I am seeing more and more that we begin to learn what it is to walk by faith when we learn to spread out all that is against us: all our physical weakness, loss of mental power, spiritual inability--all that is against us inwardly and outwardly--as sails to the wind and expect them to be vehicles for the power of Christ to rest upon us. It is so simple and self-evident--but so long in the learning.~Lilias Trotter
Last week my daughter said, "I finally watched that movie you recommended to me awhile ago. Many Beautiful Things. Oh, it was so well done. I loved it." I remembered making the recommendation, and replied, "You know, I was never able to find the movie. I just heard about it and wanted to watch it." My daughter exclaimed, "Oh, Mom, you've got to watch it; it's on YouTube now."
The movie is about the life of Lilias Trotter. She was a painter, writer and missionary to North Africa during the Victorian era. The movie reveals how a modern day woman became so enthralled with Lilias that she worked for decades to find her lost art and letters that she'd written to John Ruskin for over two decades. Ruskin, an English writer, philosopher and art critic became aware of Lilias Trotter and her artistic gifting. He told her that he could promote her and create a platform for her in the art world that would lead to renown and prominence. After this offer, Lilias was thrown into a crisis of faith. She had a heart to minister and help the downtrodden, the poor and underserved. She ultimately chose to travel to Algiers with two other women to serve the Muslim population, especially the women and children.
Lilias lived in North Africa for forty years. She continued to correspond with John Ruskin who could never understand why she chose to create art in obscurity. Lilias was captivated by the desert--the sunsets glowing apricot and rose--the blooming orbs of pink, violet and orange contrasting against the desert sands. She continued to write of her life there and sketched breathtakingly beautiful watercolor snapshots of the landscape and people she loved. The movie captures her life in a way that I cannot fully describe. I think you'd enjoy this movie. Find it inspirational. Discover it here on YouTube. Many Beautiful Things
BLESSING FOR DESTINY
Our hearts yearn to participate in something that will outlive us.
God plants that deep desire there in our hearts, like a fire that cannot be extinguished.
Sometimes the fire becomes smoldering embers, but still it burns.
What burns in you?
May God grant you courage to stoke the fire of your faith.
It is not too late.
May you know that He embraces you. Your "yes" to Him warmth and brightness.