Staying healthy and creative
In January I decided to start in Genesis and just read through the Old Testament book by book. I almost didn’t make it through Leviticus. Sorry, God. I just don’t do numbers and really long sentences very well. I’m happy to say I did make it through, and now I’m in 2nd Samuel. It has been so awesome these past months reading about how it all started. I have been reacquainted with some really cool people. They are not just characters in a story to me anymore. I found that I can identify with every single on of them – the good and the bad.
At the same time of reading through the Old Testament I’ve also been experiencing a revival of sorts in the area of arts and creativity. I think it started one day when I was so upset about something, and I was tired of talking to God about it, tired of thinking about it, and I just wanted it OUT of me. So I decided to draw it out. I took all of my colored pencils, a blank piece of paper, and I just started writing out exactly what I was feeling (it was VERY raw), one phrase on top of the other, until I had gotten everything out and it looked like this…
I felt much better. I’ve been doing it since then, when I really just need to express some strong emotions – it has been very healthy for me. The other day I did another one that was inspired by all of the people I have “met” in my Old Testament reading. I have come across hero after hero, people who were normal ragtags just like me, except that their aim to live and die for God’s fame being spread has made them heroes of the faith, and I long to have that kind of a warrior heart. So I just thought, I don’t want to forget these guys. I want to remember that if they can do it, I can do it. So I drew out an ode to these heroes. Here’s what it looks like…
I simply wrote out what marked their lives (in my opinion), whether it be a certain statement they made or a description of their character.
I have found such release in drawing my feelings out on paper. It doesn’t matter if it’s color splashes, words, symbols, or just PLAIN BLACK OVER THE WHOLE PAGE (that’s for when I’m REALLY mad and upset and confused and depressed!), I feel like it keeps me healthy. But that’s just me. I’d encourage you to try it. And I would also love to know what YOU do to stay emotionally healthy. What are some ways in which you expose your soul to God (not that He doesn’t already know, but you get my drift)? How do you vent?
Jessica
Somehow I got behind on posts. That is awesome, Jess. What a cool and creative way to express what is going on. Very much you!! Thanks for sharing
Somehow I got behind on posts. That is awesome, Jess. What a cool and creative way to express what is going on. Very much you!! Thanks for sharing
Saundra, what a place to be at to be able to say, “Thank You Lord for allowing me to share in the fellowship of Your sufferings.” I guess it's a part of knowing God better, which is what we are always praying for, we just never guess it'll be through so much pain! How cool that you live on a street where you can vent so much to God!!!
Gloria, that's awesome that you ordered all those pens!! Can't wait to hear about what you create.
Marie, I write a lot in my journal to God too. I'm so glad God has given us so many ways to be able to express ourselves to Him!
I think it is a wonderful way to express what you are feeling. What helps me is to write in a journal or to poetry to the Lord. I tend to let things fester until I explode but I am doing better lately. Thank you so much for your wonderful post. I am almost finished reading in Isaiah.
I love your method of creative expression, Jessica! I recently sat between two very creative women at a conference. Both of them doodled all the time, but one of them had colored pens. The one to the right of me made friends with the colored pen lady on my left and, by the second day they were sharing the pens. They offered to switch seats with me so they wouldn't have to reach across me, but I was having too much fun watching them! Yesterday the UPS guy delivered the colored pens I ordered for myself when I got home. I haven't quite figured out what to do with them yet, but your blog gives me a good idea about where to start!
Jessica, thank you for sharing one of your methods of release. I have tried this a few times in the past and now am inspired to try it again. When you asked the question, “What do I do to stay emotionally healthy?” it started me thinking, just as it did when one of my daughters asked me, “Mom, how have you gotten through all the things of life without taking medication or going crazy?” (the crazy part is still up for question). I have always written down a lot of what I am feeling or questions I have about what is happening in the form of letters to God. Except, lately, some of my emotions have been so strong and painful that I haven't wanted to write them down. I have a great little street that I live on and for the past couple of years I have been walking that street with my Father, crying, screaming, shouting, laughing, singing, praying with my understanding and in the Spirit, quoting scripture, professing the promises of God, listening, hearing, learning to trust and waiting. Father is drawing me in deeper through these difficult and trying times. Some days my soul is in agony but His Holy Spirit is ever faithful to calm me, give me hope and allow me to experience another facet of Christ's suffering. I am learning to thank Him for that.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” He is ever faithful and His lovingkindness is better than life! I love you. Saundra.