Tuesday, April 14, 2020

INSPIRATION

"You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all the houses.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14


He has Risen, Risen indeed!
but wait... the story continues.

I've been thinking that from the beginning of this global pandemic, what an interesting coincidence it is that this occurred during our Lenten Series.  And how each post I pre-planned seemed divinely chosen for that day.  I'm not sure how much I believe in coincidence, but I am very sure that God will always use our present circumstances for His good.   
So.... the story continues.

Put yourselves in the shoes of the Pharisee's on that Sunday morning.... what did they feel?  A sense of relief that his man who had become a threat to their normal mode of operation and to their authority, had died on the cross and finally it was over?  And so what if his followers had stolen his body from the tomb....  at last their lives could finally "get back to normal."   

How many times have you heard that phrase in the past month??  I've even said it myself.  But a week or so ago, my friend Peg, shared a post on Facebook that opened my eyes to the opportunities ahead of us.

"Nothing should go back to normal.
Normal wasn't working.
If we go back to the way things were, we will have lost the lesson.
May we rise up and do better."

The Pharisee's thought it would go back to the way it was "before" but no, not even close....things had changed for them... and for us... forever.

Life has changed for everyone of us with COVID-19.  For some, they may have lost their jobs, or even their homes, or worse yet, a loved one or friend.  At the very least we've all missed spending time with our friends and family and perhaps taken a beating with the economy at a standstill. And we've all gained a fresh perspective on many things we took for granted.

I pray that our country will unite, and come together to rebuild... and we, as Christians are called to lead the way. 

After Jesus rose from the dead, he spent the next 40 days on earth, teaching, instructing his followers on how and where they can be "the hands and feet of God" before His final ascension into heaven.  As we reach the peak of this pandemic, see then curve flatten and then watch as it comes back down, I am certain God will be showing us the way forward.  Let's watch and grow together, support and share, show the love of Christ in all that we do.

During this time, rather than get back to posting the art I've been working for clients, I'll continue on our Lent theme with a sketch and a message that will hopefully bring you inspiration and hope.   

So what inspires you?  
For me, it's nature, and I particularly love the National Parks.  If a National Park has a lighthouse, even better!  This one is the Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Acadia National Park. 
The first lighthouse was built by the Pharos in Alexandria in 280 BC.   Since then, lighthouses have been showing sea captains the way to safety.  I see God in this way.... directing our path.  We sometimes choose to go off course, but He keeps that light shining, waiting for us to come back into His loving arms.  Likewise, we are that Lighthouse to others.  During this unique time in our history, your friends, family, grandchildren will watch and learn from you.

So, what inspires you? 
A sunrise, a rainbow, a particular bible verse or poem, maybe it's someone you know?  I'd love to hear from you and incorporate these into my upcoming posts.  I hope you'll e-mail me at accentsinart@gmail.com and share your thoughts!

Stay Safe and Healthy!
Barbara

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