So...here is my attempt at claiming to have any artistic sense. Hahaha. Seriously though, I was "surfing the net" (to use an old phrase) and came across this picture called "forsaken" at Caedes Desktop Backgrounds and automatically downloaded it and set it as my background for my computer. I know, I know, I was using my time real wisely.
Looking at this picture a flood of emotions came: grief, loneliness, solitude, humility, peace, being recharged, and joy along with others that I am having a hard time expressing. My first thought towards this picture is of darkness, depression, and sadness (which I can definitely identify with). However the more I thought and pondered it the more I started realizing that those emotions were being taken over by the emotions of joy, peace, freedom, and a true sense of life.
So here is my analysis of this picture after a couple of days. Here is a guy who yes, is naked. He is stripped of any identity markers he can have (hair, clothes, scars, and any other objects). This guy has got nothing and everything around him is unforgiving and evil. This even includes the floor that he is sitting on which looks like its had its share of beatings. So you have a guy with nothing in this kind of depressing environment, but the funny thing is that as I look at this guy all I can see from him is peace, rest, comfort, and joy. Kinda weird I know. I can just envision a smile on this guys face (which we cannot see) and a video of him staying in this position for a while and then getting up, walking away from the circle of light and as he walks through the darkness light is radiating off of him (the light that he soaked up while sitting in the circle of light).
So obviously the parallels to the Christian life are there. The darkness is the world, the circle of light is God, the glow is the life of good works and proclamation of Jesus, and going into the darkness is what we should all be doing.
Now, I realize that this analogy and vision of my head breaks down majorly. I know that we don't have specific time with God and then leave him, and I know that the world around us is not complete darkness and that God's light is in many areas. However, this picture has encouraged me, challenged me, and given me a lot of joy, peace and hope.
One response to “Art”
As art envokes different reactions, I'm glad you find encouragement. Initial reaction reminded me of the song "Rescue is Coming." The redeeming light seemed only like a shadow was what is on it's way. There is no spotlight or outline to show where this light appeared, almost has though he's glowing, yet there is a circle of light (plus his own shadow) on the ground below him caused by some outward focused light. We don't know the source of the light, but it's presence gives us comfort to ease our emotional pain, though it won't last. We are forsaken.
I like how you are able to take such a picture and find encouragement in it. It reminds me to always find hope even when we think there isn't any.
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