Broken Spirit
36 by 48 inches
Acrylic
This painting portrays an African couple
uprooted from their country with its lush vegetation. Even though they are close to each other, they
are isolated. Each person is in their own world and thoughts. Their
stance expresses an emotional trauma they have been through—war,
genocide, drought, famine, or disease.
The man in dark purple stands behind the woman , his eyes are shut,
his head hangs between hunched shoulders representing fatigue,
hopelessness and defeat. In contrast the woman seeks to make eye
contact. She holds her head high and looks straight at the viewer,
eyeball-to-eyeball, trying to capture our attention, to beckon and
involve us into her life—into her predicament. She is yearning for
empathy. On the table is an extinguished oil lamp. Is it symbolic of their
plight? As Christians can we bring the Light and Hope of Christ
into their lives?
How do we respond to their predicament? Are we prepared to encourage and support them—to be the hands and
feet of Jesus; to bring His caring love to those in despair?
Remembering Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35-36. “For I was hungry,
and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me
Drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked and you
clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison and you
came to Me.”
May we have the faith and courage to do so.
Amen |
