March 15, 2015

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Frida's Focus

(This is a new feature on Art With Mr. E!  I am a Christian, and have often seen illustrations of my faith through art.  So I thought I'd share some of these thoughts with you.  If you are not a Christian & don't care to read about such things...then just skip my posts that are titled "Sunday Devotional".  If you are not a Christian & curious about faith...feel free to e-mail me.  I'm not here to convert or preach at ya...just sharing this aspect of my life with you!  No need to be offended.)  

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

Frida Kahlo had a difficult life.  The pain & suffering from a horrible accident, the resulting inability to have children, a tumultuous marriage....all reflected in her art for the world to see.  As artists, we have the opportunity to channel our life experiences, emotions, joys, sorrows, beliefs, and questions into our work.  This connection to the human condition often draws people to art.  Frida truly focused much of her work on the pain she experienced physically & emotionally.  I applaud the beauty & skill of her work.  However, my heart hurts for the life she lived.

What could Frida's work have looked like if she had been able to ascertain the truth of John 16:33.  

In this section of scripture, Jesus is speaking to the disciples.  I love the disciples.  They truly represent all of us...our lack of skill, knowledge, and understanding.  Yet God still chose to use them!!  They don't get what Jesus is about to go through...or what they themselves will soon experience/endure.  The Lord is giving them a "pep talk" of sorts. He knows the trials they will face, the suffering in His name they will go through, and for most of them....the death they will share in because of their faith.  He knows this life they have chosen will not be an easy one.  He reminds them..."In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!  I have overcome the world"

None of us has been promised an easy life.  Pain is a part of living.  Hardships are a fact of life.  But the Lord has reminded us to TAKE HEART!  Why?  Does it make it all go away?  No.  Because HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!  The One who we put our faith in knows our pain.  He knows our suffering.  He wants us to look to Him to find our peace in the midst of trials. In our pain, He wants us to call out to Him for our hope.  When this world doesn't make sense & we are struggling to find our way...HE IS THERE!!!

Frida's focus on the pain & struggles of her life yielded amazing and moving work, but the absence of hope within many of her pieces painted a bleak existence.  I want my life & my art to reflect truth!  In the joy & rejoicing and in the sorrow & pain....there is a peace that passes all understanding.  It is what grounds me.  It is what allows me to carry on when I feel I can not.  When this world tries to steal that peace...I must remember, "HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!"



PRAYER
Dear Lord, You are worthy of all praise.  No matter what I am going through, may my life reflect the peace & hope You have given.  May my life paint a picture of Your love that is real/true. Amen

14 comments:

  1. Beautifully written! Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Beautiful. Thanks for my brush with peace this morning:)

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  3. Really enjoyed this looking forward to next time.

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  4. Loved your blog before. Love it even more.

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  5. Your focus is one that the world needs! Thank you for writing this. As an artist, art teacher, and Christian, I enjoyed reading it.

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  6. I too have always thought this about Kahlo. What a beautiful connection to art, life and faith. Your prayer is lovely.Thank you.

    Elementary Art Rocks!

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  7. What a lovely reflection. Art and religion are two topics that have shared ties as seen throughout art history. I appreciated this viewpoint, I'll look forward to reading more!

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  8. Thanks,Ted, for reminding me that the scriptures are a part of our lives everyday.

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  9. Thanks for sharing Mr. E. Blessings on your week.

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  10. I love your blog and your willingness to encourage. As a believer, I love to relate on this level as well! Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Pam from Tucson. (We actually flew to Nashville to visit family in Alabama. If there had been time, I sure would have looked you up!)

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  11. Thank you for sharing! I will continue to look forward to these. As an elementary art teacher and Christian, I enjoy looking for connections between art and scripture.

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