Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Shalom


The next Expressions gallery exhibit at church focuses on the names of God found in the Bible. While many of His names are meaningful to me, I chose to focus on Jehovah Shalom - The Lord is Peace.

As usual, I really had no idea what the final piece would look like, but work through the piece just doing the next step as best I can. Titled simply "Inside," it was constructed on a 24" x 22" scrap piece of masonite board. Most of the texture and heart are made from plater-laden gauze. I had fun working with this medium! Various paints and papers add colors, textures and the obvious words.

(Hmm. A heart. Metallic paints. Text. Seems I have recurring elements in my art, huh?)


Below is the description I submitted with my piece...

JEHOVAH-SHALOM. The Lord is Peace.

The world searches for peace. If we could just solve the problems that face us - war, disputes among family members, the unreasonable boss, the collapse of financial institutions, too much month left at the end of the paycheck or a rebellious child – then we would have peace. If only.

But peace does not come with diligence of will. Peace comes with a person – Our God, Our Shalom. When He resides within, there is peace within. Peace that no person, no event, no trouble can take away.

I am so thankful for that peace
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It seems there are so many things that threaten to steal our peace. Certainly our heart is even pierced by the turmoil at times. Yet inside we can rest in His peace in the midst of the storms of life.



Peace to you, my friends.