Creative Exchange Night 1

The Art of Authenticity

Someone once said the Earth without art is just 'Eh' and that should speak volumes about what a big part different forms of art play in our lives. But art without it's realness seizes to be art, it seizes to make an impact and to make a difference. One of the most crucial things an artist should possess is the ability to be real and be exactly who they are, not who the world expects them to be or who they're supposedly supposed to be and hence authenticity is key.

New Rivers' global family of creatives had the opportunity to sit at the feet of an established artist who not only talks the talk but actually walks the walk, Courtney Antipas Courtney Antipas is no stranger to the TRM / New Rivers umbrella, He was a regular at the TRM Nights previously hosted by TRM and he has produced #Eruptions for our very own  CVerb, the first solo album released via New Rivers Music in 2017. Courtney has toured and shared the stage with renowned  artists such as Lecrae, Trip Lee and Da T.R.U.T.H. Courtney's album projects have reached the top 5 charts on iTunes and Google Play and have even reached the top of the summit (#1).

His main message during the Exchange Night centered on this ;Be original. Period! Don't be a copycat, internalize that and be it. Don't be the society's version of yourself.

Know your:

1. Who in life

Know who you are and whose you are. The mere fact that your fingerprints differ from everyone else means you're the only actual version of yourself and no other. Never forget also who you belong to. John 10:10, don't allow your identity in Christ to be stolen by the devil. To know who you are and who's you are, know your Maker.

There really isn't a formula on how to go about this but take it one step at a time until you internalize it. Don't overthink just go with the flow and really listen to your heart and The Creator. It won't be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. You are what you eat, garbage in, garbage out and vice versa.

It's not an overnight transformation, it takes time and commitment but if you get closer to God, he will carry you on.

2. What in life

What are you here for? What is your purpose and reason for being in this life. Discover your niche and own it! If you know this you won't waste time, energy and effort on things that aren't in of your concern.

How?

Identify what interests you and build from there. God didn't give you desires that are not in line with your purpose and reason for being. He gave you the giftings so they can be used in line with you what.

3. Why in life

Why are you here? To be a better version of someone else or the truest best version of yourself? Don't live your life trying to be someone else. Just learn from others, don't become them!

People want know you, whether they know it or not, they're looking for the real you, so be just that, YOU! Accept who you are and what you have to offer and share the gift of YOU with the world. Again, it's not easy, but take the bold step, by faith and faith without works is dead, so faith it and do it.

As you begin the journey to being the most authentic version of you there is, remember to enjoy the journey, celebrate each milestone and learn from each fall.