Visual Prayer

I'm not a good pray-er. 

I try. And that's something. But most of the time, I beat myself up for not doing it well enough. And what kind of prayer life is that? In my search for something, anything that would kept me focused, I ran across a book called Praying in Color. No doubt this was for me.

Until I got bored doodling exclusively with colored pencils and markers.

Because I homeschool and scrapbook, I had a ton of crafty materials bulging out of plastic totes and spilling out of boxes. (craft hoarder) The next step was natural progression for me. I needed to get dirty.  Doodling only afforded me a piece of creative happiness. My mind was engaged and focused and my one hand was moving, but there was a tactile element that was missing.

I needed to feel it. Touch it.  Christ's words to Thomas rang true, "Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe."  

Like hearing music in my head and never through my ears. There's an ache, a yearning. And a definite sense of relief when the song blares through the speakers and I belt out my joyful noise.

After a few months of doodling only, I started a Scripture memorization art journal in conjunction with a program Beth Moore had started on her blog. I wanted to explore my creativity with any and all means with such an overwhelming urge to get my hands dirty.

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

I penned, "I have no clue what God has in store for me this year, but my desire is to do his will. Whether by tragedy or triumph, I hope that my faith is pleasing to the Lord. I pray for diligence in this offering to my Father."

My first foray into mixed media art wasn't the most beautiful piece of work I'd ever seen, but it quieted the angst in my soul. I mixed the paint, glued scraps of paper, colored, and my soul sang. I ran my fingertips over the art, like Braille and like Thomas, and I felt it. I physically felt the proof of what is not seen.

In future posts, my hope is to explore this need for visual and tactile stimulation and creativity while living a walk by faith not by sight life and how to grasp the tangible in this mostly intangible faith.

Michelle Pendergrass has learned to accept she's not like most people and relies on God to reassure her that it's all good.

Comments

[Jeanne Damoff]

Michelle, I'm so excited that you will be sharing your unique take on faith and prayer through visual art with us. Your artwork not only gives you a faith release, it speaks to and encourages my faith, too. I look forward to journeying with you here!

Love, Jeanne

[Madison Richards]

Beautiful! I remember a discussion we had a long time ago about that book (Praying in Color) ... So glad this has brought you life! Looking forward to seeing and "feeling" more from you!!

[Elaina]

I so admire your ability to put what is in your heart and soul on canvas or paper. I'm looking forward to more posts. And while we've talked/written about this I know that I have things to learn. I feel it already.

[Jennifer Oldaker]

God speeks to you through your paintbrush! You are an amazing Artist! And one day, when we're sipping wine on a beach somewhere far away, I'm gonna say, yeah, "That's Michelle Pendergrass, and I've known her since 6th grade!" Let the paint flow!!!

[mich pendergrass]

Jeanne & Madison--Thank you. I can't wait to see where this takes us. I've never really written about my process. Could be interesting!

E & Jenn--<3 you both xoxo

[Mary]

Hi Michelle, I was so happy to follow the trails God leaves in our lives...I found you through a comment Paulette left on your facebook page. God began a new work in my heart a few years back and used visual journaling in a big way. I am now leading visual journaling workshops at my church. I am continually amazed at how HE uses this in each life. There is something about working on a page that slows us down and opens us up and creates space for God to enter.

Grace and Peace