The best thing about art is the emotion it evokes in the viewer. Whether it’s a great book, a beautiful painting, calligraphy or rhythmic poetry, we all enjoy art that moves and stirs our hearts to a certain feeling. As an artist, that’s what makes art often hard to share with the public, because your creation was born out of your own personal feelings and thoughts.
Today we get to see a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of Alayna Morton, or better known on Instagram as musingshewrote. Alayna first started posting her poetry on IG in mid-December 2014, and she has gathered a following (yours truly included) who appreciate her knack of using simple words in rhythmic, beautiful patterns to capture deeper meaning in everyday life. Without further ado, let’s see what Alayna has to say.
To start, we’d like to know a little more about you: how old are you? Where are you from? What inspires your writings and what are your other hobbies?
Well to start off, I am 18 years old and attend Truth Church in Chico CA. I am always looking for a way to express both concepts and admiration in my beliefs. I write and play guitar as an outlet. For me, energy and drive that I feel from God and His work translate into notes or verse. I’m always up to try or learn something new, so my extracurricular activities do vary. I am usually after that one piece of information that gives you the light bulb affect, just some clarity in the shades of grey. For this reason I have become deeply interested in Christian apologetics, and I love to be able to justify feeling with concept, a real dynamic duo. I’m a bit of a nerd with research. No book is too long for me to tackle. Any other free time is spent with Inner-G Youth here in Chico. Those people inspire and support me.
Your poetry clearly has a Biblical base, and a Christian theme throughout it, while it is anchored in practical life as well. When did you start writing and what is the process you follow while writing?
I wish I could stick with the writers code and say I was a natural and wrote all throughout my childhood. Unfortunately I did not discover the world of prose until about six months ago. I wrote my first poem on a whim and was absolutely unhappy with how it turned out. At that point it became a project that I had to get right, and I’m still trying. I once heard someone describe poetry as your mind taking a photo, and instead of images it spits out words. That’s a small explanation for how my poems come into being. Throughout my day, or night, something very small and insignificant can transform itself into a word picture in my brain. I’m always typing a jumbled phrase into my phone to convert to poetry later. It keeps me thinking.
What can you tell us specifically about the poem you’ve chosen to feature here? Is there a personal story connected to it?
For me, this poem represents the perpetual struggle between existing and thriving. It is a very personal poem, and a concept of which I continually try to remind myself. I am standing at the base of a mountain where every obstacle in my climb is a flaw of mine. Trying to remember that taking strides upward is the ultimate source of peace. Higher is always where God is calling. That is always the place where I will find Him.
…HIGHER IS ALWAYS WHERE GOD IS CALLING. THAT IS ALWAYS THE PLACE WHERE I WILL FIND HIM.
Do you see your poetry as something that you will pursue long-term? If not, what are other passions and goals that will shape your long-term future?
Poetry is like the speech of my mind. I don’t think I could silence it very easily and I don’t plan to try. I do have a lot of interests that could translate to a career path, however, I have yet to decide on that exact path. I do not view this as just a way for me to earn a living. I view this as the chosen funnel for beliefs, my talents, and my inspiration.The one thing I am confident in, is that I want to be on a God designed journey, and I want to travel it with like-minded believers
As an Apostolic young woman, what one piece of advice would you give like-minded young women?
I don’t make a habit of handing out life advice, since I’m still learning it myself. If I were to provide any ideals, I would encourage us to embrace whatever outlet connects our natural abilities to a Godly purpose. For me, this balance is a place where I grow and He moves. God designed our personalities and our self very distinctly. Our God given strength attached with Godly inspiration is unstoppable. It’s such an awesome way to integrate Him into our activities and our individuality.If I have a thriving purpose that continually brings me back to God, I am focused, I am happy, and I am using what He gave me for His good. That is the ultimate goal.
IF I HAVE A THRIVING PURPOSE THAT CONTINUALLY BRINGS ME BACK TO GOD, I AM FOCUSED, I AM HAPPY, AND I AM USING WHAT HE GAVE ME FOR HIS GOOD. THAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL.
Do you have a scripture that is especially meaningful to you? What is it and how has it inspired hope and encouragement in your life?
One scripture that inspires me personally is Job 32:8 “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” This holds so much meaning to me. I see that spirit in man as the breath of life that God breathed into man at the beginning of our existence.Our soul is essentially from God and inspired by God. It is so beautiful that the Creator still moves on the created, even though we are broken and imperfect. He is the muse.
IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL THAT THE CREATOR STILL MOVES ON THE CREATED, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE BROKEN AND IMPERFECT. HE IS THE MUSE.