Why Lobe Yourself?

Get it?? The wine like communion? Eyyy

You may have noticed this film we’ve been working on.So... why is a ministry making art? What is the connection?

Art and religion are both involved in asking deeper questions, in looking beyond the surface to make meaning. Good art leaves you feeling challenged, inspired, with new insight into yourself and the world around you—just like faith should! In fact, as a Christian ministry, we see a special calling given to artists in the Bible, to help people experience spiritual meaning in their daily lives.

We don't do any of this alone! At the core, ReNew York is a group of friends trying to do something meaningful together. That's what this film is! Lobe Yourself was written and made with these particular friends in mind, and our shared faith had been an important part of our friendship and collaboration. Lobe Yourself is our community's project!

One of the big reasons art has been valued in the Bible is the belief that God is Creative. The world was made not just functional, but extravagantly beautiful; the holy Scriptures are not just lists of rules, but poems and stories and dramas. If we bear the image of God, our own creativity is an important part of that.

As we process this together, we have fruitful discussions throughout the creative process—but also afterwards! We had a chance to lead some discussions of Motherland with communities of middle and high schoolers, and they were able to articulate the challenges and hopes of their Asian American identity. For Lobe Yourself, we hope to host more, similar conversations. And each month, we discuss other artworks with people with divers beliefs and seek spiritual truth together.

If you're ever interested in checking out ReNew York, there are non-Christians and non-artists who still share some of these values; we'd love to have you! It might sound like a big thing, but the core, like Lobe Yourself, ReNew York is really just a pair of roommates.

Lobe Yourself is part of National Women's Theatre Festival! 6/23 + 6/25 at 8pm EDT. Tinyurl.com/lobeyourselftix