Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Truth

The real advantage which truth has consists in this, that when an opinion is true, it may be extinguished once, twice, or many times, but in the course of ages there will generally be found persons to rediscover it, until some one of its reappearances falls on a time when from favorable circumstances it escapes persecution until it has made such head as to with stand all subsequent attempts to suppress it.

John Stuart Mill, English Philosopher.

Thoughts?

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Held Amidst the Vulnerable Pain

Held Amidst the Vulnerable Pain
by: Anita Van Zeumeren

I recently read some thoughts about this painting that made me think.

Vanessa Kersting....

an incredible artist who has put music to some incredibly written poetry on the centrality of Christ and celebrating the Triune God.

She said, "As I was looking at this picture it was as if the Spirit was saying to me, ‘this is where I am when you are being ripped apart’. ‘This is where I am when your friends are grieving, hurting and in pain’. ‘I am here in the middle of your pain and heartache’. ‘I am holding you while you weep and fall apart’.

One of the things I like the most about this painting is that the characters are naked coz this to me shows that in our most vulnerable moments in our brokenness and shame, just as we are, with no barriers, no holding back, Christ is there holding us while we weep.

Sometimes we have no answers for why things happen. Sometimes there are no words. But Christ is always with us right in the middle of what is going on. Holding us whispering to our innermost being that it’s gonna be ok.

I often look back at this picture, and every time I see it, it reminds me that I am not alone, not even in the scary moments. Jesus is there holding me, always. I hope it encourages you too.

Let me know what your thoughts are.