox - Unsplash

We all leave something behind when we die and this is referred to as our LEGACY.  Some of us may have received comments about the LEGACY that we leave behind, especially if you are perceived as doing something great.  Edward Jenner left his LEGACY of the Smallpox vaccination, which has helped to create the Covid vaccine.  Christopher Wren and Isambard Kingdom Brunel left historic landmarks of architecture and engineering.

Just over 30 years ago myself and a friend set up a local youth charity, called ‘The Door’.  I grew the charity, developed it, pioneered some remarkable projects and rose from a humble volunteer to a humble CEO.  When I left there, seven years ago, I lost count of the number of times people told me that I have left a fantastic LEGACY.  I remember, in my mind, questioning, “Have I?”

As soon as I left, I said, “It’s not my LEGACY now, it belongs to those that come after me.”  What I now realise is that, I may have had the title of ‘CEO’, but I was simply a Caretaker of an ASSET.  That ASSET belongs to God and it was passed on to new Caretakers to do what they felt right with it.

I recently attended the 30 year celebration of the project and I have to say that it is no longer the project that I left.  It has the same name, but just about everything else has changed.  I can confirm that it is NOT my LEGACY.

 

Photo: Markus Winkler - Unsplash

It has taken me many years to realise this, but at the same time I have come to realise what our TRUE LEGACY is.  As an Author, Poet, and Film Maker, I now know that it is my books, poetry, and films (and the message that they carry) that are my LEGACY.  These can NEVER be changed and they will live on, touching lives long after I have gone to meet The Author of Life.

So, fellow authors, be inspired and leave a monumental LEGACY, like Jenner, Wren and Brunel.  Write words and tell stories that will live on, this is YOUR LEGACY. 

Brendan is a Christian poet and author of 8 books, including 'The book of PSALMS in Rhyme.'  He lives in Stroud Gloucestershire.  There are 'self-made men' and 'God-made men', Brendan is the latter.  An associate speaker with Christian Vision for Men.  A member of the Association of Christian Writers.

Click here to visit Brendan's website

In the Creative Stream

It’s the start of the second week of NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, so today I woke early, fully intending to crack on with my target.  So far, for me, it’s been quite fun and motivational, knowing that I am part of something bigger than myself.  Though I also realise that for some, it has been a struggle, so the purpose of this blog is to hopefully encourage those that may be in that place.

Don’t get me wrong, I start every day with a struggle.  I live with a life-limiting illness and disability, but I am a massive believer in seeing the ‘ability’ in people and not the ‘disability’.  As a Christian, I believe God does the same when He looks at each one of us.  He knows our strengths and weaknesses and He can turn our weaknesses into His opportunities.

I really fully intended to crack on with my NaNoWriMo novel this morning, but couldn’t as I felt God was telling me to write this first and that this is another opportunity.  You may occasionally hear the expression, ‘to be in the creative stream’.  I certainly seem to hear it a lot or words to that effect, but should we be in the ‘Creative Stream’ and if we are, which way should we be heading?

Personally, I want to head downstream to eventually step into the ‘Creative River’, though the distractions do hold me back.  Sometimes these are good and positive distractions, such as writing this blog or noticing another fellow creative that has metaphorically fallen over in the stream and is in need of help, support and encouragement.  The negative distractions are vast and it can be so difficult to shut them out, but one thing that I do is to treat my writing like a ‘proper job’.  Writers can often treat their writing time as a kind of indulgence and indulgence can bring with it guilt, etc.  With a ‘proper job’ you must turn up and start work or suffer the consequences.

There are days when I find myself swimming in that ‘Creative River’ and it is wonderfully refreshing, but still, on those days, I long to be in the ‘Creative Ocean’, with the multitude of other creatives.  I like to think of that ocean as Jesus, which reminds me of the words of an old Noel Richards song – “I want to be out of my depth in your love, feeling your loving arms around me.”

As a Christian writer, this is where I want to be, but I want to journey together with others, to share the experience, the ups and downs, the joys and the sorrows.  One day we will all be there, but for now, for me, I paddle in the stream and every-so-often jump into the river.

Are you swimming, paddling or currently standing on the bank?

Images from Unsplash.com

Brendan is a Christian poet and author of 8 books, including 'The book of PSALMS in Rhyme.'  He lives in Stroud Gloucestershire.  There are 'self-made men' and 'God-made men', Brendan is the latter.  An associate speaker with Christian Vision for Men.  A member of the Association of Christian Writers.

Click here to visit Brendan's website

Can you walk on water?

When Jesus told Peter to, “Get out of the boat”, he didn’t hesitate.  He didn’t stop to over-think the situation or over-analyse, he just did it.  So why are we so hesitant to step out of our own comfort zone?  Why do we not put ourselves forward more often?  Why do we convince ourselves that we simply aren’t good enough?

In my career in charity, I climbed to the position of Chief Executive Officer and I quietly, inwardly questioned, “How did that happen?”  As a teenager (nearly 50 years ago), I was not a very likeable person, though I met a beautiful girl and I married her 40 years ago.  Again, I question, “How did that happen?”  I kind of fell into being a youth worker and a Christian Rap Artist, impacting thousands of young lives, but still, that question lurked in the back of my mind, “How did that happen?” 

I now know that this negative thinking about our own abilities is referred to as, ‘Imposter-Syndrome.’ This lack of self-belief is in us all at different levels.  Soon after Peter stepped out, he had a reality check, imposter-syndrome hit him and he started to sink, but Jesus reached out and took his hand.

In recent years I have made conscious decisions to put myself out there more.  It still feels alien, at times extremely nervous and uncomfortable, but still, we must metaphorically step out of the boat.  Over 30 years ago, God gave me the gift of writing in rhyme and I used that gift.  It was extremely uncomfortable when I first stepped onto a stage to perform, but I felt that He was holding my hand.  Publishing my first book was again a nervous and uncomfortable, yet exhilarating experience.  In my head came more questions, “Will people like it?  Is it any good?”  I am sure that any of my author friends can relate to these feelings.  On the day of publishing, even the most seasoned authors can feel elevated levels of vulnerability and anxiety, as we expose ourselves to criticism.

At times, this vulnerability can even prevent us, writers, from writing.  Fear can overwhelm and consume our creativity.  The Bible tells us that, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind” – 2 Timothy 1:7.  When we are drowning, He will reach out and take our hands.  It’s taken me decades to really grasp this and I am still learning (aren’t we all?).

Lately, I have felt God telling me to once again, ‘Step out’ into the realm of public speaking and teaching.  In reluctant obedience, I have now arranged to present my first ever poetry workshops and as soon as I had agreed, I questioned, “What have I done?”  Imposter syndrome kicks in, I start to sink and God takes my hand.  We are not alone in this God is in us; so what is your next adventure?  What are you being called to step into?  Are you ready to walk on (metaphoric) water?

Brendan is a Christian poet and author of 8 books, including 'The book of PSALMS in Rhyme.'  He lives in Stroud Gloucestershire.  There are 'self-made men' and 'God-made men', Brendan is the latter.  An associate speaker with Christian Vision for Men.  A member of the Association of Christian Writers.

Click here to visit Brendan's website

Is Knowledge Power?

In 1597, Sir Francis Bacon published his work, Meditationes Sacrae.  In it he first used the phrase, “Knowledge is power” and the world believed him.  Throughout the centuries since, people have craved knowledge and more knowledge.

“I have two degrees”, quips the first person.  “I have three”, brags another.  A farmer eavesdropped as they passed him, then, commented, “Yet, you are ignorant, rude and have no common sense.  You ignored me and my sign and now my bull is going to get you… You had best run.”

I spent many years believing that Francis Bacon was right, that is until I had a ‘Eureka’ moment and I started to share my knowledge openly.  The farmer above shared his little bit of knowledge and he averted a potential fatal wounding.  In my charity development work, I had risen to the considered powerful position of CEO, but it wasn’t until I stepped down from that position and started to share my knowledge that I had a revelation.  The recipients of my help now regarded me as having the power to help them and I realised that it is the sharing of knowledge that is true power.

As a Christian writer, I have naturally joined the Association of Christian Writers.  This group of people has a wealth of experience and knowledge and every member is willing to share whatever they know, in order to help another writer.  This encourages me to do the same and it is such an unbelievable joy to help others.

I am currently preparing to deliver a poetry and rhyming workshop for the ACW Writing for Children group, which I am excited about.  However, another project that I am currently working on is both exciting and humbling.  A dying man asked me if I could publish his book of poetry.  He wrote over 100 poems during the three years after his son took his own life and they are his journey of grief.

I am using my knowledge and power to publish his book of poems and the Sunflowers Suicide Support charity will receive all of the royalties.  With our knowledge and power we can empower or disempower, the question is; what will you do with yours?

Brendan is a Christian poet and author of 8 books, including 'The book of PSALMS in Rhyme.'  He lives in Stroud Gloucestershire.  There are 'self-made men' and 'God-made men', Brendan is the latter.  An associate speaker with Christian Vision for Men.  A member of the Association of Christian Writers.

Click here to visit Brendan's website