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Yesterday, a reporter and photographer from our local paper, the Itemizer-Observer, came to my home to do a story on me, and my art ... just in time for the art-show! I had shamelessly self-promoted my story - suggesting to the editor that it would make for a story with true "local color" <snort!>...! So, they did it! I blathered on for about an hour, before they even asked any questions, LOL! I have NO idea what the story will say -- but I'll share a link, likely next Wednesday, when it comes out in the paper. Both of the newspaper folks were young, art-focused, and spiritually subversive -- we had a wonderful conversation...! We joked about creating a secret art-gang, and painting this town paisley while the good folks are sleeping!
And, today, the local antiques dealer, with a small "mall" downtown (3 blocks from my house), said that she's way-eager for me to sell my items there...! It'll be on a consignment basis, which is fine for me ... as it is, I've so fallen in love with what I've painted, that I'm reluctant to sell any of it...! This is like adopting out my babies!
But, back to St. Francis, and then on to painting ...
I just heard this prayer of his, which so resonates with me -- may it likewise inspire your heart:
"May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships
~ so that we may live deep within our hearts.
May God Bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people
~ so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war
~ so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and share their joy.
And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world
~ so that we can continue to do what others claim cannot be done".
Shalom, Dena
4 comments:
This is a prayer of huge, dynamic activism, Dena. Scary, thrilling, world changing. God in action!
Truly, Harry!
It brings a new light to the concepts of "we will be like Him" and "greater things will you do."
We are His hands and feet ... we are One with Him. Once we awaken to this reality, the next urge is to look around and wonder (indeed be drawn towards) "how can I join in Your on-going creation? what can I do *with* You...?"
Shalom, Dena
When I was in Italy last week, I went to Assisi and was awestruck that I could envision St. Francis in his environment where he developed such insight and wisdom.
Thanks for sharing another of his prayers....I bought a ton of his more popular prayer, "Make me an instrument of your peace" for many of my friends in Japan. His thoughts are so simple and humble, yet very powerful.
ALSO....good luck in your art show!!
I envy you traveling to Italy! When I lived in Germany (for 3 years, age 18-21), I was so busy with working and doing community theatre that I didn't make time to travel as much as I wanted ... got to Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and all around Germany (including East Berlin back when the wall was up), but missed a great once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to backpack around the Mediterranean.
How fun to see the area in which Francis lived ... I'd love to hear more about your trip. Was it also for ministry?
Thanks for the well-wishes ... I'm pleased with the progress so far ... creativity under pressure (and with a looming deadline) is creativity nonetheless ... and I'm so stinkin' attached to the final products that I'm loathe to sell them! Wonder if I can just open a "museum" and charge folks to come and see...? Or maybe I could sell 'em and get visitation rights..?
After the show, an antiques dealer in town wants me to sell them in her space on consignment ... she's so excited - it's a joy to see someone else enjoy my work -- when grown-ups jump with delight, and audiibly "ooh" and "ahhh" it's SO rewarding!
I remembering dragging in a little stool to your office, 8+ years ago, and showing you my work ... and making the connection, for the first time, between what God had brought forth in creativity within me, and the healing HE then did in and through me...!
Thanks for being such a catalyst in my journey, Marianne!
Shalom, Dena
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