The Courage to Contribute
Why your creative spark matters more than ever
Octavia Butler described her writing as a “positive obsession.” Not a pathology, but a purpose. Direction. A pull so steady and insistent you’d be a little lost without it.
I’m positively obsessed with Butler’s work. Within her science fiction I find futuristic scenarios and valuable thought-experiments that help us envision where we humans might be headed. She wrote to warn and to widen us. She wrote because she believed stories could tilt the future toward something better. Her novels weren’t just acts of imagination; they were creative acts of contribution.
Most of us have some kind of positive obsession — the idea, concern, conviction, or creative spark that keeps tugging at our sleeve. Something we want to bring into the world, to share. But how often do we take that desire seriously?
These days, our public square is full of deconstruction — some of it necessary, some of it overdue — but when all our energy is spent on dismantling, or “canceling”, we don’t have much left to envision possibilities beyond the rubble.
But creativity is a moral ethic. Not everyone identifies as an “artist,” but everyone is capable of making a positive contribution. To create is to add something life-giving, perspective-shifting, conscience-stirring to the world. A good idea. A needed truth. A fresh possibility. An alternative to the tired, broken patterns we keep repeating.
In his book We Need to Build, Eboo Patel observes that we live in a society overflowing with critics and starving for creators. Patel’s book—and our conversation when I interviewed him—still resonate with me. “Defeat the things we don’t like by building the things we do,” he challenges. A just and beautiful world won’t be delivered by those who merely diagnose the problem. We need people brave enough to offer the beginnings of solutions.
This brings me back to you — to the tug you feel when an idea won’t leave you alone. When a vision for something better, something beautiful, something worthy of your time and attention flares up in your mind and heart.
That spark should not be ignored. It might be your positive obsession — your invitation to contribute something of worth. We have enough voices telling us what’s wrong. We need more people brave enough to build, to offer, to imagine, to create.
So let me ask you: What contribution is yours to make? What idea keeps tapping you on the shoulder, waiting for your courage? Tell me in the comments.
Recent writing:
Most of my recent writing has been focused on the Presbyterian Outlook’s daily Advent and Lent devotions.
Along with my writing on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love, I love the children’s illustrations we recruited for this Advent devotional. The pictures these kids drew in response to the scripture stories are perfect for visio divina. Get the Outlook’s digital Advent Devotional for yourself, or your church here: Draw Near: Lighting the Advent Path with Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
“The seeds we scatter” Ministry is hard and church leaders are often left feeling as if what they offer is never enough. In my September Editorial, I wanted to offer a word of encouragement. Ministry may batter and bruise us. But by the grace of God, seeds get planted – sometimes without us even realizing it – until someone calls 32 years later just to say thank you.
“Why Theological Education Matters” Religious studies programs are being slashed from colleges and universities. Seminary enrollment is shrinking. Churches are in decline. And yet, religion is everywhere, shaping our politics, communities, cultural conflicts and hopes for the future. In my October Editorial –I write about why it is so important that we learn to think deeply about God.
Upcoming speaking – Let’s connect!
January 18, 2026: Preaching at Massanutten Presbyterian Church, Harrisonburg, VA.
Know a conference or event that you think I’d be a good speaker for? Hit Reply and tell me!
Is your book club or church reading Necessary Risks? Are you planning an educational event for your church, presbytery or synod that aligns with the theme of Necessary Risks: Challenges Privileged People Need to Face? I’d love to get you and your group on my schedule—just hit reply to start talking or contact me by clicking here.