Living Art

On Saturday, March 26th, I received the most beautiful compliment from a stranger.

I was walking back to my car after a pleasant self-date at Salt & Straw in Lake Oswego, OR, when Carrie Bissell called out to me.

"Oh, there she is! I was hoping you would pass by. I LOVE your shoes! Would you mind telling me where you got them?"

I stopped to chat with Carrie and her husband, delighted from the beginning by their friendly natures.

Carrie proceeded to compliment my dress. I showed her the website where I ordered it. We continued to chat and laugh, remarking at how wonderful it was to connect with people this way. Eventually, I asked for her phone number. She promised to let me know when she ordered her own dress and shoes.

I thought my kindness tank was full to the brim when Carrie went on to say, "You know, we came here for the Art Walk, but then we saw you. You're LIVING ART!"

I think my breath caught. I know I was beaming, my kindness tank now overflowing.

What a banner to of love to hang over a stranger!

What a song to sing about someone you just met!

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I pondered this compliment the whole drive home. Why did it strike a chord with me?

I realized: Understanding WE are Living Artwork isn't just a pretty sentiment. It is a fundamental truth.

We are made in the image of a fiercely beautiful God (Genesis 1:27).

We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139).

We are His clay, the work of His hands (Isaiah 64:8).

We are His workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).

We are beautiful, intentionally formed, treasured crafts lovingly made by the greatest Artist of all time. Every day we carry His signature. Living Artwork is who we are.

This truth applies to us whether we believe it or not. It applies whether we believe in God or not.

The God who formed you absolutely ADORES you- EVEN IF you spend every day denying His artistry in your life. EVEN WHEN you take credit for the signature- buying the lie that you are self-made.

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When Carrie hung this truth-banner over me and sung this truth-song about me, it ignited a mission in my spirit.

We must start recognizing the Living Artwork around us. We must start speaking the NAME of the Artist over one another.

LOOK UP.

Your barista? Living Art. Made in the image of God.

Your elderly neighbor? Living Art. Formed by the Master.

Your gas attendant? Living Art. Designed by Jesus.

The homeless person on the corner. Living Art. Crafted by the Great I AM.

The child asking a BAZILLION questions? Living Art. Created by The LORD Jehovah.

The one who isn't returning your phone calls? Living Art. Shaped by the Only Wise God.

That person who cuts you off in traffic? Living Art. Purposed by the King of Kings.

The coworker who gets under your skin? Living Art. Fashioned by the Lord of Lords.

The server who takes "too long" to bring out your water? Living Art. Composed by Emmanuel.

Every person you meet? Living Art!

There are a lot of people walking around feeling like less than a masterpiece.

What if we stopped them?

What if we pointed out Who the are and Whose they are?

What if we declared, "Hey! I recognize this Artist and He does GREAT work. YOU are ONE OF A KIND!"

They may not catch on right away, but if enough of us were singing this song on repeat it just might get stuck in their heads.

Friends, let this mission light up your heart.

It will cost you nothing and they might gain everything.

Let's sing this song over one another.

Let's hang this banner on each heart.

Until we believe it.

Until they see it.

We are Living Art.