The wooden picture frame has a brown-rust tone to it. Its large and ominous size is plain without ornamentation. The gray-blue background of the canvas is dotted with tan smudges. But in the middle of the commissioned painting is the object of focus, a man with slender features. His face, arms and fingers imply a tall, imposing gentle soul. His black hair is radiant, emanating health and vitality. His tan, leathery skin matches the garment hanging on his shoulders. Rough red dots seem spattered across his shoulders. His facial expression is serious, possibly sad. His eyes are focused, as if somberly taking in the view before him, analyzing, calculating, and carefully determining his next decision.
I see this painting often. It graces the wall of a place I frequent. Often the contemplating man captures my attention as I ponder the reason for his solemn gaze. I imagine adventures taken and now considered reflectively. I wonder if his future is concerning, causing his raised eyebrow. The intent of his extended arms are difficult to discern. Is he dancing or taking a defensive stance?
But today as I considered him once again, something new entered my thoughts. He is like many people I encounter along life’s way. Only by the decorative depictions on his garment, the heavy breastplate, and feathered headdress is he recognized as Native American. The cloak his arms hold is decorated with black, white, brown and red images. Horses run and a man enjoys a recreational game of stickball. Another man is portrayed with an imposing stance holding a rifle, followed by a maiden and dancing warrior. Then there is a portrayal of the Trail of Tears. Yet, aside from what he wears, he would be known merely as a man with a lovely tan. It is only by that with which he is adorned that his heritage is discernable.
I later learned the painting is “The Resiliency of the People,” and was commissioned from an Oklahoma and Chickasaw artist, Mike Larsen. A review of history readily reveals a multitude of historical events that could have been running through the artist’s mind as he painted the subject. It is with little doubt that his heritage weighs on the mind of the man in the painting as readily as his cloak depicts his heritage.
Thoughtfully considering the burden his shoulders must bear, I began to ponder that all people are made in the image and likeness of God. Yet our differences are often seen by what we choose to put on. We often choose to wear clothing and accessories based on personal preferences, as well as social and cultural norms and mores. We choose how far and in what directions we allow our internal dialogue to wander, resulting in our outlook, values and attitudes. And it is by these internal and external decisions that we are recognized by others.
Similarly, Jesus said …
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 niv
So, I wonder, what choices we are making. What do we choose to wear on our bodies and in our private thoughts? How are we recognized among others? Do we readily display our social status by the creature comforts with which we adorn our bodies? What expressions are discerned on our faces? How might our actions and conversations throughout the day reveal our inner world? By what are we recognized?
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quite strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 msg
Reflective Resource:
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Redeemed: First introduced to us in the Scriptures merely as the wife Judah got for his firstborn son, Tamar’s name is the first woman listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. From the decisions of her likely conflicted and inconsolable father-in-law, Tamar’s life was fraught with dysfunctional family dynamics, loss, betrayal, and risks that eventually led to regaining a name worthy of respect. Judah’s many losses and checkered past appear to have led him to … read more here
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Blessings,
WarrioroftheWord / tanja dufrene
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