Seven Core Categories
-An exclusive excerpt from Allen’s new book-
Our stuck places can feel like a desert we can’t escape that leaves us lost, parched, and isolated. Jesus comes for us in these moments, not to give us just water, but living water.
Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost being of anyone who believes in me.” (John 7:37-38 TLB)
The prophet Isaiah reveals what’s possible in our dry times:
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. (Isaiah 58:11 NLT)
How are we not to worry in a year where no rain comes or remain hopeful that God will produce good fruit in dry times? We have the assurance that even in such dire conditions we need not worry. We will bear fruit, be replenished, and get unstuck—if we will trust in God and place our confidence in him. (Jeremiah 17:7-8) That is when God renews us, replenishes us, and gets us unstuck.
It can feel like there are endless ways to be stuck, but here are seven core categories:
1. Kryptonite
2. Motive
3. Scarcity
4. Control
5. Isolation
6. Comparison
7. Exhaustion
When multiple ones happen at once, it can feel like you’re playing an endless game of whack-a-mole. Think of these categories like your vehicle’s check engine light. For a mechanic, the light is just the starting place. They then hook your car up to a system that can read the specific codes to help them see the category of what’s going on. It’s their starting place. So it is with these seven categories. They are a directional starting place that offers insights into why you’re stuck.
We'll explore all seven categories in the days to come, but our starting place will be Kryptonite. Because this one is homegrown.
(From The Creativity Glitch: How to Stop Being Stuck, Find Your Groove, & Create with God.Copyright © 2026 Allen Arnold.)
This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).
Want More?
Order your copy of The Creativity Glitch today
