Charcoal Picture

Recently I decided to pull out my charcoal kit from a couple years back when I took an online class. I looked at a picture I had on my desk, began with the general shape, and ended up with something completely different. You'd probably never guess that I started from this picture.

The picture doesn't really do the art justice, even though the art isn't perfect either.  But I wanted to share it anyway. Perhaps one day I will be better, but for now, I am satisfied with what I have. 

I am still trying to decide on what to call this picture. If you want to share your thoughts, on what this means to you, a good name perhaps, or anything else relating, please do.

World of Shadows?

This world is a sad, sad world. Full of pain and suffering, death and struggle. People commit whores, tease, hurt others, and sometimes even kill. It's scary, knowing that good people who die, or are influenced by these horrendous acts don't plan on any of those bad things happening to them. It's another normal day, or even a special one, but how can they foresee how much their life is about to change?
We could dwell on these things everyday of our life, scared to go out and live it, afraid of what will happen, and not wanting to make a mistake. But that is a mistake, and our fear doesn't go away like, instead we feed it and allow it to thrive on us, slowly tearing us down. Somehow we must move on, but if these things aren't stopping, how are we supposed to stop being afraid of them? Dr J. R. Miller found a way to say this, which I now share with you now.

The Problem of Life

There are so many possibilities in life, in attainment and achievement, and so many opportunities of doing good, that it is a glorious thing to live. Surely, then, we ought to make the most of our life.

The ideal life is one of joy. The face ought to be shining--shining even in darkness. People say this is a sad world, yes, for those who have eyes only for shadows. He who has songs in his heart hears songs wherever he goes.

That is why, even though we are scared, frightened, and afraid. When we see only the shadows and our heart aches with pain. That is why, we must keep walking to the light. We must keep looking for the sunshine and allow it's warmth to fill our souls. 

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

I end with these words of hope, to brighten our shadowy world.  Remember there is sunshine, we just need to accustom our eyes to finding it.

When it hurts

It is a hurtful thing when your little sister swears at you, yet your heart cries out for her because you don't know how to help her. When your older sister is too busy telling Mom that she doesn't want to give little brother a sincere apology, over something she says was accidental. And when little brother ignores you completely looking at his arm and continuing to ask a question, as you stand there with your smile stretched as wide as your open arms waiting to engulf him in a hug.
Sometimes, when those things hurt us, we just need to swallow the tears brimming in our eyes and turn around after Mom sorts things out and offer another hug and smile to little brother, acting like everything is okay. Even when it hurts.
And when you go to your room, gently close the door, get out your journal and a pen, sit down and say it hurts, that's okay too. With no one to talk to you need to stitch yourself up sometimes.
God is always there, but sometimes we need to do more. We need to do something we can see and touch, that way our mind won't wander as easily. Otherwise we get stuck in the hurt and it comes out in bitter drops that sting the wound.
But this way, I can breath again. And when big sister comes in to say good night, a smile crawls on as I explain some silly thought process about whether she should say "Good night." again or "Good morning." to wake me up tomorrow.
Then I smile and breath again, till tomorrow becomes today.