Exhibition Night

9/28/2012

Tonight was one of the best nights of MOTA (Marriage Of The Arts) so far! Tonight was our first exhibition night. This is where everyone in MOTA gets together to display what we have been working on as artists and allow everyone to critique if they choose to. Musicians’ voices were ringing throughout the castle, writers words were being spoken powerfully bouncing off the café walls. Our photos were bigger than life on the side building, fine artists canvas art, drawings and installations blowing your mind as they hang on walls. Videos animated on the walls of the student floor, graphic design work causing your jaw to drop as you walk into the café, hand made work forcing you to stop and think as you enter the dining hall.

It was so great! I could not believe the talent that we had in one building.  It was ridiculously mind blowing. I could not stop jumping up and down in excitement. I am so stoked for how God is going to use us to share him with people on the streets. People will have no choice, but to stop and listen or stop and look. Daily as we sit in the tent for lecture we are told how much power we have with our talents and abilities. Personally, I would agree and get excited for a few minutes or so, but it never really resonated with me. After tonight there is no way I could turn away from that statement! And it isn’t only how talented we are, but that we are united in that. As artists performed roars of cheers and applause followed from classmates and staff. We are not only for Christ, but we are for each other! There is so much power in that!

This week a missionary and author shared with us a little about how she figured out how her art and missions could be merged into something that brought her so much joy, that brought God so much joy, but also how it is our responsibility! Everything that was created was created to bring him glory. We are his creation and he created us to create! It is great that we enjoy what we do, but she challenged us by asking this question: If we believe in God, who is all powerful, who has given us the holy spirit to work in us why aren’t we creating the best art in the world? Why isn’t truth being shared on a worldwide platform, trumping everything in mainstream media and art that feeds us lies and ultimately brings death?

The unfortunate answer is because we are failing.

This is my confession. I have a fear of failure. Hah that is funny, because that is exactly what I am doing. Failing. A lot of times, especially in photography I am afraid to really put my everything into it. To really strive for excellence, because I am afraid I will fall flat on my face.  And if I give everything I have, but still fall flat on my face then what will I have left?

In lecture today we talked about Peter and Jesus walking on water. Peter and the other disciples are in a boat, Jesus comes along walking on water. They become terrified, they think he is a ghost. But Peter says if it is you Jesus then I want to be where you are! I want to walk on water. Let me be with you. The others think he is crazy. He begins to take steps across the water, but then he becomes afraid and sinks. Jesus immediately reached out to catch him and he says “Oh you of little faith, why do you doubt?”. I used to think that Jesus said this in a scolding way, but now I think he kind of chuckles with a loving smile on his face as he says this. Because He loves us and he loved Peter. Because he was excited and proud! Because Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and boldness. He was overjoyed that his son wanted to be with him! That he wrecklessly set his fear aside and chose to take that step toward Jesus. Like a daddy watching his baby girl or baby boy take their first steps Jesus was so excited and overcome with joy to see her/him attempt. Jesus is asking us do you really trust me? Am I really worth it?

This is my declaration. My God is worth the risk! Even to experience just a little bit of Jesus he is worth the risk of failure. He is worth it all! I know I will fall, but I know he will catch me. He died and rose for me. So as my responsibility and in response, I will try with everything I have. Sure I may fail, but I will get up and do it again, because he is worth it.

But I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.