My flesh and my heart may fail
Daily.
A friend I love dearly struggled with the ugly parts of life and I struggled with feelings of uselessness. I wanted her to know that I listened
that I heard her with my heart
that my spirit grieved with hers
and thank God for his infinite creativity.
but God is the strength of my heart
I was nervous. I had no clue how receptive my friend would be of this weird, Spirit-led prayer of mine.
I painted the blue rays because she loves clear, blue, sunny days. I enhanced the rays with God's word. With Scripture.
Ripping and cutting Sacred text. Who does this?
The tree represents so much. Nature. Life. With no leaves it can look dead, but in reality, it is full of life waiting for those sunny days to unleash the green splendor. A leaf to the side representing hope. The word "Faith." Would she understand?
A key with the words "Enduring Trials by Faith."
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and and with all your soul and with all your strength. Because he IS the strength through trials. These trials that chisel our character, gritty sandpaper to our rough edges, they rub us raw.
And the woman.
My friend told me of a a woman she witnessed. This woman worshiped with such intensity. Both arms raised to the God of Hosts, Hosanna in the Highest.
I envisioned her, gave her life in this piece of art. Her praise is eternal on canvas.
and my portion forever.
Nothing could have prepared me for my friend's reaction to my prayer for her. So many tears. She understood my heart revealed to her in cut up paper, words, colors, and symbols.
This prayer hangs framed on her wall. My heart doesn't quite believe it's worthy of such a high place, but with humble gratitude I accept that God, my strength, my portion, gave me something to be given.
* * *
Michelle Pendergrass is learning to accept people's compliments, because it is more than a compliment to be placed in a friend's heart and upon a friend's wall.
Ah Michelle, it's beautiful and what a gift of friendship and love. Thanks for sharing it here, M
Posted by: Miz Melly | May 16, 2011 at 12:52 AM
It is one of the things art can do - reach into another's heart and say, "You're not alone. I'm with you." Kind of like the gospel.
Good post - and beautiful art.
Posted by: Glynn | May 16, 2011 at 04:28 AM
Very Beautiful! And yes, learn to accept that your work MOVES people!
Posted by: Jennifer Oldaker | May 16, 2011 at 04:43 AM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Elaina | May 16, 2011 at 06:46 AM
LOVE! Thank you for sharing your art, this story, and a way we can reach out to people through images. Beautifying the world, one prayer at a time. Wonderful.
Posted by: Jeanne Damoff | May 16, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Thank you so so much Michelle for sharing this beautiful prayer... I LOVE it!!! Amazing amazing amazing!
Much Grace,
M
Posted by: Madison Richards | May 16, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Thank you all so much!
Posted by: michelle pendergrass | July 20, 2011 at 09:47 AM