Posture

Like most artists, I often begin with a blank canvas. It makes sense, right? However, this time I instead began to paint over a lovely, yet undone, painting. Let me explain why.

I am realizing lately in my life that all my thoughts and preconceived notions- particularly about myself and about God, need to be undone in some ways.  I have long believed the same lies about myself, and although perhaps lovely on the outside, a massive reconstruction needed (needs) to happen. My thoughts need to be realigned, recentered, around the truth.  The lies I have believed need to be covered with new thoughts, new truths. This reality is only found through the cross and what Jesus accomplished for us, and the freedom He offers us.  

I am realizing that although I have known/known of Jesus my entire life, I have not yet truly known Him or experienced the freedom that He came to give. I have instead gotten sucked into cycle after cycle, lie after lie- about myself and about God himself- what He thinks of me and who He is.  

I have had glimpses of that freedom, even seasons at times, but I consistently return to my chains; namely- fear, pain, and shame. Living in freedom doesn't/didn't seem realistic or practical for me.  Yes, I was granted moments...but a LIFE of freedom? It didn't seem possible. At least for me.  And yet, that's exactly what Jesus said He came for- to loose our chains and set us free, totally and completely. Life is not about me, has never been about me, will never be about me.  And yet, I live 98% of my time as though it is, getting caught up in worries, fears of the unknown, schedules/plans, material desires, distractions...

So what does freedom look like, for me?  Honestly, I'm not sure yet, but one thing I do know is that I need more of Him and less of me. I can do nothing apart from Him. Life is so much bigger than our small human feeble minds can even begin to comprehend. Our lives are a speck, a breath, a blink, in the grander scheme of eternity. ETERNITY. A word I cannot even begin to grasp in its entirety.

God is so much bigger too, than our worries, fears, pains, and shame.  And He is calling to us. To you. To me.

Listen. 

Respond.
Receive.

This is the posture I want to be in.
At the cross, always at the cross.
That's where freedom is found.

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

Be Set Free

This painting was really fun for me to create. I sometimes put a lot of pressure on myself when painting, wanting everything to look and feel the way I want it to.  This time, however, I went back to my painting roots-- think less, feel more, let my hands do the work.  I am really happy with the result, and even more, with the process. 

For those who know me know I have quite a few tattoos.  One of my favorites is the birdcage on my right forearm.  The birdcage is open and you can see the birds flying out and up my arm, eventually landing and resting on the branches of the tree that covers most of my back and shoulder.  I really like the symbolism of the open birdcage.  It reminds me of the verse in John 8:32- "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

So often in life we feel caged- by emotions, expectations, past regrets, fears, you name it.  And yet, through Jesus, we have been set free; we are un-caged, per say.  However, it is important to note that being free, even staying free, is ultimately a choice.  The cage can be, and is, open.  The birds have a choice to fly out though.  They can remain in the cage their whole lives, knowing full well and seeing that it is open, but choosing to live there instead, in bondage essentially.  They can also fly out, get a glimpse of freedom, only to return to the cage, and thus placing themselves in bondage once again.  OR they can leave the cage, perch on the branches of the tree, and experience true freedom, for the tree gives life- the birdcage does not.  They may be tempted to return to the cage; afterall in an odd way, it feels safe, even comfortable.  However, if they never take the chance to fly away, to really leave the cage behind, they will never experience real freedom.  

I challenge you to think about the things, the places, the fears that you hold onto that keep in you caged- or that entice you to return to the cage.

Do you want to live in freedom?

Be brave, be daring, step outside the cage.

Freedom is yours.

May the truth set you free today.