Melted Wings' Wax

Got Nuffin'

2010-06-07T09:22:00.007-04:00

Last night I was up particularly late and, realizing that I needed to attempt sleep, I stopped working and tried to rest. Finding this "sleep" thing more difficult than I imagined, I turned on a documentary which had been recommended to me. The film was about a married 47-year old family man who used an internet chat room to create a much younger online persona and court a 17-year old girl. While the lies he was telling seemed relatively harmless to him in the beginning, the relationship required more and more lies in an effort to maintain the charade. Unbeknownst to him, these lies held up lies the other party was telling, and the initial "harmless" lies began to affirm those lies, and create new lies, and the tangled mess ended up hurting innocent people in very serious ways.

I finished the documentary and lay in bed in a state of sleeplessness, thinking about what it was to essentially create a fictional person like this man did, from thin air. What it was to create a second life which wasn't real. What it was to pretend to be somebody you weren't. I came to the conclusion that the lies may in some ways come natural to people - aren't we all in some way living a life which doesn't fully represent our true selves? Rex Baeber, a psychologist who weighed in on the documentary, had a rather poignant statement about the human condition during his interview - "From my perspective . . . what's to be learned from this will sound when first said to be just childishly simple: Be nice, don't lie. If this interview took place a million years from today, 'be nice, don't lie' will still be good advice not taken."

Earlier that night at my home church I brought up a thought I had been reflecting on over the past week. This previous Monday I helped out with a homeless outreach in downtown St. Petersburg, where we made 150 peanut butter and jelly sandwich sack lunches as well as large containers of water and iced coffee. We drove to a few different locations, distributing the food to those in need. At one particular stop, City Hall, we pulled up and a crowd quickly began to form. However, there were homeless people all around the block, many being out of sight, and a friend and I decided to walk the block and tell people about the free food being served. Coming back full circle to the van, I was part of a small crowd of people we had gathered up. It hit me that, for anyone passing by me, I could easily be mistaken as part of the crowd. I could easily be just another homeless man walking to the van to get my free sandwich. Then, the very next day I ended up in a large upscale mall. I walked through Neiman Marcus, and while I made my way through the store I stopped to look at the ties - my weakness!! - and almost laughed at the price tags, well over a hundred dollars for each tie. I was politely greeted by an employee, who asked if I would like to be fitted for anything. It struck me there, declining an employee in a store well out of my price range - how could I go from being mistaken for a homeless man to being mistaken for someone who is very affluent in a 12-hour period?

I am not homeless. I am not incredibly well-off. Neither of these things truly describe me.

As I lay in bed thinking about this all, I looked out my window and realized the sun was out. I thought how I was so much more than any assumption, label, or definition. I felt full of energy and got up, put on shoes, grabbed a thermos, and walked out the door. With no specific purpose I started to run. I reached the end of my neighborhood and started formulating a game plan in my mind. I asked myself where was I running to? How long should I run? Midway through formulating this plan on where my run would take me and how long it should last, I realized that I was slowing down and pacing myself in an attempt to reserve energy for the way back. All of a sudden this was too much like the thoughts I had been going over only minutes ago. I realized that if I created a plan, I was simply placing assumptions on myself. I was assuming how long I could last, assuming when I would tire, and assuming where I would most want to be. I realized I was looking back at the neighborhood I had just left to see how far I had gone and how long it would take to get back. I didn't want to live that way - I resolved that I wanted to run like I had nothing to lose.

So I ran, refusing to look back behind me. It dawned on me that the morning jogger in front of me had before been a subconscious marker of distance, and in my new uncaring state for where I was the figure stopped being an anchor to where I was and became a figure who only bobbed up and down - I could no longer make out if they were coming towards me or going away from me. It didn't matter. Only the running mattered. I took a turn and ran towards a bridge taking me to the beach. I realized that the cars passing by might take me for another morning jogger on a daily run, which made me think again of who I was and who I was not.

I am not a runner. I am not not a runner. Neither of these things truly describe me.

I continued running (sometimes, when I felt ready to split at the seams, walking . . . it would be rather pointless to write these thoughts, partially based on the futiliuty of lies, if I decided to now exaggerate the truth) and a song came to the forefront of my mind, and it's chorus became my mantra as I pushed forward without a true destination. The chorus, from the song "Got Nuffin'" by Spoon goes -

When I know you’re watching out for me
I look for what matters
And I notice what matters
And I got nothing to lose but
Darkness and shadows
Got nothing to lose but
Loneliness and patterns

Click to listen - Got Nuffin' - Spoon

I didn't want to retain any energy for a trip back. I realized that nothing mattered. I wanted to run until I had nothing left in me, which was the only way to live. I wanted to stop hiding and reserving, stopping and starting, attempting to hold up things which were assumptions. The goals meant nothing. The holding back of energy was pointless. I wanted to run like nothing mattered - and live the same way. What did I have to lose in my run? Nothing but a pattern. What did I have to lose in a life where I stopped the frivolous assumptions? Nothing but shadows.

Who am I? A vessel for Christ. Any assumptions made about me don't matter. The way in which I serve Him may be unique, it may have it's own shape and beauty, but it will never compare to the more important shape of the Christ burning bright inside of me.

I look for what matters, and find I have nothing to lose.

All Is Vanity

2009-11-09T10:20:00.009-05:00

- C. Allan Gilbert

Ecclesiastes 1:2 -
Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher. Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities! All is vanity - emptiness, falsity, and vainglory."

Having just recently written about Ecclesiastes, I once again find myself drawn to the book - and the same verses - this time with different context. The book so well describes the struggle of finding emptiness as opposed to fulfillment - and that struggle is not only found when futility attempting to attain worldly accomplishment, but in all aspects of life as well.

Our lives being decidedly finite, we must conclude what we are living for - and if our actions match up with our motives. This world is unquestionably centered on appearance and beauty, and this too is meaningless. The end of vanity is not a new concept, and has been touched on artistically time and time again. It is, however, a concept we seem to forget. Or perhaps, more truthfully, ignore. The author of Ecclesiastes calls on us to never forget it. To instead, live in total acknowledgment to it. Wisdom says that we will have to face these facts sooner or later - and the greater choice is to do it in youth.

This is why that death to ourselves and our ideals is so necessary - to come to terms with the vanity which is overlaid on the world and our actions. All around us in vanity - excess in appearance, in performance, in action, in function . . . in literally every area.

Do we choose to ignore the fact, and revel in the vanity? Or do we choose to understand it, remove ourselves, and live from another kingdom altogether?

Vapors never last.

Street Lights

2009-09-12T18:13:00.005-04:00

'Street Lights'

- Kanye West

YES, Kanye West. Since my last thoughts were rather serious reflections on our similarity to Judas, I decided that mainstream hip-hop would be a good 180.

I bring this song up for a reason. Mr. West is a definite point of contention in many musical circles. While critically lauded as a powerhouse producer and of obvious mainstream popularity, his lyrical skills are often called into question, and he's known for his temper and so called Kanye-isms, such as the recent quote dubbing himself a "proud non-reader of books" and perhaps more famously proclaiming "George Bush doesn't care about black people." On top of this, his latest album was arguably his least appreciated, as much was said of his decision to sing on most songs, using the generous auto-tune vocal processor to hide his less than perfect voice.

However, I find this latest album, 808 & Heartbreaks, to be far and away his best work, and for one reason.

It's honest.

Honest in a way I can sincerely appreciate. See, what struck me about this album was the lack of that bravado West is well known for, replaced instead by a true show of emotion which I found compelling. The song 'Street Lights' is the greatest example, a simple song about driving down the road and contemplating how fast life can change, with moments fading into the past far too rapidly. He goes on to say "I know my destination, but I'm just not there" and in the end seems overwhelmed by the totality of the world.

I like this song because of its simple, childlike nature. I like it because I want to reflect that in my life more often than I feel I do. I like it because I want that honesty and transparency in my own life, and because sometimes we all feel like life isn't fair. I like it because it's a reminder of God's grace as we go through the usual emotional circles.

I think it's important, because it shows that everyone in the world is crying out with those same feelings.

West has often said that his goal is to sing from and emulate the perspective of a "regular person" and I find this song to be a great example. Regardless of fame or wealth, people seek more from life, and see that the world is a fleeting thing. There must be more to it all. West knows it, and his fans do too. The childlike song appeals to the teenager in all of us, the one who finds reality too harsh, and seeks escape or solace. God can provide.

This song is definitely simple. West has never been well known for his superb lyrical skills, and this song is true to form. No walls were shattered rhyming words like "grow" and "know" or "there" and "fare." However, there is an art to simplicity, and this song makes the grade as a reminder of where the world is, and the void that only God can fill.

Edit: I post this only to have West once again take the spotlight the very next day at the VMA awards, pulling one of his most hated stunts to date. Regardless of mixed feelings of West after yet another mishap, I think this new event only makes reaffirms my thoughts.

Judas

2009-08-17T08:24:00.005-04:00

- Carl Anderson

Judas. There is something about Judas. Something that I've never been able to get over about his life, and something that I've never seen captured quite right in any sermon, book, film, or documentary. Something I've never been able to capture, even in my own thoughts.

I've often wished that we had more insight into Judas' mind - so we could know what he was thinking as he saw Jesus minister, heal, and teach. Where were His loyalties? What were his goals? What did he think Jesus was here to do, and when did he think it was going to be accomplished?

What made him a thief?

What made him a traitor?

More importantly, what made him a follower of Jesus?

I can't claim to answer any of these questions, and we'll likely never know any of his motivations while on this earth, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about it, and often feeling as if Judas is both misunderstood and tossed aside by most people today.

Many may think I sympathize with Judas, but I don't believe that's the case.

More specifically, I think I identify with him.

What would I do, in the situations he was put in? How would I feel, having all of my religious beliefs turned upside down, all of my hopes and aspirations for this world turned inside out, all of my ideals and loves and hobbies being thrown on the ground in the favor of following a Messiah who tells me the real reward comes only after death? To be told that fighting for freedom is not a real solution, and reigning over a kingdom not permanent enough to matter?

It had to be hard.

It had to be, at times, unbearable.

None of this makes Judas any better for what he did, and it certainly doesn't make Christ any less perfect, but it does shine some light on who we all are in our imperfect humanity. Often our qualities aren't flattering - we're completely misunderstood by everyone including ourselves, incredibly confused and purposeless, and driven by greed and self-serving motivations, even when trying to do good.

We need to turn to Christ, and submit all things to Him. We can never get enough, not even when He's standing right in front of us and speaking.

Judas makes that clear.

I posted the picture above, from - of all movies - Jesus Christ Superstar, for a reason. Judas is portrayed in many different movies, and each take on him is unique. In some films he is a confused and bitter disciple. In others, like The Last Temptation, he is a loyal but bloodthirsty friend.

In Jesus Christ Superstar, however, he is simply a misguided man of God, trying to do the best he can. Sometimes, he thinks his plans are better than Jesus'. Sometimes, he lets that thinking get in the way.

Sometimes, I do the same.

Panimaquin

2009-07-21T09:26:00.002-04:00

Last year when I went to Panimaquin I was given a fantastic grasp of who people were in the village, and what it would be like to live their lives. I had a good understanding of how different their ways were than mine, and how they each had personal struggles and relationships with Christ which reflected this idea. Going to the village this year gave me a lot of insight on the same idea on a much larger scale. This time it wasn't about individuals, but about the state of the Guatemalan nation, and the state of the world

It was a great way to realize how blessed I am to be in the United States and have the amenities which I take for granted. Seeing people without these things always helps put my life in perspective. Being in a developing country is certainly a great way to see the world on a larger scale.

These photographs represent a lot to me because they show the state of those growing up in this climate. There are entire lives lived here, and the children play, and eat, and run, and talk - and work.

As I spent time there, and as I look back on the photographs, my mind cycles on certain thoughts.

I want to see God make an impact on them.

God needs to make an impact on them.

I want to play my part in that idea. There are so many people in this world that need God's love, I want to do everything I can to help make it happen.

The Denial of St. Peter

2009-06-24T13:49:00.002-04:00

- Gerrit van Honthorst

After recently going through 1 Peter, then 2 Peter, then 2 Peter again quite a few times, I was really blown away with who Peter became throughout his lifelong walk with Christ. I sometimes find it very easy to separate teaching figures in the Bible and forget they had past mistakes, and Peter is a great example. Only lately have I really been grasping what it means that the same man who gives us great wisdom also repeatedly showed his fear, shame, and insecurities to the world while walking beside Jesus.

Peter is such a great encouragement to me, because He wasn't so great. Not only did he fear, but he feared to the point of literally denying Jesus. I think we should look at that and see the similarities in our lives, and then look at the rest of his life to see what great things he accomplished afterwards, and how we can do the same.

Because Peter understood that his life wasn't perfect. He understood that his faith wasn't "on" or "off." Instead, he realized that "you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." That, and that alone, is just what he did. I'm going to try and follow that excellent example.

King Hezekiah

2009-05-25T18:06:00.006-04:00

- El Escorial

King Hezekiah (Ezechias, on the right) has been on my mind frequently over the past couple of weeks, for the various events which He is known for in the Bible. A very human king, it is my opinion that Hezekiah is notable for one thing - His prayers. These prayers left him remembered not as another cog in the never-ending line of kings, but something more. Someone who was connected to God in a way which was admirable, and testified to the fact that God is someone who cares for his people in wondrous ways.

His ability to be a just ruler ebbed and flowed with his ability to stay faithful and true to the Lord. God moved and did amazing things in his life when he would humble himself and examine who he was in contrast to his Maker. Huge miracles consistently answered his prayers, creating unity and independence for his people and at one point literally lengthening his life. When he became prideful, both he and his people would suffer.

There is a valuable lesson to be learned from Hezekiah. We are all human, and make mistakes on a consistent basis. We put too much weight in ourselves and our own ability, forgetting the miracles which God and only God can perform - and will perform for us.

Isaiah 38:5-6 -
"This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. Yes, I will defend this city."

Meaningless!

2009-04-25T19:13:00.004-04:00

Link to Yeasayer - Tightrope

This week I've been spending a lot of time in Ecclesiastes, realizing just how much relevant wisdom is in the book which I bypass every day. It is a universal truth that we search for fulfillment in everything that we do, trying to fill a need with our every action. The book deals with this, and the verdict which the author gives is harsh.

Ecclesiastes 1:2,13,14 -
"'Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.'"

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on the human race! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind."

There is no doubt that we often seek fulfillment in the wrong places, and that in these cases we are left feeling empty. There is something which we are always seeking, always craving - but we can never seem to look in the right place. This sentiment is echoed through all of humanity - and I found it today, in music. The song "Tightrope" [link at top of post] is sparse on lyrics yet incredibly heavy on emotion. I believe the lyrics really speak for most of the world with a few key verses -

"So I think I can solve all the problems by myself
Nevermind, nevermind, nevermind, nevermind, nevermind

And you think you can solve all your problems by yourself
Nevermind, nevermind, nevermind, nevermind, nevermind

Give it, give it, give it, give it - until you just can't give no more"

We are always striving to do work in our flesh. Correct our own problems. Heal our own wounds. Patch up our own damaged goods.

How long can we continue living that life? That meaningless life can never sustain us - like chasing after the wind.

Reading the the book of Ecclesiastes this week has certainly impressed on me the futility which composes the bulk of our lives. However this statement isn't sorrowful, but incredibly uplifting. Once we are no longer bound by this world the fears and failures no longer hold the same weight they once did. It is then that we can turn to God and find true fulfillment - He is the only thing which can fill our hearts and restore the wholeness which we so crave.

Luciferin

2009-02-26T17:47:00.004-05:00

- The Lord

Something different - the structure of a molecule. Luciferin is a biochrome substrate rarely found in the world. This particular version of the molecule can be found only in an insect which is both a marvel and a mystery - the firefly. The substrate, when oxidized and used by a particular enzyme, is able to emit light and create bioluminescence. The light is uniquely "cold" as well as incredibly efficient - losing very little energy compared to our forms of light.

The firefly is a beautiful work of creation found in many different environments, and a testament to the fact that God has His hand in all things. The chemical formula above, depicted as art, is just that. A work of art. This world is a beautiful creation, from the light which the firefly produces to the actual base chemicals which create the light. The world is an amazing thing at all levels, and it is always clearly evident that the hand behind it all is masterful and magnificent.

As Psalm 139 proclaims, we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made.

The Angel With The Book

2009-01-19T22:19:00.002-05:00

- John Martin

This apocalyptic bit of art has always been a favorite of mine. I love how the angel is portrayed - majestic and monolithic - yet completely incorporeal. That is a fantastic description of the otherworldly God we worship, and part of what makes Him so fantastic. What He requires of us is so benign, but sometimes so difficult to grasp. Faith is an amazing thing.

However - there is much more power to the Lord God Almighty.

Revelation 10:1-3 -
"Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like pillars of fire. And in his hand was a small scroll[a] that had been opened. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. And he gave a great shout like the roar of a lion. And when he shouted, the seven thunders answered."

He is one deserving of worship.

Ancient of Days

2008-12-28T01:11:00.010-05:00

- William Blake

Eternal one. Perfect one. Architect of all. Father and Lover of every creation.

Proverbs 8:27-31 -
"When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men."

Another year comes, and He is still - and always will be - the definitive Master.

Paul, a Bond Servant

2008-12-03T08:42:00.008-05:00

- Rembrandt

I love Paul. There is something about his character that I absolutely admire. This picture of him, drawn by Rembrandt who identified with and respected Paul, best represents his life for me. Here he is, towards the end of his life. Old. Wise.

In jail.

His surroundings are sparse, with a table for writing and the guards sword behind his head - likely the one which will later behead him. However, his eyes aren't on that. They're downcast, not in depression but meditation, with a pen in his hand and volumes written and left to write.

Paul never gave up. He was a servant - a slave to God. He gave his life for Him, not only in death but in every day he was alive. Spreading the message mattered most. Teaching and counseling those who had received it did as well. With those ideals in mind, he lived his life to the fullest, and left an unforgettable body of work behind.

Sold! To the Nice Rich Man

2008-09-26T14:08:00.003-04:00

Link to The Welcome Wagon - Sold! To the Nice Rich Man

Back to my occasional posts on music, I come with a new song from the debut album of The Welcome Wagon. The band is actually an outlet of Reverend Thomas Vito Aiuto and his wife, who run the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in New York. The band plays live mostly at various Seminaries, often stopping mid-set for a pie giveaway (seriously).

The album, produced by the orchestrally renowned Sufjan Stevens' has plenty of flourish, and the Reverend even throws in a guitar solo during the main chorus. Despite the big sound, the band started in the humble setting of the couple's living room. What started as a method of worship and spending time together has expanded into something much bigger.

What I find interesting about the band is that it is so different from what I am used to hearing. The full album - which will include Presbyterian hymns - is set in a genre which we don't usually associate with Christian worship. I love it when people branch out and do new things, while keeping the message central. I find it interesting to see a practicing Reverend embark in a genre that is such a departure. God can be glorified in so many ways, and there are so many different expressions of it. It is always great to hear something new, fresh, and purely enjoyable.

Panimaquin

2008-09-01T01:48:00.005-04:00

[Edit - Image hosting website has been having trouble, pictures may be down]

- VA

Words cannot begin to describe and pictures will never do it justice. Going to Guatemala and spending time with the people in Panimaquin was an eye-opening and life changing experience that will not be forgotten. The villagers were amazing and hospitable, but it was their hearts that I wish I could capture and describe. The innocence, vibrancy, and love which poured out of them all - day in and day out - is an incredible and beautiful thing which I wish to be a part of for the rest of my life. I know that I will never be able to explain it in words, and the best alternative is to show the faces of those whom I now have gotten to know, love, and care for. These are a few of the many who I met, and who touched me at a level which I could never have imagined.

Compassion

2008-06-26T01:36:00.002-04:00

- Bonnell

Luke 8:49-56
49 While he was still talking, someone from the leader's house came up and told him, "Your daughter died. No need now to bother the Teacher."
50-51 Jesus overheard and said, "Don't be upset. Just trust me and everything will be all right." Going into the house, he wouldn't let anyone enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child's parents.
52-53 Everyone was crying and carrying on over her. Jesus said, "Don't cry. She didn't die; she's sleeping." They laughed at him. They knew she was dead.
54-56 Then Jesus, gripping her hand, called, "My dear child, get up." She was up in an instant, up and breathing again! He told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were ecstatic, but Jesus warned them to keep quiet. "Don't tell a soul what happened in this room."

I love how the painting depicts light streaming through Jesus and onto the girl. There is something so remarkable about Christ, something that is often put on the back-burner. It is unnatural for someone - anyone - to perform the feats which He is able to. However, by ignoring it we are doing Him a great disservice. I very much doubt that grieving parents and loyal servants laughed at Jesus thinking His behavior was in any way funny. Instead, I imagine the laughter came out of the place inside of them, in anguish, knowing in their hearts that nothing could be done for the dead girl.

But that place inside of them, that place inside of all of us which says that things are impossible does Jesus no justice. Time and time again He proved His ultimate love, compassion, and power. Perfect and unlike anything else in the world.

I believe it is important to reflect on God's glory, and the fact that there is nothing he can't do.

The Warrior's Prayer

2008-04-15T17:00:00.002-04:00

Taking a two minute break from calculus, I was reminded of a wonderful poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar which really affected me months ago, and still resonates to this day. Dunbar was an excellent poet who had a huge impact on African American culture, famous for writing Sympathy - a heavily influential poem on Maya Angelou, which is where the title 'I Know Why The Cage Bird' sings comes from. Also importantly to me, he wrote a good amount of Christian poems which I find to be excellent.

This one in particular I have always enjoyed, and I love it's main line: Strength for the fight. So often I believe we find ourselves in such a weakened state - weary from the world, or from personal problems, or from ourselves. However, we are not called here to be alone on our own two feet! Surely, if that was so, we would find ourselves falling countless times. Instead, if we call upon God to give us strength, we will receive it. Only then can we truly stand against anything. It is important to gain the independence from the world through the dependence on God.

Long since, in sore distress, I heard one pray,

"Lord, who prevailest with resistless might,

Ever from war and strife keep me away,

My battles fight!"

I know not if I play the Pharisee,

And if my brother after all be right;

But mine shall be the warrior's plea to thee--

Strength for the fight.

I do not ask that thou shalt front the fray,

And drive the warring foeman from my sight;

I only ask, O Lord, by night, by day,

Strength for the fight!

When foes upon me press, let me not quail

Nor think to turn me into coward flight.

I only ask, to make mine arms prevail,

Strength for the fight!

Still let mine eyes look ever on the foe,

Still let mine armor case me strong and bright;

And grant me, as I deal each righteous blow,

Strength for the fight!

And when, at eventide, the fray is done,

My soul to Death's bedchamber do thou light,

And give me, be the field or lost or won,

Rest from the fight!

Resurrection

2008-03-25T10:04:00.006-04:00

It was either Grunewald or Altdorfer, but I think I'll save the latter for some other time.

- Grunewald

To see a larger version of the painting click here

Part of his Isenheim Altarpiece, this scene of the Resurrection is probably my favorite of all. The altarpiece is definitely thought of as Grunewald's greatest work, so it's a sentiment I can agree with. I also really enjoy the scene at the cross, but that one is certainly a bit less cheerful. Altarpieces are made to typically display two different forms, shaped almost like a cupboard. A scene will be painted on the front (In this case the Crucifixion of Christ), and this scene will swing open to reveal another inside. This altarpiece is a little different, since the scene inside is not just one scene. It is a tribute to Jesus' life, from the annunciation which Mary received up to his Resurrection. On top of that, this scene then opens up again, to show Him sitting on His throne.

I only solely at the Resurrection scene today because it is by far my favorite. There is something certainly so other about this rendition of Jesus that I think it is a fantastic depiction. Every other human figure in the image is on the ground in a lump, having fallen in awkward positions. These people have almost a messy quality to them, as does the ground around them, as well as the blurred background. In this painting your eyes are continually drawn to only Him, as He is the only one that matters in the painting.

The highlight. The focus. The victor.

The Return of the Prodigal Son

2008-03-04T09:35:00.002-05:00

~ Rembrandt

To see a truly humongous version of the painting click here

I really love Rembrandt's paintings, although many of my favorites are his lesser works and sketches. He constantly does a fantastic job at putting layers upon layers of imagery inside of his paintings. I thought it was appropriate, after the great teaching on forgiveness, to look at one of my favorite paintings - The Return of the Prodigal Son. It has always done a fantastic job of bringing the message home for me. With the newly returned son at his father's feet and family looking on - weary but reverent, the scene has a sting to it . . . but the mercy that is present simply blows me away.

The father in the painting does a great job of metaphorically representing God. He is old and wise with his age, and it is evident that he has a passion and love for his son. His son would have rather had his father dead, yet here is that father showing him a great deal of love and compassion. The son is back because he is at the end of his rope. His head is shaved in slave fashion, his clothes tattered and dirty, and his sandals worn and spent, with one having fallen off of his foot and the other almost completely broken. He does not look up at his father, but instead, gaze is not up into the father’s eyes but instead to the side, in shame and sadness.

One of the smaller details which is easy to miss is the father's hands. The father's left hand grasps his son's shoulder with a definite strength, with fingers spread. Rembrandt manages to show him not only touching his son in embrace, but holding him as well. The right hand is much more tenderly posed, with an elegance lost to the firmness in its counterpart. It instead rests on the shoulder as if mid-stroke, ready to offer the comfort only a parent can provide. He is both firmly holding and gently caressing at the same time.

I also like the fact that it does not really seem like this story has come to a close in the painting. I do not think that the son has had some wonderful awakening and changed all of his ways. Yet one look at the father shows that his mercy and love for his children is unending, and that forgiveness is always there. There is a mercy that will always restore.

The Light of the World

2008-02-21T12:21:00.002-05:00

~ William Holman Hunt

"I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Revelation 3:19-22

Here is Jesus, holding a light in the darkness and radiating with it himself. Here is a door, a door which rots away, weeds overgrown around and under its old and tired frame. Here is Jesus - Jesus Himself, calling upon us and asking for us to let Him in. Not for His sake, but for ours. Take note that the door has no handle, and truly must be opened from the inside.

He is so prepared to give us freedom, and we are often so unwilling to take it. We cling to ourselves, unwilling to give in. It really is time to realize that the less of "us" there is, the better. We need to open the door with gusto, and grab hold of Him and the light which he exudes.

A Plague of Locusts

2008-01-29T21:26:00.000-05:00

- James Tissot

I recently rediscovered an artist I appreciate when I was looking through art relating to Exodus. Going through works dedicated to Moses, I found one of my favorite paintings by a French painter named James Tissot.

This painting is notably one of his less emotion-filled works, and that is exactly why I enjoy it as much as I do. In this painting, Moses and Aaron can be seen calling upon God for help against the Egyptians. Moses and Aaron are turned away from the viewer, and the city and pyramids take up most of the painting. This makes the emphasis not on the moment, but on the scenes which will occur afterward. I think it's a very dramatic way to display a larger-than-life occurrence. You can imagine the locusts, in the black gloom, preparing to take up everything in sight.

Exodus 10: 13 - 15
So Moses raised his staff over Egypt, and the Lord caused an east wind to blow over the land all that day and through the night. When morning arrived, the east wind had brought the locusts. And the locusts swarmed over the whole land of Egypt, settling in dense swarms from one end of the country to the other. It was the worst locust plague in Egyptian history, and there has never been another one like it. For the locusts covered the whole country and darkened the land. They devoured every plant in the fields and all the fruit on the trees that had survived the hailstorm. Not a single leaf was left on the trees and plants throughout the land of Egypt.

*EDIT* - I made a typo :( I was waiting for class to start while typing it. Cut me some slack :P

Archangel

2008-01-22T14:22:00.000-05:00

A change of pace once again.

Link to Burial - Archangel

I've previously covered music insofar as speaking about Sufjan Stevens in relation to Abraham. However, I've never really had a song that didn't directly relate to a piece of art. Today I found myself listening to a song by the dubstep artist Burial, and found myself deeply affected by one of his songs. The song in question, Archangel, is more about what ISN'T there as opposed to what is. The duration of the song is carried by a persistent voice, one which sounds androgynous yet human. The pitch constantly changes throughout each word, leaving the voice with no identity, only it's pleas. The only instrumentation is the hollow and echoed strings accompanied by a drum beat which seems less than solid, working overtime yet still falling short. This minimal and sad arrangement seems to focus on the void inside of the music as opposed to the music itself. The composition is empty. The haunting voice calls out - devoid of personality but rich with emotion.

"Loving you, could it be alone? Could it be alone? Could it be alone?"

"Kissing you, tell me how can you, tell me I belong, tell me I belong."

This, to me, seems to be humanity itself, not one single effort or man, calling out for something bigger. Calling out for something greater. The world is so void of the love we are searching for, and we are so desperately seeking that feeling of belonging, and that sense of love.

Can this be us singing out the praises which we do not understand, and expressing the love which we can't comprehend? Could this be the voice of our inner selves calling out for that which we seek?

Jacob and the Angel

2008-01-10T20:14:00.000-05:00

- Gustave Doré

Exodus 32 - Jacob Wrestles with God
24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. 25 When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!”
But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
27 “What is your name?” the man asked.
He replied, “Jacob.”
28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”
29 “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.
“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.
30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” 31 The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip. 32 (Even today the people of Israel don’t eat the tendon near the hip socket because of what happened that night when the man strained the tendon of Jacob’s hip.)

I wanted to post this story and painting because I just got finished reading it on my bible plan. I very much enjoy this story, and have found it even more interested after listening to a message concerning it at my mom's. I'm not a HUGE fan of Doré, but I've always been rather interested in this painting in particular. Doré is a lesser known but critically acclaimed artist, this work being done in 1855. The angel is typical, what you would expect of many late Christian pieces, but Jacob is the part of this painting which I really love. Although his face is shadowed and blocked from view, there is a certain intensity there that I find admirable. His arms bulge as he fights against this angel, fighting for the blessing of god.

This piece unfortunately suffers from the serenity that most artists found necessary in their paintings. The fight seems unrealistic to me because the angel seems so very docile. However, this doesn't take away from Jacob and the emotion which is writhing inside of him. It is almost as if all of humanity is inside of him, fighting against this spiritual force which is so alien and glorious. He does not truly fight against it, but instead, fights to become a bigger part of it.

Certainly, he walks away bruised and battered, but better for the experience.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T03:40:00.000-05:00

It's rather easy to get art in the spirit of Christmas, so I decided to show one of my favorite and obscure nativity scenes.

- El Greco

This painting, made in the early 1600's, is the work of El Greco, a nickname which easily translates into "The Greek." A Spanish Renaissance painte, El Greco's works are incredibly distinct due to the way he makes all of his figures elongated and stretched, often to represent intensity in emotion. This painting, The Adoration of the Shepherds, was one of his last paintings, and one of my favorites. The scene depicts the shepherds coming to look upon the newly born child. Unlike many paintings which show this moment as sacred, hushed, and static, El Greco's version is extremely dynamic and energetic. The child Christ is radiating with a white light which fills the whole canvas. One of the men seems taken aback by the power of the moment and baby, pulling back from the frame. The other shepherds look less effected, but still quite moved. There seems to be some sort of dance going on, some sort of worship which is brought upon by this great moment. All of the characters seem full of wonder and joy, looking at the infant emitting a miraculous light. In fact, angels take up the top half of the picture, also in celebration and adoration.

Imagine the power that these moments must have had. We easily put them into plays and nativity scenes, but the miracle was something which was truly unforgettable. To be there would have been one of the greatest honors and ecstatic moments of all time.

cough

2007-11-10T18:27:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile. School has been killer.

Anyways, onwards and upwards -

Following in the trend of posting western art pieces, I figured I would start it back off with a bang - Leonardo Da Vinci.

I think i'll make a few Da Vinci posts, as I haven't covered him yet, though he may be the most important artist yet. Instead of going with The Last Supper (which I'll discuss later) I decided to show one of his lesser known works, his rendition of St. John the Baptist.

Now, a lot of the detail has been lost in this painting, as well as many others by Leonardo. The artists constant experimentation with different mixtures of paint and material certainly didn't do art historians any favors. However, the basic premise and structure of the painting is still easily seen. This is Da Vinci's version of St. John the Baptist, and it is very different than the John my mind holds. However, there is a very good reason for this.

St. John is shown with long and curly hair, smiling a very familiar smile (any takers on where else that facial expression can be seen in Leonardo's work?) John tenderly holds a thin cross while pointing upwards toward heaven, wearing pelts. Now, the pelts and the staff may have been added by a later painter, but that is another issue. In my opinion, the only thing which matches up to John in my mind is the pelts. I've always imagined John to be a bigger, rough man, with rather worn looks, gaunt from living in the desert and eating locusts. The John here is ideal. Angelic. That is exactly the point. This John seems to be an "angel in the flesh," a being so good that he is worthy of the Renaissance angel design. This seems to be Leonardo's idea, anyway. The physical features of John aren't intended to be his real looks, but a reference to what was inside of his gruff exterior, the loving and Godly man who devoted his life to God. His gesture is also important, pointing to the only thing that truly matters - the heavens.

David

2007-09-13T23:54:00.000-04:00

~ Bernini

The David most people know is the sculpture created by Michelangelo. I know, I know, totally iconic and great and cool.

. . .

However, I figured I'd focus on a different aspect of David created by a fantastic artist named Bernini. This rendition is different than Michelangelo's in quite a few ways. The most important is that, while Michelangelo's classic is peaceful and contemplative, Bernini's piece is right in the middle of the moment of battle against Goliath. I love sculptures which bring you into the moment and are three-dimensional. This certainly does a great job. From the front, it looks like you're in the middle of the battle with Goliath right behind you.

Pretty cool!

2007-08-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

- Bellini

This picture, titled Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy, portrays . . . something which I know most of the population would be less than ecstatic about. Saint Francis is displayed here in the pinnacle moment receiving the stigmata. I believe this rendition is, although probably not accurate (the landscape is rather picture-perfect and isolated) a great take on how we should behave towards God. The act of stigmata, which is receiving the wounds of Christ on the cross, would be an incredibly painful thing to endure, just as it was for Jesus himself. But Saint Francis looks rather overjoyed, indeed, ecstatic, because of his complete and total love for God and the things of him.

"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart." - Saint Francis

2007-08-04T19:11:00.000-04:00

~ Michelangelo

Just a quick post today, I figured I would move onto sculpture instead of the typical art. This is a work done by Michelangelo, who is well known for the Sistine Chapel ceiling. However, Michelangelo actually despised painting, and his main passion was that of sculpture. This rendition of Moses was created for a tomb for the pope, Julius II. I have always enjoyed this work because of a very simple reason - it's just so well done. The detail put into Michelangelo's work sets it apart from most of the rest.

Also as an hilarious aside, I think it is great that Moses is portrayed as having horns on his head, something often done in this time period. This is because the bible was incorrectly translated, and when Moses came down the mountain, the word meaning "rays of light" accidently became . . . horns. Sooo, yeah. Kind of a big detail to miss.

2007-07-30T18:13:00.000-04:00

- Grunewald

This work is part of a larger altarpiece made for a hospital's church in the 1500s. I find it particularly moving because of Christ's very noticable poor physical state, something often disregarded in this era of art. While we are now used to seeing this kind of portrayal, especially after the now world-famous movie rendition of The Passion, as every-day-Christians we often overlook the true physical cost Jesus paid for us, and the torment He had to go through.

2007-07-23T17:47:00.000-04:00

- Tintoretto

The Last Supper is a familiar subject not only biblically, but artistically. Leonardo's rendition of the painting is one of the most well known paintings the world over, but it is certainly not the only version. Tintoretto's depiction is much different from Leonardo's, as his style is much more emotional than the well known logical and orderly feast. In Tintoretto's version, angels appear along with Jesus and His disciples, showing us not only our material world but the spiritual world hidden in the background. The light shining around Jesus seems to penetrate through the unseen boundary, connecting the worlds as only He can.

2007-07-13T18:07:00.000-04:00

~ Rembrandt

Book of Daniel - Chapter 5

1 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. 2 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.
5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way.
7 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
8 Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.
10 The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. "O king, live forever!" she said. "Don't be alarmed! Don't look so pale! 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king, I say—appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. 12 This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."
13 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. 15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. 16 Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
17 Then Daniel answered the king, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.
18 "O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. 19 Because of the high position he gave him, all the peoples and nations and men of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled. 20 But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21 He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes.
22 "But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. 24 Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.
25 "This is the inscription that was written:
Mene , Mene , Tekel , Parsin
26 "This is what these words mean:
Mene : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
27 Tekel : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
28 Peres : Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
29 Then at Belshazzar's command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

2007-07-12T00:52:00.000-04:00

Abraham, worth a righteous one.
Take up on the wood,
put it on your son.
Lake or lamb.
There is none to harm.
When the angel came,
you had raised your arm.

Abraham, put off on your son.
Take instead the ram
until Jesus comes

~ Sufjan Stevens

I love this painting, showing Abraham's incredible faith in his God, because of the emotion and energy given to all of the characters. It is very typical for this kind of scene to be painted, in fact, there are at least a good dozen paintings depicting this moment specifically, but this is one of the only ones which I believe truly captures the emotion and tragedy behind this. It is hard to fathom being told to do this, being told to kill your beloved son for any reason whatsover. Furthermore, it is hard to fathom being KILLED by your father! But this painting accurately depicts the pain and suffering of father and son, and the energy coming from the angel, sent to the scene only seconds before it is far too late.

Rather captivating.

Melted Wings' Wax

2007-07-10T20:31:00.000-04:00

According to Brueghel
when Icarus fell
it was spring

a farmer was ploughing
his field
the whole pageantry

of the year was
awake tingling
near

the edge of the sea
concerned
with itself

sweating in the sun
that melted
the wings' wax

unsignificantly
off the coast
there was

a splash quite unnoticed
this was
Icarus drowning

The most important thing to note in this painting is the most minuscule of details. In this painting of every day life, of people going about there business and performing the day's labors, of ships sailing in the waters of this lush landscape, there is a much bigger, and much more special meaning. In the water there are legs. They are the legs of the fallen Icarus, the fabled youth who flew to high towards the sun with wings made of wax, dooming himself to crash into the water because of his lofty ambitions and lack of obedience and discipline. Sound familiar? I think it's important to remember not to be too much like this poor fellow. Because we are often so very, very much like him.

Melted Wings' Wax

Got Nuffin'

All Is Vanity

Street Lights

Judas

Panimaquin

The Denial of St. Peter

King Hezekiah

Meaningless!

Luciferin

The Angel With The Book

Ancient of Days

Paul, a Bond Servant

Sold! To the Nice Rich Man

Panimaquin

Compassion

The Warrior's Prayer

Resurrection

The Return of the Prodigal Son

The Light of the World

A Plague of Locusts

Archangel

Jacob and the Angel

Merry Christmas

*cough*

David

Melted Wings' Wax

cough