City on a Hill

     The Savior said: “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel.”  He concluded with the injunction to “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

I think it would be easier to be a candle under a bushel. I don’t consider myself shy, though I am definitely reserved and introverted. I don’t want a lot of attention. Particularly the negative attention which inevitably follows any effort to stand up for Christian ideals in the public sphere. Nobody likes condemnation, but I would much rather have it from men than from God.

Though this blog is primarily about my creative and artistic endeavors, there will be the occasional religious reference as such is a significant part of my life. I may share spiritual thoughts and lessons which I have learned on my own journey to become more like my Savior as well as those things which pertain to my work. I do not intend to preach, but my religious beliefs are an intrinsic part of who I am. They cannot be ignored. You may choose to disregard them if you wish, but I did not feel I could truly follow this commandment from the Savior, by omitting the religious and spiritual aspects of my life, particularly since it is to God that I owe the credit for all my talents and opportunities.

In sharing these things, I do not intend to exalt myself as admittedly the title may suggest. Rather, my intent is to be obedient to my God. I hope that you will see that I am like you. Imperfect. Daily I make mistakes for which I must repent. But it is through repenting that I draw closer to the Savior.

A most fitting sobriquet describes God as the Creator. I believe that artistic creation, in a way (and particularly with an appropriate, reverent mindset), is a form of worship in which to celebrate the Creator. You can read more about my views on art as creation here, or read my Artist Statement here.