Finding God’s Purpose at the Art Fair
I was recently blessed to participate in the Art Fair at the renowned Iowa State Fair. The Art Fair, run by John Jannenga of HeART Studio Inc., features a small group of Iowa artists who are given booth space to showcase and share their craft. I applied under the Fiber Art category.
As the event drew near, I became painfully aware of how unprepared I was. I had hoped to have more crocheted projects ready, but life got in the way. A dear sister in Christ was recovering from hip replacement surgery and needed help with meals and laundry. I was finishing my last weeks at work, with more responsibility than expected. On top of that, both my husband and I faced health concerns that required multiple trips to specialists an hour away, along with the daily task of keeping a food log.
Since this was my very first craft fair, I also found myself scrambling with things I hadn’t considered: designing business cards, updating my (still in-progress) website, setting prices, and figuring out how to accept card payments. My anxiety grew so intense that I was waking up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep, frantically tweaking business cards instead.
When I let anxiety take over, I lose sight of the peace I know Jesus promised me. My inner turmoil kept churning until, in desperation, I cried out to God. Tearfully, I asked Him to help me honor Him through all of this.
And He graciously reminded me: It’s not about me.
None of this was about me. My stress came from making it about myself—my preparation, my success, my image. If the Art Fair were only about selling products, I had every reason to feel overwhelmed. But if it was about sharing my story—my redemption from addiction, the deliverance Jesus gave me, and the hope He offers to all—then the responsibility shifted. It was His job to work things out.
And just like that, the pressure lifted.
I began to pray—not for my success, but for God to bring the right people across my path. People who needed encouragement. People who longed for connection. And He answered.
I met a woman who hosts a small Bible study that may want to learn how to crochet with plarn (plastic yarn recycled from grocery bags). I met another who loves Jesus and freely gives out what she calls “DeeDee hugs.” I discovered that many young adults picked up crocheting during the Covid lockdowns, and several teen boys proudly showed me pictures of their projects. That especially warmed my heart, because I long to see the stigma erased around men engaging in fiber arts.
One example I often share is Combat Crochet, a group founded by Army veteran Josh Apel. Crochet helped him manage PTSD and anxiety, and now he uses it to help other veterans find focus and healing. The biggest hurdle was convincing men to try it, but once they did, many discovered improved mental well-being.
Creativity is powerful—it relieves anxiety, strengthens cognitive skills, and even deepens our knowledge of our Creator. God made us in His image, and He is a Creator. When we create, we connect with Him in a unique and profound way.
So no, the Art Fair wasn’t about me. It was about Him—working through yarn, conversations, and connections to remind me (and others) that He is faithful.
Helpful Links on Creativity & Faith
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/creative-arts-enhancing-mental-health
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