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