Cynthia Leidal

Is mysticism always through God's initiation? Is there a sense that everyone is called to receive this gift? Whether we expose ourselves to it becomes a quest. To see the symbols and receive them with a heart that is open and desire God's presence requires a passion for a relationship with the Creator. The courage to seek God in an experience yet speak of it challenges us to a deeper relationship with the divine and trust in God's care for us as we learn the language to communicate our experiences.

Pope John Paul II wrote in a Letter to Artists, "Use your creative intuition to enter into the heart of the Incarnate God and at the same time, enter into the mystery of humanity." This affirmation for the creative thinker gives strength to serve in ministry and capture the gifts to integrate the arts.

How open are we with symbols and metaphors without overanalyzing them and instead apply them to our lives simply as an introduction to a language that is a gift for us to encompass? Often we examine the Christian Scriptures and attempt to absorb the rich display of symbols, metaphors and imaginative contemplation. The challenge is to deepen our appreciation and identify with the symbolism and its meaning which may require a discipline of open mind and spirit.

"Holy Spirit, fill us with the fire of your transforming love."

I enjoy painting in prayer & meditation with life experiences to grow in a creative relationship with God, self and others. Graduate studies in pastoral ministry and certification in both spiritual direction and the Veriditas Labyrinth Project open me to experiences of the healing power of God's love and creativity. As a professional layleader in parish ministry for twenty years, I am grateful to practice integrating the arts within these disciplines.

Frequently, an image requires time to bring to fruition its meaning or purpose. The personal courage to publicly display my art was strengthened by the support of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. As a published artist, I desire visual images to be a bridge for community and the divine to reveal a message of hope and understanding. Therefore, art is alive with purpose when we join together and discover the diversity with each person's perspective. This idea may compare with some people's experience of praying in tongues and desiring an interpreter. A painter can create; however, the experience is incomplete without community.

I value teachable moments as an artist to engage creativity with prayer. When expectations are suspended in painting, sculpturing, or creative movement, I believe we can spiritually embrace the activity as a co-partnership with the divine. I am truly thankful to ECVA to ignite creative projects and unite the many messengers of faith through the arts.

Cynthia Leidal
email: sincerelycynthia@usa.net

St. John's Episcopal Church
Plymouth, Michigan