Thought for The Day - Where He Leads...

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirt." John 3:8 (NIV)

I've known most of my life there was something I should be doing and that it was "God directed." Very early in life, I had a fascination with the stories from the bible and one song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," really set my mind free to see God as an Awesome Being. I would hear Mahalia Jackson singing that song and was struck by the notion that He's got the whole world in one verse and He holds a little baby, in his hands. I had no problem imagining him holding the world, a child and "you and me brother," in his hands. It simply made sense; I saw God as much more than a bigger version of a man. I saw him as infinite God.

Perhaps my acceptance of that idea opened me to the conflicts that exist within me. Truly that sense of openness has presented me with many challenges as well. Called to ministry, certain the only way for a 'minister' to serve was in the full-time capacity, I longed for years, to be a pastor. Searched, made myself available for the opportunity - never happened. Served in ministry capacity 24 years and that 'door' has not opened yet. I don't rule it out, I simply state what is. But there was this "art" thing; this has been in my bones since I was four and watched my mother doodling flowers, cubes and a lady with long hair, on sheets of paper while she talked on the phone. I knew early on I wanted to be an artist, but it wasn't until my adult years, when the "call" seem to lead me in the direction of ministry, that the two roles seemed to contradict. From a human perspective, I couldn't reconcile the two roles.

Years ago, considering getting back into art, I shared it with a men's prayer group at a church where I served. One of the other ministers excitedly interrupted: "I love Christian art! Oh man I would love to see you working on some Christian art!!!" Somehow that wasn't the encouragement I sought. As a matter of fact, it discouraged me from starting, given the judgmental attitude of that congregation. You see, when I picture me working in a studio, a nude model, posing, comes to mind. Not the typical "Christian-themed" images most consider. That minister had in mind images of hands coming down from heaven or Jesus holding some lost soul on the verge of collapse. My idea of images are abstract, and if given the opportunity, there will be nude models painted as well.

Here I am some years later, back to painting. There are no nudes yet, but I'm not rendering "Christian art" as well. But understand, when I'm painting or drawing, the spirit of God speaks and directs my hand. Not as if I were a puppet on a string but as a coach directs his quarterback from the sidelines. "This is the play, run it this way." But it is completely in my control regarding movement, tones and colors. The lesson I've learned - forever a student of - is take direction from God and allow man's notions to fall to the side. Heed the voice of God and his direction. I won't say you experience failure or hardship, but I can say, you will know joy unspeakable as you walk on this journey.

Thought for The Day - Open Access

Of a Feather 18 x 24 pastels

I had a little talk with myself yesterday. I've had a good break from work and in that time, I've completed two pastels, stained a canvas and started sketching a drawing of one of my cousins. To some, that my sound like a lot of work, but I know what is required. I know where the gaps in activity occur and long before my days are 19 hours, I needed to convince myself to keep pushing through it all.

It's amazing; the contrast between the flow of creativity versus the sense of being blocked. The former is an expression of love, peace, joy, longsuffering, gentleness and for those familiar, it is like the fruit of God's spirit. The latter is something else entirely; I'm capable of functioning, helping, working an 8 - 5 job and taking out the garbage. :) But it is the effort it takes and the way I think about life in the latter. I think of ways to "prevent," to "avoid" and "maintain." In my opinion, it's a sad way to live, even if everyone around me is doing the same. But in that respect, we are like patients in a hospital with no hope of getting out alive or experiencing good health. We are patients with no hope and no tomorrow.

When I keep the door open to express my thoughts and emotions, words flow like the power of God. I have no doubt that lives are being touched as I paint and draw. Years ago, I was "tasked" with teaching teenagers in Sunday School. I wanted to teach, but I had a different age group in mind; I wanted to teach young adults, my peers where it would feel more like an exchange. I knew the reputation of the youth in my church; they were difficult at best and downright disrespectful at the worst. But I decided to be "quietly obedient." One thing I was told is that teens can spot insincerity a mile away and that would make them less open to learning. Well I knew I wanted to teach and I wanted people to learn the truths of God's word. The only way this would work was through prayer and effort. I showed up in those classes as if those youth were the best pupils in the world and I did so, by studying them and praying as if their very lives depended on this class. I realized what I taught each Sunday might not make sense to them at the time, but later on, the impact would change their lives. Not only did the effect change them "in time," but in the coming months the students begin to understand what my intentions. But I had to remain open as if I were a channel of the Love of God.

That's what I strive for in my work as an artist and writer. I have to consider what I'm writing, painting, the message conveyed, who it will reach and what God wishes to share. And I have to remain open at all times. It's not easy, but it is worth it!

Thought for The Day - My Highest

The Phoenix 18 x 24 Pastels

Elastic 18 x 24 Pastels

Of a Feather  18 x 24 Pastels

Reaching for it. With every word, which becomes a sentence and a message. With every stroke of the pencil, pastel or brush; making visible what is just beyond conscious.

Aiming my mind at a place of endless landscapes and clear blue skies. Where love covers the shoulders of man, woman and children. Where race, ethnicity and culture are celebrated like a grand holiday and our differences bring us together.

My Highest!

Thought for The Day - The J-O-B

Study for Predawn Light - Charcoal 18 x 24

Would I write everyday is if I had to? If it were my job to write something significant and meaningful and encouraging, could I muster up the strength to do so? Not sure; I love writing and reading and music and visual art, but every day? Really?

A few months ago, I started this "Thought for The Day" with a coworker, who seemed to need it. It was a "shot in the dark," a hand extended to simply say "it will be okay." Didn't mean much, just a way to assure someone who needed it. I've blogged before, tried to do it here and on my website, but honestly, the weigh of it was a bit much. Neither here nor there, at the moment. Anyway, she received the words heartily and "challenged" me to deliver it daily. I laughed at the thought, but seconds later, gave it careful consideration. Pretty much, without fail, she has received encouragement, warnings or whatever the Spirit of God lays on my heart to share with her, since.

The audience may be small or large; some read and continue with their day and I never hear from them. Some respond with a "like" on Facebook or a comment on the blog page. But it doesn't matter; when I open my heart to the words, images, colors and textures, it behooves me to spread the message to who ever will read, see and most important receive. Funny thing about all this "sharing," it is as therapeutic to write it as it is to share it. And when you receive it, whether you acknowledge, now, later or ever, the words complete their task.

Years ago, another coworker challenged my 'right' to entitle a business "HIS WORDS;" she considered the "proper" expression, "His Word" coming from a particular, cultural perspective. I think it's appropriate to call it "His Words," because they - the "words" - are delivered in multiple ways and channels. If you are willing to listen, to see and again, to receive, He is speaking to you so much and so often, you will never believe God is a distant voyeur in your life. You will see him as integrally woven into the very fabric of all creation. My role, for this blip in time, is to deliver to you, what is given to me. Remain faithful to your task, you responsibility as well.

Clarity’s Call

Clear Channel

 

This is a repeating theme, but as additional definition and shape come forward, I have to share. I’ve looked at the body of my expressive work, the work that some would call abstract. I’ve considered the ‘naming’ process, especially when I think of musicians like Pat Metheny and Bob James, Roy Hargrove and Joshua Redman. That way you contemplate what is being said “here.” Sitting at work with a piece, I search for the message it seems to convey. And clarity comes through.

There are times I see fine details in a painting before I touch brush to canvas. A response, an answer to a problem I didn’t know existed. Clarity. At times, it’s the simple bob of my head to a song I hear adds to the joy experienced in these precious moments. Moments become eternity when things are made clear.

Love guides my hand; it is both a response and a call. Love motivates me to write and give further light to the subject of my renderings. So sacred are these glimpses into eternity, I would be remiss if I didn’t share the Love. So I paint, sometimes I grab a pencil and sketch, or a pastel and allow the intense colors to draw lines from me to God and back again.

My friends, this is my sharing. This is my heart given to you. Allow the light of God to guide you and reshape you.