Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Talk Back--Women of Faith

This week's Women of Faith Blog Hop question is this:
Do you have a favorite work of art?  What about it inspires you?

I'm pretty sure this isn't what the authors of the Women of Faith blog had in mind, but quite honestly, my first thought was of my children: these beautiful creatures, at once fragile and strong, and absolutely amazing, breath-taking, complex, and perplexing; these little men, whom God formed from nothing, and entrusted to me and my husband.  They are completely and utterly awe-inspiring (when they're sleeping, at least).

My next thoughts were of rocky mountains, tall trees, pounding waterfalls... Our God is a masterful creator, painting each of us and our world in the vibrant colors of His goodness, love, and grace.

But, after a bit more thought, I've come to realize that the work of art that most inspires me is...me.

Shapely and graceful your sandaled feet, and queenly your movement— Your limbs are lithe and elegant, the work of a master artist.
Song of Solomon 7:1 (The Message)

That's right, little ol' me--I'm a work of art.  Not really in my eyes.  My human eyes see all of my imperfections.  My eyes are constantly aware of my shortcomings and faults, and there are so, so many of them.  There are so many ways that I show my ugliness and broken-ness every day, and that's hardly inspiring, least of all to me.  No, my inspiration comes from knowing that in God's grace-filled eyes I am an exquisite masterpiece, even with my flaws: worthy of my Father's admiration, and imperfect on purpose.  That's right: God, the great Artist, made me, loves me, wants to be my friend and has great plans for me.  And if almighty God, creator and sustainer of the universe, considers me lovely, a work of art, who am I to disagree?

Steven Curtis Chapman will be performing at the Women of Faith event that I'll be attending in October with my sister and moms.  I hope he sings this song, "Fingerprints of God," that weekend, to remind each of us that we are God's favorite work of art.

I can see the tears filling your eyes
And I know where they're coming from
They're coming from a heart that's broken in two
By what you don't see
The person in the mirror
Doesn't look like the magazine
Oh, but when I look at you it's clear to me that...



I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God



Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and...



Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
Oh, and God's not through, no
In fact, He's just getting started and…



I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God







 

1 comment:

  1. I have to agree with you - God's creation is indeed artwork, a masterpiece!

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