The Bible is my Greatest Resource for Christian Creative Writing - Mercy-Hephzibah Ndifon

In this interview, we speak with Mrs Mercy-Hephzibah Ndifon as she shares her passion for creative story writing

Can we meet you?

Guest: I am Mrs Mercy-Hephzibah Ndifon, born on the 29th of April. I am from Akwa Ibom State but I was born and raised in Calabar, Cross River state and married to Mr Patrick M. Ndifon (Jnr.) who is from Cross River state.

 

I hold a BSC in Genetics and Biotechnology from the University of Calabar and I had my mandatory National Youth Service at Ibadan South of Oyo State. I currently live in Calabar with my family.

 

How did you discover your calling as a Christian Creative?

Guest: It was in 2016/2017 during my National Youth Service year at Ibadan, Oyo State. I was appointed assistant Bible Study Secretary (A. Rabbi) and this role opened me up to the teaching anointing. I spoke in ways I never knew I could. I was also tasked with broadcasting on Rugged FM, and I was so surprised at how creative I could be on my feet and with words.

 

What sparked your passion for using your talents to serve God?

Guest: I read a lot. And I have always wondered how to share the truths I was reading in scripture and in books, how to share it in creative ways and that's when I discovered spoken word poetry.

As for creative writing, I was already writing without knowing it could bless others. A fellow corp member went through my journal and was wowed and encouraged me to share on Facebook. When I did, the responses were so warm, and that's how the Journal Of A Jesus Girl stated.

 

What drew you to your specific area of creativity (e.g., storytelling, animation, writing, video content), and how do you feel it aligns with your faith in God?

Guest: What drew me to spoken word poetry was a spoken word video by Genetics (Janette izs) titled "I will wait for you". It was my first time seeing such form of art, and it hit me "yes!" I can share truths just like this.

As for writing, it was just an expression from the start. I didn't mean for it to become something that blesses others. I was just journaling my walk with God. I see my journals as memorial stones in a book.

That's interesting. When did you start creating content with a Christian focus, and what inspired you to make this decision/shift to create faith based content?

Guest: From the start, my content creation has always been Christ focused

 

Moving on, as a Christian creative, have you ever felt like or think that you don't quite fit in with mainstream creative circles? Is it right to “want to blend with the world” as far as creating content is concerned? How do you manage these thoughts?

Guest: No it's not right to want to blend with the world. Although we should seek industry best practices, ultimately the way we dish out creativity should still maintain the beauty of God and glorify him still. This is what guides my thoughts.

 

Have you ever faced criticism as a Christian creative?

Guest: I can't recall any at the moment.

 

How do you balance the desire for excellence in your craft with the understanding that your worth and identity comes from God, not your creative accomplishments?

Guest: I don't always win at this. They've been times when I felt I didn't perform well on stage and have had to cry to God for encouragement. Ultimately, it's the whispers of The Holy Spirit. And reminders from scriptures that keeps me focused on the truth that my worth is found in God, not in my performance.

 

What spiritual practices or disciplines (fasting, prayers, retreat, meditation etc) do you find most helpful in your creative journey, and how do you incorporate them into your daily routine?

Guest: Oh, reading the word. This has been my most valuable asset for creativity. When I go days without studying God's word, those days are filled with zero writing ideas.  Praying in the Holy Spirit as I read the word is a close second. As I pray, I find my mind opening up. It's a time of mediation for me. And I make this an everyday practice.

 

How do you discern whether a creative project or opportunity aligns with your values and calling as a Christian creative?

Guest: As with every decision I make, when it's not clear if a Creative project will glorify God or not, I've learnt to put Proverbs 3:5 into practice. I pray about the project or opportunity and spend time speaking to God, worshipping and just having a great time. If He desires for the project to increase, then It's God. If not, then it's a No.

 

Can you share a difficult time in your creative journey when you felt like giving up? What encouraged you to keep going?

Guest: I've shared this story on Facebook. I'll send the post here. It shows the time I wanted giving up on spoken word poetry and how/why I didn't.

After what I considered 'A failed spoken word outing,' I excused myself and found a corner to weep. I had asked a fellow artist who was present at the event and he confirmed that my voice was shaky and my audience could see through my nervousness. I felt it too, he was right.

A different person confirmed it: true feedback of how poorly I had performed. That night, I couldn't sleep. I wept until I was too tired to. Embarrassment wrapped its hand around my neck. I decided I'd never stand on another stage. I was done being a spoken word artist. Let the pros do it.

The next day, the Pastor who hosted the event treated all of us, everyone who was part of it, to lunch. As we waited for food to be served, he said to me 'Mercy, I want to let you know that your piece last night was a blessing.'

I nodded, certain that he was trying to console me. But then he added 'A lady who came into the state just for the event was preparing to take her life because she's tired of the weight she carried since the day she became a victim of rape.'

I stared at him.

'She asked me to thank you on her behalf. She's never been able to heal. And throughout the night, according to her, it was just your piece that got through to her. Thank you.'

I couldn't nod. I just kept staring, confused. What piece? THAT piece? The one I forgot some of my lines and shivered because I wasn't performing at my best? THAT piece?

Then The Holy Spirit reminded me of what He told me when I started out on this journey. The first day I was afraid to step out on stage as a spoken word artist, He told me 'It's a partnership. You stand on stage and speak, I'll move in the crowd and touch hearts.' I repented of my pride. It wasn't my excellence that did the work, it was Him.

And excellence is very important. We have to be the best at what we do. We have to keep sharpening our skills and learning from failures. But, we shouldn't get to where we feel that when we've not done so well, our gifts won't minister. It's not us doing the work, it's Him through Us. And He is faithful.

Most times, we wait to be perfect before stepping out. I get the place of preparation, but many have been stuck in that stage because of fear. Planning and preparing but never stepping out to do what God has called them to do. Step out! Make that Facebook post. Go for evangelism. Write that song. Accept to solo that song.

Our God is able to turn water into wine. He's able to make four crawling lepers sound like a chariot of thousands of armies. He is able to use what you give Him. It's not cliche that He uses the available, not the best. He qualifies the called, He doesn't call the qualified. Have you abandoned an assignment because you felt you didn't do well? You have no idea who is being blessed when you show up.

Remember, even the best at any art or sport made mistakes and the difference between them and the names we don't know is that they learnt. They stood. They kept allowing their gifts to flourish and get better. Step out. Show up, and don't give up.

God can turn a mess into a life-changing message.

#JournalOfaJesusGirl

 

What’s your opinion about creative block for Christian creatives? Have you ever experienced creative block? If so, how did you overcome it, and were there any spiritual practices that helped you break through?

Guest: I think creative block happens when we're burned out or when we are cut from the source of our creativity.

For example, for me, this happens during periods of spiritual lethargy. When I've gone days or weeks without intimate interaction with the Holy Spirit through studying the word and prayers.

I overcome this block by getting in the word and praying. And also by listening to or reading the works of creative who inspire me.

Read: Dancing is a Spiritual Activity - Abiodun Babalola, Founder Praise Dance Academy

Can you share a time when you experienced failure in your creative journey? 12(a). What did you learn from the experience, and how did you bounce back?

Guest: Failure. Hmm.

Okay. I joined a writing competition, and even though I've won one in the past, I didn't win this one. I wasn't fazed by it so I didn't need a "Bounce back".

 

Who are some mentors or role models who have inspired and guided you in your creative journey?

Guest: Francine Rivers is my role model in creative writing and I've been greatly inspired by the works of Jackie Hill Perry and Genetics as it pertains to spoken word poetry. I've never had a physical mentor, but I've followed one closely from the start of my writing journey - the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa Terkuerst.

 

What books, training programs, or resources have been most helpful to you as a Christian creative?

Guest: The Bible is my greatest resource for Christian creative writing. It's been my ultimate guide along with books by authors who write in the way I desire to - Francine Rivers for example. I also read books by secular authors on writing and these have been instrumental to sharpening my skills.

 

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you'd like to share with our audience?

Guest: My debut short story collection "THE LIES WE HAVE BELIEVED", is set for release 8th April 2025. It's a book of thirteen short stories about people believing a lie and how their lives are affected by it.

 

Please give a word or advise, prayer or support to Christian creatives in this season

Guest: Dear Christian creative, just like our lives, our calling is different from that of the world. Our focus is Christ. Our message is Christ. Therefore our reward is with Christ. Don't stop when the arrows come. Don't stop when it seems no one is seeing you. Keep shinning. We serve a God who values 'the one' so even if only one person is blessed by your work, keep on doing the good work.

Kindly share the link of your Books or Trainings

Guest: You can find my books and the link to register for my creative writing training here