“I’m a warrior for light. With whatever talent and resources I have, I’m trying to bring light to penetrate the darkness many people feel.” Thomas Kinkade, {quoted from the San Jose Mercury News}
Thomas Kinkade wielded his artist brush like a weapon, on a mission to leave no corner of his paintings absent of light. He painted cottages, churches, street corners, and garden scenes saturated in a warm glow. It is estimated that in the United States alone, one in twenty homes holds one of his paintings. And while I don’t own one myself, every time I see one I can’t help but wonder if I’ve glimpsed a scene from heaven itself. He wanted his artwork to not only make homes more lovely, but to influence the people who lived inside.
Three days ago, Thomas Kinkade left this world and for the first time met Light Himself.
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells us we are not just a light of the world, but the light of the world. Letting our light shine in a dark world sometimes feels like a struggle and an uphill battle. If we are going to shine, we must fight for our light, too. And our talents and creativity planted deep inside us must be part of the fight for light.
Thomas Kinkade also said:
“Paintings are the tools that can inspire the heart to greater faith. My paintings are messengers of God’s love. Nature is simply the language which I speak.”
He viewed his art as an expression of God’s love, something that would give the gazer a moment of beauty while moving them closer to God. I wonder if we take the quote above and write in our own God given creative bents and talents, how would we say we use them to fight for light in our own circles?
__________ is/are the tool(s) that can inspire the heart to greater faith. My _____________ is/are messenger(s) of God’s love. _________is simply the language which I speak.
Mine might look like this:
Writing is the tool that can inspire the heart to a great faith. My words are messengers of God’s love. Encouragement is simply the language which I speak.
Or:
Teaching is the tool that can inspire the heart to greater faith. My music lessons are messengers of God’s love. Music is simply the language which I speak.
Now it’s your turn. How would you fill in the blanks? How might you be your own “warrior of light” in your own circle of influence?
Unbelievably beautiful. Thank you Kristen. :: Words and imagery are the tools that can inspire the heart to greater faith. My writing and artwork are messengers of God’s love. Metaphor is simply the language which I speak.
And you speak it *so* well, Michele! Much love across the miles to you. xo
Funny – I wrote about him on my blog, today, too. http://travelighter.blogspot.com/2012/04/painter-of-light.html.
Interesting to see how we can use a topic and express ourselves so differently, yet so similarly. Love how you said it.