Modern Tabitha: How Service and Art Reflect God’s Enduring Love

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend Sarah Allen. Our conversation was a genuine deep dive into service, creativity, faith, and the legacy of biblical women like Tabitha, a woman of charity, devotion, and tangible love for her community.

Sarah's journey as an artist, teacher, and disciple mirrors these values in the most beautiful ways. I hope her story gives you encouragement to use your own gifts, whatever they may be, for something greater than yourself.

Tabitha’s Legacy and the Impact of Everyday Service

“Tabitha’s good works touched many lives, and even in death, her story became a catalyst for faith.”

Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, is introduced in Acts 9 as a woman marked by generosity; she sewed clothes for the poor and widows and her acts of kindness were known throughout Joppa. When tragedy struck and she passed away, her community mourned deeply until Peter prayed, and Tabitha was brought back to life, a miracle that resulted in new faith for many.

This story sets the stage for our discussion of what it means to make a difference with the gifts God has given us. Like Tabitha, we may feel our actions are small, but every gesture of love, charity, or service can ripple out, touching more hearts than we realize.

Finding God in Creativity: Art as a Form of Worship and Healing

“The Lord is the author of beauty. So what better way to bring him glory than to make something beautiful?”

Sarah’s creative journey began at a young age, standing at the door of her sisters’ ballet class. Ballet, music, painting, and teaching art have been more than passions for her; they are conduits for processing life's challenges and connecting with God’s beauty. She reminded us that art is not only about talent, but about intention: “Are you doing it for the Lord, or for your own gain?”

Art, in all its forms, invites us to slow down, reflect, and let the Lord use us to bless others. Sarah’s recent leap into running Art Deco Studios, a mobile art teaching business, is her way of sharing creativity with all ages—children, adults, even seniors—and helping others experience the peace and self-discovery art can bring.

The Discipline of Daily Faith—Even When It’s Tough

“Walking with the Lord is going to have a lot of ups and downs, no matter who you are and no matter how old you are.”

Faith, like art, requires practice. Sarah spoke honestly about the struggle to prioritize prayer, scripture, and moments of gratitude, especially in a world rife with comparison and distraction. Her advice? Keep coming back to the Lord, even if you don’t feel like it. Make room for quiet time, prayer, and even singing at the end of the day (a practice she and her husband cherish).

We also touched on the impact of social media and jealousy, how it can make us feel “less than.” For Sarah, the antidote has been gratitude for the life she’s living and the opportunities—no matter how small—to serve faithfully in her current season. Sometimes, faithfulness in the little things is the greatest testimony.

Empowering the Next Generation and Ourselves Through Creativity

“Freedom of expression is super important for a younger generation.”

When we encourage kids—and ourselves—to create without expectation or comparison, we nurture confidence and a sense of wonder. It isn’t about perfect technique or external validation; it’s about learning, expressing, and stepping into the freedom God intends for us.

Whether it’s immersive painting classes, worship music, or coloring for stress relief, making space for creativity is a path to healing and joy.

As we honor Tabitha’s example and Sarah’s journey, I want to encourage each of you: The gifts God has placed in your hands matter. However you express your creativity, generosity, or service, let it be an offering. Find joy in the process, be quick to return to His presence, and trust that even the smallest act done in love echoes beyond what you’ll ever see.

How will you use your gifts to serve others this week?

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