About the Author

Rachel Marie Kang is the author of Let There Be Art and The Matter of Little Losses. A writer of poems, prose, and other pieces, she is founder of The Fallow House and the Social Media & Guest Post Manager for (in)courage. Connect with her at rachelmariekang.com.

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things we love
& you will too!
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  1. Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!! My mouth is starting to hurt from smiling so much, haha! I am so so happy and excited for you. CONGRATULATIONS and Best wishes in this and in all you do!! Love it!

    And Thank you for the encouraging reminder that we will always be creative! Amen to that, always to the glory of God, Amen!

    Hey, congrats again!! God bless you and encourage you today and always!

    • I never got to sing on stages, but sometimes my husband always tells me he likes to hear me sing & that’s the sweetest gift to me. Thank you for this.
      Off to pre-order my copy of your book, Rachel.

      • That truly is the sweetest gift. It’s little moments like this when we can look and see—yes, there can be joy in living this out—even in the smallest of ways. Keep in touch—I hope to hear how you like the book. And be sure to visit my website to redeem your gifts after you preorder. Word on the street is you’ll get the audiobook for free : )

  2. Throughout my life, I’ve had so many creative ideas rise and fall. I’m finally self-employed and finding great satisfaction in the creative work I get to do every day. But there are still seasons of life where those other ideas, and new ones, surge and tug at my heart and soul. Thanks for this gentle reminder and thoughtful embrace of these seasons and reminding me of the greatest Creator and that one of his masterpieces is me.

    • Andrea, I so feel that. I know that rise and fall…and those surges of new dreams and ideas. Here’s to embracing our current seasons, making the most out of where we are. Wishing you God’s best in this season of being self-employed. I talk about small businesses in my book. Starting a small business is one of the most creative and compassionate ways of serving communities and the ones we love. Grace to you, in all you put your hands to!

  3. I love this! It spoke to my heart and my spirit. As a youngster I loved to play piano and now I get out that music and it looks so hard! I even wanted to be a music major and that didn’t work out. So many dreams have changed for me. I lost the love of my life so we cannot grow old together but I know God has a plan for me while I am here. Thanks so much for this. And thank God for the (in)courage family! Blessings to you.

    • Sharon, thank you for this comment. I have a chapter in my book where I wrote about those instruments we used to play in the past. I think so many of us look back on those memories and feel a certain kind of pang. I miss the piano, too. Grace to you as God’s plan for your life unfolds…even in the midst of loss.

  4. Your post is so meaningful to me. 21 years ago a progressive chronic pain neuro disease stopped me in my tracks. I had to give up career I worked so hard for,worried how I could be a good mom to my 4yr old or wife to my husband. I became very depressed. My mom began to share her memories of losing her loved ones and home to atomic bombing of Hiroshima at only 12 yrs old.She thought of suicide but so glad she didn’t because now, she had me and my daughter to love. She said I had same blood flowing through me and I would find my new path. She also reminded me of the strength the Lord gives us as well.That led me to return to my love of writing and having my novel I wrote about my mom published in 2016 and the Japanese translation released just 7 weeks ago! Sadly my mom did not see the finished book,she passed away in 2015. However 7 1/2 months ago I had spinal surgery(my 4th) and complications led to more pain and having to learn to walk all over again with a walker. My anxiety attacks returned, but my mother’strength emboldened me and with God’s grace I returned to virtual school visits. I am still recovering and some days are still filled with doubt and anxiety, so reading your post today is like a hug for my soul. Thank you for sharing your faith and your heart. God bless you and your family. And wishing you success with your new book!

    • Kathleen,

      Congratulations on your book!! I know your mom would be proud of you. Asking God to continue to bless you & bring you good health. Keep being creative & telling your story. Again Congratulations!!

      Blessings 🙂

    • Kathleen. My heart is full knowing these words hugged you. I have never walked a day in your shoes, but I understand the loss of dreams through grief and brokenness in the body. In and through these seasons of loss and weakness, I hope you keep holding the courage to try and try again. I am in recovery too—some days up and some down. But never without hope. Trusting the same to be true for you, dear sister.

  5. “Create” was my word/theme for 2022, which felt odd at first because I’ve always considered myself to be more practical than creative. As I’ve explored and reflected on “creating” this year, I’m gaining a new appreciation for my unique, beautiful, God-given talents and how they glorify God, bless others, and give me joy. Encouraging others is my creativity in action, and it takes many forms: sharing food and hospitality, praying with others, telling children Bible stories, engaging with the people I interact with as I go about my day. As I’m in my sixties, I am energized by the reminder “You will always be creative, just like the One who created you.” Embracing God’s creativity in, through, and around me now and into eternity is inspiring. I look forward to reading your book, Rachel!

    • Yes, Ann. this is exactly it. And also—I love that “create” has been your words for this year. I think many of us are getting back into our creative passions…realizing it is good for us and also brings God glory. So thrilled to hear you’re embracing it. Can’t wait for you to read my book!

  6. So good & so true! It just reminded me of everything I know about how God created me! Whether baking, doing home decor, making cards, painting, or writing … He created me to create!

  7. Thank you Rachel for such a beautifully written blog. All the words written are encouraging as well as a reminder of the seasons and changes we all experience, The eight words,”as the years race and the hands age” really spoke volumes. As I age my hands are not as steady while sketching or taking pen to paper. There are so many things to be thankful for, so I’m learning to accept changes and limitations as the Lord continues to bless me. May He continue to bless you and your creative spirit,

    • Elaine, I so understand. Even as I type these words to you…my health is in a dip this week and my hands are feeling weak. Through it all…we show up and find that grace shines through. We pivot, pause, find a new pace. It is hard…but it is not impossible. I hope you experience grace and peace as you create and make…in all the ways that it changes throughout this season.

  8. I pray that God will take may dreams and use them for His glory, that I will grow in trusting in His plan and will for my life. (so hard at times, so hard, my sinful ways to try to control and get discouraged) I KNOW that He is good and HIS love and ways are far BETTER than mine. Letting go and trusting the journey He has paved from me! All to Him

  9. Thank you for sharing from your heart as well as from your personal experience. The gifts that God has blessed me with, I used earlier in life as a praise dancer and an actor in Drama at our church. Lately, within the last six years, I have lost the desire to dance. I was quite puzzled and could not figure out why. I decided to use the excuse that I was older now and should not be concerned. However after reading this devotion today, I realize that there are other creativity gifts that I have which can be used for the Lord. In the comments above, I have been encouraged knowing that some of my sisters and I can identify with the same gifts. I also have the gift of encouraging others as well as giving. Sometimes in life, we feel that we are not being used when in all actuality we just have to be still and wait for God to show us where we are to go and what we are to do. May we all recognize our gifts and use them to God’s glory.

    • Yes, Denise! I’m so brought to joy knowing you are walking through road, too, of discovering and rediscovering how creativity looks in your life. May the Lord open your eyes and heart to see all that He is doing in and through you. All to His glory!

  10. Oh Rachel, thank you so much for this article. I needed the reminder that even as life changes, God has new things for each of us, and we must look for and embrace those new opportunities. I have never really considered myself to be creative, but as I read the things you mentioned I realized that I already do some of them and can continue to let the Lord work through me in new ways. Blessings on you and your new book!

  11. I needed this today. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an actress. This is a dream that I feel deeply in my heart and soul. I can’t go see a performance without wanting to be on the stage myself. I see a beautiful movie and I want to create something that amazing for the world to resonate with. I made my professional debut 15 years ago, and it was an amazing debut ending with me winning an award for the most promising new actress. For a few years I booked jobs and made connections….and then it fizzled and the spark died out before turning into a flame. And I still don’t know what went wrong. Life has taken a different turn for me, and I feel like it’s time to let that dream go, but I still feel so passionately about it. Thank you for letting me know I’m still creative even though it doesn’t feel like I’m living up to my perceived potential. Maybe the time will come. Maybe I’ll hang up my hat. But that doesn’t mean it’s over.

    • Thank you for sharing honestly, Genn. That spark of the same dream has always been within me…and it’s been interesting how, some ten years later, it plays out not in being able to act…but in the way I allow movie’s to inspire my writing…my book ideas, even. I see it in the way I advocate (in small ways) for movies and actors…why they matter and why we need them. Grace to you as you walk this road…with the rise and fall of this very creative dream and passion. May God give you eyes to see all the ways in which He is moving within you. Hope you read my book where I write about the importance of movies. Whether acting is something you get to live out again or learn to lay down, I hope you’ll always cradle the truth of why acting matters…and how to carry that on in your life : )

  12. I was very encouraged by today’s article. God has been encouraging me to be more creative with how I can create opportunities to serve others. I love to volunteer so being able to create various opportunities for those around me to discover the joy of giving has been fulfilling.

    • What a beautiful encouraging devotion.
      I have always like watching things grow, especially my children.
      From watching my children, I went to scrapbooking, them quilting and finally papercraft and card making.
      I felt lead to have a Facebook page with my craft for sale. But was unsure about it.
      A couple of months ago my 10 year old grandson encouraged me to start selling. So I started. It’s well and I am happy I am being creative.
      Thank you so much for your encouraging words. God bless Charmaine ☺️

    • May hope grow where those tears came, Janet. May you always have eyes to see and know how true this is for all of us, for you <33 Hope you get the chance to read my book!

  13. This is such a profound truth and so needed for all of us who might feel thwarted in our creativity! As a writer and speaker, it’s easy to see how God may be using my creativity to help busy moms and women connect more deeply with God. But looking back at my years in the special education classroom and in my years at home with two little ones, it’s clear to see how my creativity was used to make an impact in those spheres as well!

    • I hope you always have eyes to see it, Sarah. As you look back…but also right there in the middle of it all. Thank you for all the ways you show up and share this creativity with others. Hope you get the chance to read LTBA!

    • Katie,
      I apologize if my response went to you instead of Rachel Kang. Sometimes the website puts me in the wrong spot.

    • What a beautiful encouraging devotion.
      I have always like watching things grow, especially my children.
      From watching my children, I went to scrapbooking, them quilting and finally papercraft and card making.
      I felt lead to have a Facebook page with my craft for sale. But was unsure about it.
      A couple of months ago my 10 year old grandson encouraged me to start selling. So I started. It’s well and I am happy I am being creative.
      Thank you so much for your encouraging words. God bless Charmaine ☺️

      • Charmaine, I love this progression of your creative journey! What a joy ride…going with every turn and bend. I hope your grandson continues to encourage and remind you of your creativity. Even more so, I hope you hear our Heavenly Father saying the same!

  14. There are… a lot… of things we don’t end up doing, and sometimes it seems like we have fallow/desert seasons, too. As my body and brain are both not working properly, I would very much appreciate more hope.

    • I hear you KC. I actually wrote about fallow seasons in my book…times when life is slow, unseen, and silent. Sometimes we enter into these seasons on our own choosing. Sometimes it seems we have no choice but to walk through them (because of life, health, work, money, etc). I hope you get your hands on this book…and discover the hope that is for you…even in this season. <333

  15. I know how it feels to lay down dreams. It hurts so bad. This year, my goal was to learn to watercolor and do therapeutic art. It’s hard when medications and physical or mental conditions interfere with my abilities to be creative. I really need to be validated by the Lord on this.

  16. I think not of me, but of my sister-in-law. After a fire destroyed much of her beloved home, vandals and thieves stole belongings and treasures…COVID stressed her small business….she lost her sense of freedom in creating. I pray that she finds her way back and allows God to work through her as she learns forgiveness and how good God is.

    • Oh man…I write about small businesses in this book. Small business owners are wildly brave and creative. I hope she gets her hands on this book! (And you too…for whatever creative season you’re in!)

  17. So important to recognize creativity can be expressed in various ways at different seasons in our lives. God has shown me, when He removes an outlet of creative work in my life, He often redirects me to another channel of artistic expression. No matter the type of expression, being creative always connects me to that attribute of my Heavenly Father. So thankful for this book with Rachel’s insights to encourage those of us looking for God’s hand on our creative hearts.

    • Yes, Maryanne. It’s so encouraging looking back through the years and seeing Him redirect and guide and protect and grow me. He is good…His intentions are always good. And while seasons change, He is ever inviting us to partake in creativity…because it brings us closer to Him and to others. Hope you read the book! Grace to you!

  18. Thank you for sharing your story. It is a poignant reminder–the Creator creates us to be creative

  19. Rachel these words being so much hope with them. How difficult it is to let go of a dream not knowing what will come next. Thank you for penning this reminder that we have been created to create, and to reflect our Creator in all we do in life.
    Looking forward to reading every word of your book.

    • Thank you, Sue. I hear your heart. It’s hard. And it hurts. But He is so, so good. Here’s to trusting him and seeing where it all leads. Can’t wait for you to read my book!

  20. This topic has not gotten near enough attention! How wonderful that Rachel is spreading the message that we need to create because God created us to.

  21. “Press into the present, then ponder and pray….” mmmmhmm. Thanks for your gift of creativity and care in this wild world, Rachel.

  22. Rachel, how could you know you speak directly to my heart?! Thank you, thank you. May He take the dying, the dead, the not-willing-to-even-dream-anymore-dreams and turn them into whatever He wills. Bless you!!

    • Because we are in it together, Pearl. Together. I echo your words and claim them for myself, too.

      May He take the dying, the dead, the not-willing-to-even-dream-anymore-dreams and turn them into whatever He wills.

      Amen, amen, amen.

  23. Thank you for this! There are so many types of creativity and too many people don’t recognize that and squash or hide themselves. My mom is so creative but doesn’t always see it or the value of her creativity when there isn’t a direct purpose for it. I think this book could be important for her, especially as she ages and can’t do all of the things she used to. God bless

  24. I am grateful for God’s grace in creating in and through me in my role as a special education teacher. Everyday, I ask for His anointing and inspiration to fuel my work that often is “out of the box” due to the needs of my students.

    • Yes! This is it. And, as a sibling to someone with special needs, I just want to say that creativity is for sure the undercurrent of all you do. Thank you for the work you do—it matters….and it’s deeply creative…and compassionate.

  25. So excited for you and the journey you are on! Keep shining bright and keep doing BIG things for our BIG God!

  26. Thank you for your vulnerability, Rachel. I feel this so much. Dreams that seemed so inspired by God, and yet…

    Currently, God is using motherhood as a creative force in my life. I’m clay on a wheel being shaped and made beautiful and set into a purpose shrouded by mystery. I feel weak and incapable many days, but His goodness always prevails. I’m praying for my heart to be softened and for gentleness to be my song.

    • Your words resonate so much with where I’m at. “God is using motherhood as a creative force in my life.” Amen, Lord. Let it be so. May he work his gentleness through us…reminding us that we are creating homes and hearts filled with love.

  27. Rachel,

    I never considered myself to be creative. Don’t like doing arts & crafts, sewing, etc. Until recently didn’t think I was good at cooking. A while back my pastor’s wife-whom I consider to be an excellent cook-told people that I am a good cook. Wow!! Now my hubby says the same thing. I guess you can call cooking creative when you add to or change recipes. Thanks for telling me I’m creative in a way.

    Blessings 🙂

    • Cooking absolutely counts. Hope you hear that truth, over and over and over again. Thanks for the love and thought you pour into every meal. Your meals and home are hospitable. This is most creative. Embrace and believe it, Beth!

  28. Love this subject and life view!!!!! Creativity is in each person. Thanks for the inspiring words.

  29. Thank you for your words… we have been created to be creative!! I love the title of your book and look forward to reading it.

  30. Exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you! In this season I am schooling my own children instead of in a classroom. Blogging, hosting and cooking for a small tribe. A booth just closed but I’m dreaming of a joint space with my hubby. Creativity definitely looks different from what I thought but it’s beautiful.