What Hosting Faith Fest Taught Me (And Why You Should Put Yourself Out There Too)

I’ve been online for more than ten years now, but shifting into the world of creative faith art journaling still feels new to me. After a season of massive life changes (divorce, remarriage, redefining my role, rebuilding everything) stepping into a brand-new creative space felt intimidating on a whole different level. I had been “established” in other areas, but here? I felt like the new kid walking into school holding a lunch tray, hoping there was a seat open.

So when the idea for Faith Fest came to me, it both thrilled and terrified me. You can read the whole story about why I created it here (link to previous post), but what I didn’t expect was how hard it would be to invite other artists to join me. I felt so unbelievably small. I was convinced the women I admired would say no. That they’d wonder who I was. That they’d question what I was doing in this space. That maybe I didn’t belong. That maybe I wasn’t even an artist.

Every insecurity fired all at once.

But one day, after thinking and praying and overthinking some more, I knew I had to press “send” on those invitations. I prayed that God would bring the right teachers, the right yeses, and honestly, the right nos. And what happened next taught me more than I ever imagined.

Here’s what hosting Faith Fest showed me and why I believe YOU should put yourself out there in the thing God is nudging you toward, even if you feel terrified. Here’s some practical Christian women creativity encouragement.

1. When you walk in God’s guidance, He truly does answer prayer.

I already knew this… but Faith Fest reinforced it in a very real way. The women who said yes weren’t just willing — they were excited. WHAT!!?? They were kind. They were encouraging. They believed in the heart of this workshop in a way that stunned me. Several even said they had been praying for an opportunity exactly like this.

I learned that God is working behind the scenes long before we ever take a step. It’s really not about us. At all.

2. The people you’re intimidated by are more eager to collaborate than you think.

We build these dramatic stories in our heads:

“They’re too busy.”
“They won’t think my idea is good.”
“They’re already established.”
“They don’t need me.”
“They’ll think I’m silly.”

But the truth? Most women are longing for connection, encouragement, meaningful work, and community. They want to join forces with something that matters. Faith Fest reminded me that there are so many talented Christian artists who want to link arms for the sake of the Kingdom.

The enemy loves to isolate us.
God loves to gather us.

3. I learned something shocking about myself: I love being a cheerleader.

I didn’t start Faith Fest to learn about myself, but wow… did I ever. I shouldn’t be surprised, I was a cheerleader in high school, but this was different. I absolutely loved encouraging these artists, cheering them on, helping them shine, giving them support, lifting them up, reminding them how gifted they are.

I learned I love helping women step into their calling. I love championing the creativity God has placed inside them. Watching them bring Scripture to life in their own way filled me with so much joy.

This isn’t a note on how great I am, but how great and kind God is, by blessing me in this process!

And I learned something else:
We are all more insecure than we appear.
Even the artists who seem established, confident, and wildly talented have moments where they wonder if they’re “enough.”

But here’s the good news:
God never calls us to be impressive. He calls us to be willing.

4. I witnessed how hungry women are for creative spiritual formation.

Countless pages were shared in our Facebook group. THOUSANDS of women showed up brave, trying something new, pairing their creativity with their faith for the first time, expressing their love for the Lord in fresh ways.

Some didn’t even know they wanted to combine faith and creativity until they tried it. But once they did, something awakened. Something connected. Something settled into place.

There is a deep hunger for spiritual growth that is embodied, creative, expressive, and personal. Your idea might be just what women need!

5. I saw Hebrews 4:12 play out in real time.

“For the word of God is alive and active…” — Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

I watched 12 women interpret the exact same Bible verse and each one was completely different. Completely personal. Completely Spirit-led.

Same verse.
Same words.
Same Scripture.
Twelve different expressions.

It was living proof that God’s Word is alive, speaking uniquely to each heart. It met every teacher and every participant right where they were.

6. People are genuinely kind when given a sacred space to be themselves.

The internet can feel scary sometimes. People say harsh things. They’re quick to judge or correct. It often feels safer to stay quiet, stay small, stay hidden.

But what I saw inside Faith Fest was the exact opposite.

Encouragement.
Warmth.
Support.
Respect.
Kindness.
Unity.

No fighting.
No nitpicking.
No comparing.
No belittling.

Just women creating side by side, honoring each other’s styles, opinions, interpretations, and hearts.

It became a sacred space and it reminded me why I love bringing women together for a purpose bigger than all of us.

7. And finally… I learned that you should absolutely put yourself out there.

You don’t have to feel ready.
You don’t have to feel qualified.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to have every detail figured out.

You just have to be willing to take the next step and trust that God is already ahead of you preparing the way.

If God is nudging you to start something a group, a workshop, a ministry, a creative project, a small gathering, don’t let fear convince you otherwise. You have no idea who is waiting on the other side of your obedience.

You never know how your small yes might ignite something beautiful in someone else.

If you’d like to read the story of how Faith Fest started, you can find that blog post here. And if you want to join us in the next annual Faith Fest event, I would love to welcome you into this community of bold, creative, faith-filled women.

Just imagine what God might do with your yes.