Thursday, May 6, 2010

Art in the Trenches

During WWI Edward Stinn was a young man in the trenches in the middle of France. Amidst the sounds, smells, and fears he found himself carving into the artillery shells, creating art masterpieces, pieces of himself. He was my grandfather.

Ralph Winter writes of a ship named the Queen Mary who was designed as a beautiful luxury cruise liner. During WWII she was converted into a battle ship carrying men across the ocean. It was designed to carry 3,000 passengers, converted to carry 15,000 soldiers. From peace time to war time.

Are we expectant of the fine silverware and lush feather beds or are we bunked with brothers that we are willing to fight for the purpose before us if it means our life? If it means survival of more, less for us? Is it peace time or war time?

I don't always understand what is going on behind the scenes. Apparently, I think that God should have assigned me a commander & allow me to call things how they are. But, sometimes in war our perception can be the enemy's greatest ally.

He reminds me that this war is already won, although the battles continue. Am I willing to fight for what I believe? Fight past self gain and self pity? Am I rejoicing in the trenches; in the fear, in the chaos, in the dark quietness.. Do I understand that this is His war & that I have somehow throughout all time in grace I been written into it? Am I making Art in the Trenches to bring Him glory?

Watch out, maybe I'll design a tatoo & have my own art up my arms.. that'll get em talking...

I won't tell you about the butterflies tats that I designed in high school for Josh & I.. ;)

11 comments:

Heth said...

Good dang stuff Mel. It's always good to be reminded that we are in a war. But a war that is already won.

ShelliGib said...

Ok, first off, I'm totally getting a new tattoo after this baby. It's going over this old faded one on my back and it's gonna be big. I'm making it off the kids zodiac signs. And I think you would look sweet with sleeves!
Next, every morning Angelo has been carrying around this little sheep stuffed animal and I always think to myself....why is it so hard to just be a dumb little sheep and follow my leader...but then there is that whole free will thing. So hard to find the right combination of both. Love ya!

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