Loading Video . . . Anna Paddock's song captures the seeming simplicity of Lydia's conversion juxtaposed with the depth of the life changing event in Acts 16:13-15. Acts 16:13-15 Stop Listen By Anna Paddock Credits: Written by Anna Paddock. 2016 Performed and recorded by Anna Paddock and Patrick Anderson Curated by: Sarah Gregory 2016 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This song is written from the perspective of Lydia. As I spent time reading this passage, it struck me as an interesting conversion story. Lydia seemed to have her life in order and wasn't in a state of physical need or apparent desperation of any kind. She was already a follower of God, had a family, lived in the city, and was an established working woman. And yet, on presumably just an ordinary Sabbath day, she heard a message from strangers that inspired her to believe and be baptized. "The Lord opened her heart", it says, and I wonder what that felt like to her in that moment. It's a mysterious thing, and yet I can relate to the feeling of knowing that our seemingly mundane existences can be interrupted with inexplainable heart awakenings and understandings, and it was a reminder to me to stop and listen. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Anna Paddock is a singer-songwriter and pianist based in Brooklyn, NY, although her family roots are in Manitoba, Canada. Anna studied piano at Trinity Western University and then received her Masters in Music Theory and Composition from New York University. Anna has collaborated with filmmakers, choreographers, and other songwriters as a composer and vocalist, and released her first solo album, “ Feel Better ” in 2013. She currently teaches in New York, and recently released a self-titled EP “ The Lay Awakes ” – a collaboration with her husband (rockstar Canadian paralympian) Patrick Anderson. Anna and Patrick make their home with their baby boy, Stanley, and are members of Resurrection Williamsburg Church. Website Anna Paddock About the Artist Anna Paddock Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Alina Potemska Lords Compassions Loading Video . . . In the past (2010-2014), Spark+Echo Arts has grouped the year into themes. 2014's themes included poverty, meals, eavesdropping, etc. In 2015, we are trying something different. Instead of thematic groupings, we have asked our artists to create works in response to specific books of the Bible. 2015's explorations will consist of: Lamentations, Philemon, Joshua, and Psalm 107. The first work within this approach, this striking piece from Ukrainian artist Alina Potemska responds to Lamentations 2:18. Lamentations 3:22-25 Lord's compassions fail not By Alina Potemska Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts, Selected through Artist Submissions 2015 40×50 cm Colored pencils, paper on cardboard Collage Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My work claims to the theme of God's mercy to whole nations in general and particularly to each person. We can experience any struggles and think that it's last stage of trials. But as a rain feeds the arid land and have no limits in every day refreshing, in the same way God's love and tenderness captures us in a flow that keeps us from any trouble and problem. Even more, it doesn't really matter what issues are under the boat, it is only important that we are safe in the God's shelter and are covered by His love and mercy. We flow in His stream and it cures us and gives us felling of safety. Maybe, as Jeremiah did, we should experience some trials to appreciate this gift. During the horrible time of war in my homeland, it's natural to us ask God why He allowed this? But especially in this trouble we can feel deeply LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, and it's new every morning, so thanks to God for that! Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Alina Potemska graduated from the National Art Academy in her hometown Kyiv in 2013 and keeps her passion in illustration and printmaking. Alina is active participant in row of exhibition and takes part in social activeness through art. In 2015 she was nominated for Polish governmental Scholarship “Gaude Polonia”. “My art is a part of me and my understanding of life. I would be more than happy if it serves any person in any extend to become more fulfilled and experience something new in his life”. Website Alina Potemska About the Artist Alina Potemska Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Poet Hayan Charara explores the theme of "Harvest" through Jeremiah 8:20. Jeremiah 8:20 The Harvest is Past By Hayan Charara Credits: Curated by: Emily Ruth Hazel 2013 Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link I was drawn to Jeremiah 8:20 for a few reasons. At its most basic, it is a lament, and its message rings true for me, both literally (I live in Texas, which for years has suffered a severe and destructive drought) and metaphorically (reading the passage I couldn’t help but think of how the world’s ills have imposed themselves on the lives of loved ones, especially those who live in the war-torn Middle East—including my father and brother—and those who live in my hometown, Detroit). The tone also grabbed my attention. Unlike the angry invective with which most “jeremiads” are associated, whether Biblical or modern-day, Jeremiah 8:20 is, at least in isolation, again a lament more than a diatribe; it bears more responsibility than blame. Also worthwhile is the “we,” a pronoun of authoritarian, grandiose rhetoric (think “We the people…”). Here, though, the “we” accomplishes something close to the opposite. While authoritative, its tone is also inclusive and even humble. Finally, the formal elements impressed me. Jeremiah 8:20 is nearly a traditional haiku insofar as the number of syllables-per-line is concerned. The traditional 5-7-5 structure is here 5-6-5. As a way to impose conciseness, I decided to adopt the 5-6-5 syllabic structure, and also to follow the parallelism of the independent clauses, which added gravitas to the original passage and, I hope, to my poem. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Hayan Charara is the author of three poetry books, The Alchemist’s Diary (Hanging Loose, 2001), a Publisher’s Weekly “Notable Debut,” The Sadness of Others (Carnegie Mellon, 2006), nominated for the National Book Award, and the forthcoming Something Sinister (Carnegie Mellon, 2014). He is a recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, for poetry, as well as the Lucille Joy Prize for Poetry from the creative writing program at the University of Houston. His poems have been published widely, translated into French and Arabic, and nominated several times for the Pushcart Prize. He also edited Inclined to Speak (University of Arkansas, 2008), an anthology of contemporary Arab American poetry, and has also written a children’s book, The Three Lucys , winner of the New Voices Award Honor and forthcoming from Lee & Low Books in 2014. He teaches in the Honors College at the University of Houston. Website Hayan Charara About the Artist Hayan Charara Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art (1)The bees come from far, the migrant workers too, but the rains do not. View Full Written Work THE HARVEST IS PAST, THE SUMMER HAS ENDED, AND WE ARE NOT SAVED by Hayan Charara (1) The bees come from far, the migrant workers too, but the rains do not. (2) The ground cracks open, the lost pines choke the sky, and the cows are trapped. (3) We prepare for war, we sing songs, weep, and pray, and so does our foe. (4) The children are fed, they are clothed, taught, cherished, and they too must go. Close Loading Video . . . (1)The bees come from far, the migrant workers too, but the rains do not. Download Full Written Work

Rev5 1 4 Lknights Main Image Lily Knights, For Reaching and Holding (detail) Lily Knights, For Reaching and Holding (detail) Loading Video . . . Artist Lily Knights transfers her love of murals onto canvas as she responds to Revelation 5:1-4. Revelation 5:1-4 For Reaching and Holding By Lily Knights Credits: Curated by: Lauren Ferebee 2016 88 x 64 inches paint and ink on canvas Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My piece is inspired by the idea of unexpected community. What a vivid image the text provides: all hands on deck, trying and equally failing. We put so much energy into proving we are worthy — to ourselves and each other. We want to be loved and heard and to do something with our time that matters. We spend our lives attempting impossible tasks and feeling a familiar sense of futility. But that is the essence of our humanity; our foibles and our failings unify us. When I read this passage, I want all those hands collectively coming up short to know that we are in this together and that we are leveled by our insufficiency, our inadequacy, our imperfection. When we recognize that, we can realize our connections to each other. The hands represent humanity and individuality, striving and art. The gold represents the divine, surrounding us and tying us to each other. I put this idea into practice while creating my piece. It was a process that took a few weeks, a lot of space and a great deal of patience. I spent some time with my anxiety, fearing I wouldn't be able to realize my vision, before I reached out to my friends and let them step in to lend a hand. Thanks to Valerie, Luke, Lucy, Jonathan, Jake, Bill and Andy. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Lily Knights is a graphic designer, illustrator and photographer. In addition to her creative drive to make art, she has a passion for working with local organizations involved in the arts and dedicated to community building. Lily lives in South Carolina with her children, Bebe and Amby. lily-knights.com etsy.com/shop/RaisetheProof Website Lily Knights About the Artist Lily Knights Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . A classic gets revisited in this musical piece by composer and arranger J.R. Mikels. Mikels composed his rendition of the hymn "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" in response to Matthew 28:6-7 and Luke 24:6-7, expanding on the melody throughout the work. It is performed here by Center Stage Brass for Spark+Echo Arts to celebrate Easter. Luke 24:6-7 Matthew 28:6-7 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today By J.R. Mikels Credits: Composer: J.R. Mikels Musicians: Center Stage Brass Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2021 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My treatment of ''Christ The Lord Is Risen Today'' was penned while living in Bethel, Connecticut; working as a school bus mechanic helper and staying with a small group that was establishing a Christian mission church in the area. It was first performed publicly for Easter Morning services in 1973 as a ''4 hands'' piano piece in a large gym; always my favorite type of room, acoustically. Later I scored it for Brass or Woodwind Choir. The two Bible references (both interestingly enough verses 6-7) announce the core of the Christian Faith. Without the resurrection, there is no redemption. Growing up, this hymn was very enthusiastically sung in our church only once per year and I always looked forward to it — especially the counterpoint in the 'Alleluias'. When asked to compose an Easter prelude for the mission, setting this melody was an easy choice. No one seems to know who wrote it originally. The ''tune first circulated in 1708 with the Lyra Davidica hymnal, but no composer has ever been acknowledged.'' (Christianity Today Magazine) The piece was recorded for Spark+Echo Arts in 2021 by Center Stage Brass of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection J.R. Mikels was born In Door County, Wisconsin, and raised on a dairy farm/cherry orchard. He began piano at age 5 and played organ at St. Peter's church. He holds a Music Theory/Education degree from UW Madison with additional studies at Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He has been an itinerant rock musician, school/private instrumental director/teacher, mechanic, farmer, researcher, recording studio owner/producer, arranger/composer, and currently resides ''in the woods'' near Iola, Wisconsin. Website J.R. Mikels About the Artist J.R. Mikels Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . As the second work in a collection curated by Shann Ray, also featuring the works of Vanessa Kay, Alan Heathcock and Shann Ray; this beautiful work by Mary Jane Nealon explores theme of “Light and Darkness” from the perspective of Isaiah 61:3. Isaiah 61:3 Adoration of the Foot By Credits: Curated by: Shann Ray 2013 Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This piece is my attempt to highlight the body as the warrior for the spirit. In every situation of suffering that I have witnessed, the body asserts itself as a force for life. I am convinced that despair often comes with physical pain and that comforting the suffering body is what makes way for praise. I am especially drawn to the power of the human foot, which is the element of praise in my poem. The body in despair is often curled and tight and touching the foot with compassion and love is a way to honor the suffering person, to praise the body’s struggle to live and in doing so, one often sees the body uncurl, open out and release the suffering spirit. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Mary Jane Nealon , RN, MFA has worked as a nurse and writer for 36 years. She has two collections of poetry: Rogue Apostle and Immaculate Fuel (Four Way Books). She has received fellowships from the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Breadloaf Writer’s Conference. Her memoir, Beautiful Unbroken : One Nurse’s Life (Graywolf, 2011) won the Bakeless Nonfiction Prize. Website Mary Jane Nealon About the Artist Mary Jane Nealon Other Works By As the second work in a collection curated by Shann Ray, also featuring the works of Vanessa Kay , Alan Heathcock and Shann Ray ; this beautiful work by Mary Jane Nealon explores theme of “Light and Darkness” from the perspective of Isaiah 61:3: and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Related Information View More Art Make More Art I took my hand, which was as waxy as a crayon and reached into the world and it hit the bottom of someone’s foot. View Full Written Work ADORATION OF THE FOOT by Mary Jane Nealon I took my hand, which was as waxy as a crayon and reached into the world and it hit the bottom of someone’s foot. I made a career of it. The feet were (swollen, blue, veiny, excoriated), and always at the bottom of the bed, when I entered in white. A bride of the foot. ~ At the peak of the AIDS epidemic, I could not look Marco in the face, venue for his suffering but we understood that in his right foot there was a door to a netherworld and tethered there, forever there, I left my hand on an opening. My hand wanted to both see beyond where we stood and to hold his spirit here in this room, maybe if I pressed gently at the bottom of the foot, he would live, his soul might find no egress. Yet, when the swelling was wide enough, the pain was wide enough his spirit pushed past my hand, into the room and for a few moments, his skin, (which appeared as a wide curved door) opened towards the ocean of grief in the room, and he rose into some odd oblivion of sound meeting no-sound. ~ And then someone else’s feet: a woman running into the Emergency Room, downtown Jersey City, a Vietnamese woman escaping her husband’s gun, she ran three miles down Montgomery Street, from the highest point to the lowest point over glass and the curved street leading to the Turnpike, past the Kosher grocer and the Seventh Precinct, ran into the hospital, bloodied. I held my arms out to her. I held my arms out. I scrubbed her feet in front of the detective who said, it’s a waste of time, she’ll go back to him…. but she and I understood her husband no longer had anything to do with it, she had made a comrade of her feet and in the shards we lifted with tweezers from her heels, in the glossy black stitches that reattached her toes, we praised the beginning of a beautiful mutiny. In the fluorescent light of antisepsis, her feet were quite simply, revolutionary. Close Loading Video . . . I took my hand, which was as waxy as a crayon and reached into the world and it hit the bottom of someone’s foot. Download Full Written Work

natures_lamp_light_collage.jpg Loading Video . . . The Constant is a blueprint for an experience, a composition, performance, activity, guided improvisation exploring the Creation account in Genesis. It is a set of cards that, when used by a group of willing participants will bring out their talents and result in something new, a creation that tells something unique about the group itself. Genesis 1 The Constant By Jonathon Roberts Credits: Special Thanks: John Roberts and the Nature’s Lamp project Artist Location: New York City Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2010 Guided improvisation/creative blueprint Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This work explores the Creation Account by doing, by creating. The actions outlined on the cards could be carried out by a musical or theatrical ensemble, a corporate team, as a workshop or performance, and for any length of time. What each group creates depend on their identity; just as creation tells us about our Creator, so our creations tell others about us. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection J onathon Roberts is a composer and sound designer for games, film, theatre, and ensembles. His style grew out of classical and jazz training, and evolved through quality life adventures: touring the country in an RV with a one person theater piece on the Apostle Paul, living in Brooklyn with an improv music ensemble, performing in a downtown NYC absurdist comedy band, and a long stint writing music for the renowned slot machine company, High 5 Games. He has released four albums including the latest, Cities a song cycle personifying biblical cities. He created the popular podcast/web series ComposerDad Vs. Bible , in which ComposerDad accepts intense compositional challenges from a mysterious Bible while out with his kids. He frequently collaborates on music and theater projects with his wife, actor Emily Clare Zempel. They live in Beacon, NY, with their two boys and a tangled box of electrical cords. www.jonathonroberts.com Website Jonathon Roberts About the Artist Loving Arms I Make Tents The Sower Response There Is Room These are My Sons Consider Me a Partner Weakness The Day Is Almost Here Surrogate Babbler Remember Me Prayer How Beautiful I Am a Fool Ecclesiastes Cows Blessing Fools for Christ More Than Rubies Only a Few Years Will Pass Dear Friend Jonathon Roberts Other Works By Download the set of cards: The Constant Each card comes with an image corresponding to a day of Creation, and a set of instructions. the holder of "The Constant" card is the leader; other cards are distributed to participants. Click above to download the entire set in high resolution. Below are previews of each card. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Sarah Gregory's beautiful song responds to Psalm 107:17-22. Psalms 107:17-22 I Was a Fool By Sarah Gregory Credits: Composed, Written, and Performed by Sarah Gregory Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2015 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link On Psalm 107:17-22 Who doesn’t like food? I could not fathom the fools described in Psalm 107 who “loathed any kind of food and drew near to death.” At any given moment, I’m either eating or thinking about eating. It’s the only thing in my life that has my loyal attention. So, I tried to imagine the kind of state I’d have to be in to truly dislike food. And then I remembered, "Oh yeah, just last week I ate a huge plate of fries right after I’d just eaten a huge bagel dripping with cream cheese and afterward I never wanted to taste, smell, touch or even see food ever again." So I suppose these idiots in Psalm 107 filled up on all the crap food and completely lost their appetite for food at all. But then these jerks did the smartest thing anyone can ever do when they screw it all up: they started crying. That cry that you cry when you just finally give up. You don’t care anymore about your embarrassment over the massive plate of french fries and the jumbo bagel. "I admit it, I’m an idiot and I just don’t want to be an idiot anymore. Please, I just don’t want to feel this way ever again." So you cry to the only thing that can pull you out of this misery, this misery that is yourself. And then, hot damn, He actually pulls you out of the misery. You get saved from a literal drowning in french fries and bagels. You move from the gates of hell to God’s house where the twenty four hour chef makes you hand crafted salads that actually taste delicious and you have more energy throughout your work day. Then, at dinner He pours you a perfectly portioned glass and a half of chardonnay – just enough to give you the happy buzz but not so much that you start silently panicking about your career choices and fixating on your husband’s flaws. Then, buzzed from that beautiful buttery wine, you sit down together in front of a crackling fire, pull out the guitar and sing a sappy love song about how "I love you more," "No way, I love you more." Except the french fries are sin, and the salad is Jesus? Something like that. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Sarah Gregory’s lush and quicksilver vocalism is most frequently showcased in her work with the online music-comedy quartet The Gregory Brothers, who are responsible for The Double Rainbow Song, The Bed Intruder Song, and other viral hits that have garnered the group two Comedy Awards, three Webbys, a gold and a platinum record and over 600 million YouTube views. In the last ten years since moving from her home state of Texas to New York, Mrs. Gregory has crooned all over town with her soul band The Stanleys and has lent her voice to many amazing artists and projects, such as Kelley McRae, Andrew Rose Gregory, Pony of Good Tidings, The Welcome Wagon, Sufjan Stevens, BiFrost, Dishman + Co., The Key of Awesome and Josh Rutner’s Twelve Gates. Here Mrs. Gregory lays forth a rare vulnerability, stripped of both her precious autotune and her usual co-conspirators. Website Sarah Gregory About the Artist Sarah Gregory Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Plottwist Watson Loading Video . . . Stephen Watson's work "Plot Twist for Mutts" is a response to the theme of "strangers" and Ephesians 3:1-7. Ephesians 3:1-7 Plot Twist for Mutts By Stephen Watson Credits: Location: Alabama Curated by: Self-submitted 2014 31.75 inches tall, 25.75 inches wide, 7.25 inches deep wood, glass, mirror, LED lights, window blinds, acrylic paint Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Through the gospel of Jesus, the Gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jews, members of the same body, and partakers of the same promises of God. Jesus redeems non-Jews—the mutts, the untouchables, the foreigners, the dark and wild ones—and includes them in the inheritance of the glorious riches of God. This unveiled mystery is the plot twist of all plot twists, the drawing back of the curtain, and the true light shining in the darkness. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Stephen Watson earned an M.F.A. in Art from The University of Alabama in 2013. He currently teaches for the art departments at The University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa. Website Stephen Watson About the Artist Stephen Watson Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Playwright Judith Leora responds to the theme of "Fools" from Ecclesiastes 4:5 and one of the vivid translations of this passage that reads: "The fool folds his hands together and eats his own flesh" (ESV). Ecclesiastes 4:5 Drowning in Cake By Judith Leora Credits: Trix read by: Jody Christopherson Trina read by: Julie Fogh Fern read by: Alana Rader Lawyer read by: Giverny Petitmermet Curated by: Michael Markham 2013 Play Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link I love theatre because I'm thrilled when I hear the truth. And there's something exhilarating about being in the same room with the performer when you hear it. I don't get that same connection in other mediums. And there is something dramatic about hearing and seeing an idea in conflict. As a young writer, I had a tendency to write about abstract ideas. When you start with an idea, it tends to not be that dramatic. What is dramatic is the human element. The world is profoundly unfair. Things do not work out that well for most people in the world. But there is something innate in us, which always seems to think that the world is supposed to be fair. That there is an ideal we can attain. And we are continually shocked when we miss the mark. I think most people live in the space in between these two ideas. How happy we are usually depends on how well we adjust to this dissonance. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection JUDITH LEORA is a playwright and screenwriter who grew up half in upstate NY and half in Berlin, where her parents worked. Since then she has also lived on all four sides on the United States, and feels free to write about pretty much anything in the world. Judith began her career writing sketch, animation, television pilots and screenplays. More recently, Judith was one of the Founding writers of New York Madness and is now the Managing Director. Her play Gideon was recently commissioned by the University of Massachusetts (Lowell) and will premiere in April 2013. Recent projects: Fumes (film), directed by Michael Markham; Crying in Nigeria, Pussyfest Redux, Caplocks Theatre; The Raven (co-librettist) Emerging Actors Theatre March 2012. Numerous short plays produced in New York, including multiple plays with the Great Unknowns showcase, ESPA Detention series, New York Madness, One Minute Play Festival, Stampede Lab, Playwrights for Pets, 15th Floor Playwrights, the Have Another Bar/Play Crawl, Above the Bridge, Street Festival and Arkham Playwrights. Full-lengths: broken, The Cookie Fight, Elijah, Gideon, The Cad (musical). Co-produced Gate B23 , NYC International Fringe Festival (2010). M.A. (Playwriting): Texas A&M University (Charles Gordone, Mentor) Graduate Playwriting Award. Contact info: Judithleora@gmail.com Website Judith Leora About the Artist Judith Leora Other Works By Read the script. DROWNING-IN-CAKE-by-Judith-Leora .pdf Download PDF • 38KB Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Marc Morin offers this impassioned reflection on the struggle to do the right thing in the face of ongoing adversity in response to 1 Samuel 24:3-7. 1 Samuel 24:3-7 Caves and Echoes By Marc Morin Credits: Recording by Marc Morin Curated by: Michael Markham 2020 Spoken Word Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This poetic reflection of a time in King David's life touches the area of our lives where our cave-like experiences in life have the power to direct our journey to the promise God has given us by the way we handle our storms. Too many times in life people see our accomplishments but rarely witness our struggles or pain experienced during our journey to arrive at that place of desired completion. With this said, our character invites us to look deeper in our caves and storms where they hear an echo of experiences turning into wisdom, lessons and beautiful characteristics of our hearts. Our destiny must be processed through these trying times so God can release the promise to the character we must become… who He promised it to. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Marc Morin is a father of three who abides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Vimana. He serves as a deacon at Mission Network International For Human Services. He first felt the calling of a poet in the spring of 2015 where he wrote his first poem. Since finding this new desire for poetry he has written well over a thousand poems expressing his love for God, inner reflection and encouraging believers to have a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Website Marc Morin About the Artist Marc Morin Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art Trapped in the caves of my promise, In the caves of misery and darkness With brethren yet no water View Full Written Work Title: Caves And Echoes by Marc Morin Trapped in the caves of my promise, In the caves of misery and darknessWith brethren yet no water (Simple days where I took walks about in confidence) Is this the reflection of the promise process? Helper of Joseph, remember me, my soul is in Egypt... I hang low with the fanged winged fiends And I hear their worries of hunger: "Let me see!" But I am like them except with holes in my flight Just when I soar, my enemy pierces me with words "He has fallen;" Arrows of lofty thoughts and discouragement of weighty nights Progression has one Master but I am it's servant... (My head is bowed and my eyes arise to the sounds of the morning My gaze quickly finds the horizon through the murky floor reflection The flooding of light approaches, coming to my countenance But the mouth of the cave has become darken- Wait! Clarity has sought my soul Here it comes in the hands of my own) And here, here comes my adversary... Upon my tools I stare, upon the choices I can grasp: With anger I can slay, but would this bring character delay? But with love, I know I can create- An example for others to follow. And just then I remembered when I led my sheep to peaceful waters (How I remember those days...) When my songs were simple, Words dancing with praise unto my starry Teacher And now look! My pen is dried in the staleness of my position And my ink is filled with pain and questions My canvas continually cries "too what end will you finish writing inward destruction?" I am being watered by His promise and the weight of memories Yes! How I loved Samuel... The one who blanketed my prayers while my head lay on rocks with our Rock My eyes strain with the grandeur of my possessions lost He has exposed himself and my sword cries vengeance: "Let me take back my light with his life in my knife!" But... But love calls me to raid his robe [The sound of clothing shredding] I WILL NOT LEAVE MY PROCESS! So let the caves whisper to many and their inner storms: "He echoed love" Close Loading Video . . . Trapped in the caves of my promise, In the caves of misery and darkness With brethren yet no water Download Full Written Work

Breadth2 Loading Video . . . Melissa Beck's work, Breadth, reflects on 1 Kings 17:7-16 and the theme of "meals." 1 Kings 17:7-16 Breadth By Melissa Beck Credits: Artist Location: Brooklyn, New York Curated by: Rebekah Kim 2014 Mixed media, sculpture Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link On the Art: A road is a journey The same surface over and over Given a small amount over and over Steadily and consistently Amounting to something significant Little bit for a long period of time Becoming part of the ground on which it falls Elements that meld Incomprehensible depths of comfort from consistent provision On the Passage: The story of the Widow at Zarephath is one of depletion, sacrifice, and miraculous provision. The Lord directed Elijah to this widow who was about to prepare her last meal for her and her son. She only had enough oil and flour for them to eat one last time. Yet when this stranger asked her, she obeyed and made bread for Elijah instead. For her obedience a miraculous thing happened. She was told her "jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry." From giving up of her last meal she was provided for indefinitely. Out of utter depletion came inexplicable provision for so much time beyond even when this passage ends. What I love about this story is the length of provision. She was given oil and flour everyday for the rest of her life. She was given unto abundance, but not all at once. Rather these elements of simplicity and basic need were provided for steadily and consistently. There was a little bit for a long period of time. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Melissa Beck ’s work explores elements of the everyday redefining the familiar in unexpected ways so as to reawaken our eyes to what is often overlooked. She is an emerging artist living and working in Brooklyn, NY. Melissa grew up in Los Angeles and San Diego. She achieved her MFA in sculpture at Pratt Institute and graduated in 2013. Her dream is to create large-scale public artwork and to become an art professor. When Melissa isn’t making art, life for her consists of freelance sewing and display work, nanny-ing, dancing, laughing with her friends, visiting the California sun and taking life one step at a time with her Creator. Website Melissa Beck About the Artist Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Part 1 Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Part 2 Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Part 3 Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Part 4 Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Melissa Beck Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work