Day 71 What Do You See?

 

 

3/12/2025 

I am always intrigued by unusual artwork, hoping to understand the intention of the artist, what the message is for the discerning eye and receptive spirit. All art is inspired by an artist's perception of things, situations, feelings; it comes from suffering or grief, experiences or  observing those of others. A multitude of emotions can be revealed in studying art. As I have shared in previous writings, when I was fresh out of high school, I wanted to join the Peace Corp or another humanitarian effort concerned with the welfare of others. My hope had been to study medicine and serve others in the field, and I wanted to write the stories and photograph the people, so the world would understand the struggles. I always hoped others would care, and while many do, some throwing a few crumbs their way, many look the other way. It's not that all are indifferent or apathetic, but they may already have enough on their plate. When I see the struggles of others, it makes me want to go back to work, so I can help better. What I have found, however, in the work and travels I have done, is that the need is great here in the United States, and the ones who reach out to try to help or assist as volunteers are those who have little themselves. Those who have taken God's command to heart, who cry out to God asking Him to break their hearts for what breaks His. But it costs to be His disciple in every way.

When I look at this painting I see a woman who appears hopeless, bedraggled, trying in all her frailty to pull away from whatever or whomever is holding her back. The hands reaching out trying to drag her back, keeping from her freeing herself from the prison she has allowed herself to dwell in. The number of hands suggests years of being a slave to her thoughts or those imposed upon her. She has one hand holding back, as it is difficult for her to let go of her prison, because as terrible as it is, she finds safety, perhaps acceptance, in a dismal way. As much as she wants to break free from this evil snare that keeps her in self-loathing and despair, she realizes no one can help her until she wants to be delivered. She realizes that in order to regain her strength and to survive, she must free herself. So each step forward is like four back, but she leans forward against the tug.

This could be the picture of so many people trying to be free from addiction of one form or another. I'm learning a lot more about the faces of depression and self-hatred. I have observed how easily it is to knock someone off their feet by one careless, thoughtless comment, after it has taken months to make any progress forward. Why is it that we always feel that we have to "say" something to a person who is hurting, stumbling, grieving, broken, or just having a bad day. Words are so important, and they must be wisely chosen. In Colossians 4 Paul warns us to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time, waiting for the right moment to speak. He said our words are to be full of grace and seasoned with salt, not a proverbial fist in the mouth. Proverbs 25:11 says that "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue. The wrong word, spoken at the wrong moment has been the last straw of a person taking their own life.

God cares about every thing we care about. He loves us, even in our darkest moments. He particularly cares about the down and out. Jesus shows special affection for those the world considers worthless sinners, fit for nothing only to be cast aside. When He walked this earth He showed love to lepers, tax collectors, prostitutes, and other people thought to be unacceptable to the religious sect. So it remains today. His affections have not changed.

 

 This is how it begins.