When Art Collides with Vision

A couple years back, I never thought that I would have the ability to created stunning digital pieces of art. It wasn't because I didn't want to become a digital artist; it was simply that I didn't believe I had what it took to do so. I limited myself by my own doubts and fears, and if I had continued to follow that path; I fear what the outcome would have been.

However, thankfully I did not remain in the slumps of despair, and instead let the fire in my heart overwhelm my doubts and contend with my fears. Every day, I am challenged with a new trial, and every day I must try my best to overcome it. For can any do any more, or less? Even when I feel like I've failed, and at the end of the day I have nothing to show for my efforts; yet still, I praise God.

He gave me the talents I have grown to love so deeply, but even more so, through my stories and my art; God has shown Himself to me in ways that still are unfathomable. While I've by no means arrived, I know I'm further ahead then I was those years ago. And that alone is enough to encourage me to keep looking forward, head high and heart full of hope. Without hope, we would lose far more then our passions. We would lose ourselves. I for one refuse to let the enemy take my dream, and no matter the trial or the circumstance; I believe that God gives us our talents and abilities to bring glory to His name.

What dream has God given you? What will you do with it? Are you slipping into the dangerous slopes of hopelessness and defeat? Do you feel like your passion has been asleep? If so, I have good news for you. It's not dead. I'll say that again: IT'S NOT DEAD. It is time for the sleepers to arise, for the lost, rejected, and broken ones to raise their blades with quivering hands and shout triumphantly with ragged, precious hearts ablaze. This day is not for the perfect, it is for the prepared. Those who are familiar with the taste of defeat will be given the liberty to dance with unshackled feet.

Precious one, loved by God; you are not alone in your fight. No matter the darkness, no matter it's might...you were never alone; all wrong will be made right.

Afterglow: A Poem Inspired by my Books

"Afterglow" was inspired by the story of Nula Swiftblade, the adoptive brother of Leah Sunstrider. Their story is told in The Peace Keepers Chronicles; soon to be released. 

More details coming soon!

You were always ahead of your time,

Standing so strong, gaze set forward.

The fiery heart, consuming your mind.

I always slipped behind, never ahead,

I watch you rise, unafraid of the night.

Yes, here I hide from my demons instead.

You slip from my gaze, a new day,

I'm trying to fight, but audacity,

Isn't what strikes me as I slip away.

Can't you see your fire is what I lack?

Do you notice the hurt dancing inside,

Drowned in the hope that I want back?

You fight so hard; eyes aflame, you strive,

Pain is a familiarity, rejection my friend.

I try to rise, but in the end, I'm barely alive.

Please don't misunderstand my pain,

For selfish need, I'm no-one's leech. 

My God, I just want to feel again.

So take your destiny in your hands,

Ride the wind upon broad wings.

Fearless, bring healing to our land.

I'll always follow in your great shadow,

Crippled but fighting, ever your rear guard.

I'm not whole, but I swear, I'm caught up in your afterglow.

A Christians' Look at Racial Tension in the United States

     One does not have to look long and hard at our country, as well as the world at large, to see the mass racial tension that holds us in its vise-like grip. Even though this tension is by no means new, there has been a drastic shift in how it is expressed; and it is not a good one. Especially after the election of President Trump, the riots have not only increased in volume, but in violence as well; only further damaging already shattered ties. In a country torn asunder by hate and prejudice, it poses the question, “why?” and begs for an explanation, as well as a solution. What could that solution be? That depends on whom you ask. Ardent supporters of movements such as Black Lives Matter are armed with pointed declarations of injustice, and strive to improve the lives of African Americans; a certainly admirable goal to strive for.

     However, their actions do not always line up with what they say they believe. The ever-growing list of BLM violent protests and riots plaguing the nation tell us a different story; one of unified anger infused with hate, soaked through with blood. Whereas there are others who disagree with such actions, and slogans such as “all lives matter” have arisen in opposition. Contrasting with the often-violent actions of many on both sides, various organizations such as Star Parker’s CURE offer peaceful, Biblical solutions to the very real issues African Americans face. The difficulty with this subject is that the Church remains heavily divided regarding racial issues. Many Christians support groups such as Black Lives Matter, whereas others will adamantly disagree with the movement’s methods of addressing the situation, and propose differing solutions.  

   

     Amidst the confusing turmoil of beliefs and convictions, many are seeking answers not from a politician but the Word of God. What does the Bible say about racial issues? What stance should a Christian concerned about their ethnicity as well as their nation take? The first course of action is to delve into the Word itself. Right from the beginning, God clearly states that He made man in His own image; a special creation with a unique task. (Gen. 1:26) God did not create several races of men on the sixth day, there was only one race, and once race we remain. While there certainly are differences in ethnicity and culture; claiming that there are multiple races simply is not a Biblical position, nor is it supported in Scripture at all. We were all created and seen equally in His eyes, and many scriptures show God’s command to care for one another, including those that we might be tempted to see as lesser then ourselves. The Bible leaves no room for misinterpretation when we are admonished to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are even told that if we show favor to some, but not all, we are committing a sin. (James 2:8-9) Now, make no mistake, I am not saying that racial issues are invalid and are not a serious concern in our nation, on the contrary; I believe that they are very real and need to be properly addressed. We as Christians are called to do what is good, pursue justice for the oppressed and the fatherless, and take up for the widowed and the poor. (Isaiah 1:17) That doesn’t sound like a call to prejudice and hate, if you ask me.

     I’ll be the first to state that there are indeed issues infecting our nation, and the racial tension we all face isn’t simply an issue of a lack of education or understanding. There are legitimate concerns regarding the quality of life that many African Americans face, as well as many other ethnic groups in our nation. Many of the organizations and movements that have risen in the past few years have very valid reasons to exist, and some pose very truthful and hard-hitting questions that cannot be ignored. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement has shed light into impoverished and unmentioned struggles many African Americans face; struggles that have largely gone unmentioned in the public square, as well as unaddressed. 

     However, I cannot agree with the methods that many of these groups have employed to combat this issue. Christians are called to speak for the unspoken, to fight for the rights of the oppressed, and open our mouths in righteous judgment. (Proverbs 31:8-9) Oh, how we love to act out the ‘judging’ part of that passage. We are so quick to cast our judgments and biases that we fail to walk in love; and we, the Church, wound where we should heal. Almost every day I check the news, I will hear of the newest protest, and in most cases, it involves unjustifiable violence and rage-which points directly to a spiritual issue, not a physical one. It is not simply an ideal, but a disease that spreads like a wildfire and infects us to the very core with vengeful wrath and blind savagery.   

     Christians should not stand with organizations of any kind that promote further division and bloodshed in our country, as well as the Church. Such actions go against Jesus’s command for us to love one another, and to bring true change and healing, it must be through the saving grace of Christ. Many who fight for this cause are lost in the chaotic darkness of the world system, and need salvation to truly see the root of racial division; as well as Biblical ways to solve it. Instead of digging further in our separate trenches of division and strife, we should unite and work together to reach these people, and actually BE the change we wish to see in the world. I don't want to simply write this article and then never do anything other then penning my thoughts and convictions behind closed doors. The only way to change the world is to go out into the world and put your hands to the plow. How is this possible? One way to do so is to walk in love, and to see those around us as fellow human beings; loved by God as much as ourselves. The Bible warns us to avoid all manner of division among believers, and to beware false of doctrine being taught by those who do not truly serve Jesus. (Romans 16:17-18) We must be discerning regarding what and who we choose to listen to, and what we allow ourselves to believe. It is dangerously easy to slip into a strong emotional state and make decisions that do not line up with God’s Word; and this issue is no different. 

     Racial division is an issue that has lasted since the dawn of time, and while we can always combat flawed, incorrect ideology; it will never truly disappear until Christ returns and establishes His perfect reign over all. We must combat division within our ranks, and strive to see the world through God’s eyes, and not our own flawed perceptions. This starts when we make a choice to see our fellow man, as well as the world, differently. Instead of taking from the Bible what we like, and ignoring the parts that don’t line up with our own held beliefs, we must choose to stand on the Word as a whole. We, as the bearers of the message of His salvation, must do all that we can to raise the standard of living justly; treating all men and woman as equally loved creations in God’s eyes.  

An Uncertain Sound: Finding Truth in all the Noise

     As a Christian and an American citizen, I have paid close consideration to the many events of the past few months, as well as remaining in constant prayer. I have watched a tumultuous war of ideals rage across my country's already devastated landscape, battling not with the ebb and flow of slow progress, but demanding immediate change; as well as the nation's attention all at once. 

     I find it interesting that no matter which side you champion, or what cause you fight for; every single movement will always contain one very interesting quality. Noise, and lots of it, at that. At every corner of the country, there are people raising their voices in either protest or praise of an issue or moral dilemma that they deem worth something. We all have voices, right? Haven't we been told so ever since we were little? I certainly was, and when I was younger I had always viewed that as something inherently good. After all, isn't that our right? To be more then a mere pawn in the vast ocean of society by using the voices God gave us to incite change? With that bold ideology, how could anything ever go wrong?

     More then I believe we'd dare to mention.

    You see, our society tends to idolize those who are loud, bold, and unashamed in their stances. However, are those stances worth championing? Voices raised in unison are inspiring; but if those voices aren't being raised for the right reasons, the results are far from good. When misinformation spills into the stream, like poison infecting the blood, the truth becomes diluted and unclear. There are plenty of examples of this in our society, and they are easily found. Hollywood is a prime example of raised voices, fiercely stated opinions, and bold declarations...that amount to nothing. True change will only occur when truth is actually being spoken.

     But, Hollywood isn't the only place you will find serious compromise. It is also found in a place that I, as a Christian, am ashamed and frustrated to admit. Yes, I am referring to the Church. Instead of sending out a clarion call crying for unison and true change, we would rather debate over theology, politics, morality, and all the manner of issues we're too prideful to lay aside. We're all shouting, no-one's listening, and all we're doing is creating a lot of needless noise. For example, 1 Corinthians 14:8 states, "For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?" The Bible has plenty to say on how we should view controversial topics, as well as how we should speak out for or against them. When we do not do this, and instead fall prey to false doctrine and beliefs, far more often then not we fail to recognize the infectious danger they bring.

     The only way to break free from the blinding mentalities of the enemy is to see as God sees, and base our actions and stances solely upon the Word, and nothing else. Feelings are incredibly convincing deceivers, and unfortunately many today choose the unpredictability of emotion over the steadfastness of truth. Yes, our country still stands in very troubling waters, I will be the first to freely admit that, and as long as that continues to be the case, we as Christians must stand in the gap and uphold the standard, no matter the cost.

     Because when we truly unite and raise our voices as one, no enemy of the cross will be able to drown out the glorious sound of the trumpet's call.

Compromise in the Church: Eve of the 2016 Election

            We call ourselves Christians, but do we truly understand the cost of bearing that name? Are we truly living as Christ decreed; serving Him and upholding the Word of God with abandon? I’m not so convinced we are. You see, there is an epidemic within the Body that calls itself and purports itself to be Christianity, but it is the farthest thing from. It is sly and conniving, deceptive and manipulative, and hides under the guise of change. This epidemic is one of secularism and liberalism, a movement of the glorification of carnality and ‘me’.  

            To add to the severity of the danger we face, this deception hasn’t stopped merely at our culture or our churches, it is seeking to settle in the hearts and minds of every child of God. Danger rises when Christians endorse, support, and advance practices and ideals that have no place in the minds and lives of the body of Christ. We, as a people, have accepted and supported things that are entirely contrary to His Word, things that are evil in the eyes of God.

            A great danger hovers at our doorstep, and just by cracking open that door, the breach allows darkness to enter and take hold, blinding those who desperately need to see.

            God has called us to go out into the world and preach the Gospel, to influence the world. But, what happens when instead of influencing the world, the world influences us?  God called us to clean up this corruption, but instead, we have become a part of it. There is so much chaos in our country because the standard has been muddied and misunderstood.

            Either the Christian is advancing on society, or society will advance in the church. What do you see? There are far too many Christians today that look the very same as the forsaken, Godless society we have been called to change.

            We are to promote righteousness, virtue, and purity, and if anything does not honor God, it has no place in the life of a true Christian. Too many Christians have caused Christianity and America to be humiliated and degraded; an issue that we have either ignored or endorsed.

            We can no longer do this, we can no longer sit on the sidelines and watch our nation go up in flames, because guess what? You’ll go down with the ship. We have been called to be morally responsible of what God gives us, and that includes our nation. And of what we have been given responsibility over, we will also be held accountable.

            It is high time for the body of Christ to once again raise the standard, set our faces like flint, and take this country back from perdition. We must stop evil in its tracks and set our nation back on the right track with God at the helm. This is not about tomorrow’s election; this is about the state of the nation and the Church as a whole. Will you continue to be lulled to sleep by the deceptive song of the enemy, or will you let God lead you to make the decision to vote prudently? It is high time for us to cast aside our prejudices, petty arguments, and grievances with one another and join together as one body of Christ, united in truth under the banner of God.  

Not Ashamed: A Call for Revival in our Hearts and Minds

     Over the past year, God has given me an entirely new topic to write about. More than halfway though completing my first fiction trilogy, I initially questioned why God would suddenly switch gears on me and re-direct my attention. 

     Fiction had been the only thing on my mind, as well as the only genre I was interested in writing. That quickly changed when He gave me an entirely new subject to focus on; the current state of our nation and the Church as a whole. 

    I must be honest, I hesitated fully taking on the project at first, because I feared that I, a college student, wasn't adequate enough to write a book of such serious nature. However, that was simply a fear and not the truth at all. I was reminded of 1 Timothy 4:12, which says; "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in faith and in purity." I'm certain 'in writing' fits in this category. 

     Looking at the world around me, I find it frighteningly obvious how off-track we as a nation and a people have become. Despite this, the last thing I wanted to do was to write another 'doom and gloom' book heralding of our destruction and telling us to "hang in there" until Christ returns and raptures us all out of here. You see, that's not the right mentality at all. We, the Church, should be standing in faith, holding back the tide of darkness until the very minute Jesus returns. 

     But are we doing that? Are we really being the Church Jesus created us to be? Are we standing boldly, proclaiming our faith without fear of the consequences? Or have we been infected with apathy and sickened by carnality? The Church is in trouble, there's no denying it. And the greatest problem doesn't lie outside its walls, but from within. When we, the people, have become more like the culture we were called to influence than the other way around, we'd better take notice and make sure we're in right standing with the truth. Far too many Christians have been promoting, voting, and accepting for things that don't line up with the Word of God. Too many have bowed down to the tide of moral relativism and humanism, instead of standing solidly on the only truth, which is God's Word. 

     I will explore these situations, as well as many more, in Not Ashamed, a book intended to bring awareness to these situations, as well as provide insight and encouragement. I know it won't be an easy book to write, but I also know that it is absolutely critical that I must.   

Something New

     God has given me something entirely new to write about. The following is an excerpt from 'Not Ashamed: A Call for Revival in our Hearts and Minds', my newest book project. 

     "We say we're Christian, yet we often hide the banner of Christ when we're faced with opposition. We talk of our beliefs, but do we even practice them? 

     Even worse, will we even speak of His name in the public square, or do we hide in fear we'll be challenged? You see, the greatest paradox is born when a Christ follower lowers themselves to a Christ admirer. 

     Then, seemingly without fault, we amass in churches every Sunday morning, and joyfully sing praises in His name. But are we really living our lives as committed followers of Christ? Are we really worshiping Him in spirit and in truth? 'Christian' is more than a 'religious' title. It is a way of life. There's no room for lukewarm faith in the mentality of a soldier of the cross. 

     Our door is swinging in a hinge of history, but the question remains; whose side are we truly on?"