How God Used Art in Dark Times to Change My Life.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- This is how I became an artist.
It all started in December of 2014. I was in a pretty tough time of my life. I didn't share complete details to protect the privacy of those involved. Part of the reason why I wanted to share this is to encourage you but also because a lot of you had questions about how art fits into our lives as Christians. And my question to that is… how wouldn’t it?
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Thanks for sharing, even though you think, it's a bit personal, it shows you're human. This story helped me a lot, with the talent that God gave me. Have a very blessed evening 🤗❤🙏
“Worship is in everything that we do”. Yes !!! Great, thank you for sharing your story.
This story was encouraging to me. I'm currently writing my testimony and often feel like I'm wasting my time but writing is a form of art for me so this was very affirming!
Creative writing IS an art! ❤️
No testimony is a waste. We save others through our testimony. You got this. And all glory goes to the King of KINGS....Jesus Christ!!!
This is so weird, Melissa... I used to do oil paintings when I was much younger and stopped because school and college got in the way. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about picking up the brush again and resuming that part of my life that I used to enjoy so much. I even got supplies, but just couldn't get started.
I cannot tell you how much your video meant to me. Looking at art as a way to worship and glorify God... I've never thought of it that way! Now, after watching your video, I MUST do it for HIM!
Thank you, Melissa! It's almost as though you made this for me. Some might say I'm being narcissistic. I say the Lord used you to speak to a whole bunch of us. How wonderful to be a tool in His precious hands!
"When I'm painting the portrait of a dog I'm not over here having a seance".
That totally busted me up.
Love the video. Very encouraging for those of us with artistic inclinations.
I get it eventually also. At 59 I'm still "the slow kid" 👍👍 You are an incredible encourager, tks.
Art is, for me, painful and sorrowful and scary. I was given crayons to draw with during sermons when I was a kid, then I ran from the Lord and tried to hide in the art community- and the average spirituality of the art community is new agey. It's rare for Christians to be artists..I was actually surprised to meet Christian artists when I was in college. I didn't know people could be both. When I displayed my art in galleries, etc. That exposure to many different kinds of people (and abundant alcohol) helped fuel my sex and love addiction, codependence, drug use, etc. which eventually got so bad I stopped making art altogether. Then Jesus saved me. Many times people (perhaps unintentionally) made me feel guilty for not doing art anymore. I just find it difficult for me to make or show art to anyone without being afraid I'm going to get "pulled back in" to the darkness of addiction and misery. I think there is some spiritual stuff I haven't figured out..or maybe my heart is just broken over my past sins and art doesn't seem like it will help. But if Christians use our art to glorify God, if we are praising Him and loving Him and others as ourselves, holding onto our faith in the midst of this dark world.. Jesus gives us the victory there. 🙌
Surrender your art to God. If He wants you to create art, he'll show you how. He can redeem anything even your art journey. ♥️
Melissa God bless you! I wish you could talk to my wife. In 2017 she went through a dark time and the Lord helped her, one thing He pointed her to was art. This became a tool He used to express her feelings. We just started, literally 2 weeks ago, an LLC here in Virginia. She does a lot of abstract paintings which is done while listening to worship music and what God inspires her. She has learned a lot from you and I gave her the Interlenear Bible after you showed one here. Thank you so much for all you do and God bless.
The King is coming!
Oh dear sister! I NEEDED this reminder today! As a children’s book illustrator getting ready to publish my first book, I had slid back into making art WORK. That is so NOT what God wants, especially for children’s books! I want my childlike adoration for HIM to shine through my books, so the kids who read them are encouraged to dive deeper into The Fathers Heart! THANK YOU!!
I used to draw a while back. I remember it being very therapeutic, and as I started my relationship with the Lord, I saw drawing as fellowship with Him. I haven't done it in a while. I found other creative outlets. Plus I got so busy with school. But I would love to get back to that style of spending time with Him. Thank you for sharing and for your ministry.
Thank you for this! I’m in University for art my major is in graphic design, and I can relate to being the slow kid as well. I’m glad GOD is using me right now to do art, and to express my gift he gave me. Praise Jesus! I’m also very glad he was able to use you to use art to his glory, and to cope with life.
Also, I really hope I can use more of my work to bring glory to GOD, unfortunately a lot of the time the art world is self indulgent, and people prop themselves up for being talented. But I always hope to be less of that, to lean more into GOD, and less to the glory of my own self. That is the biggest obstacle to deprive one’s flesh.
@@samara7938 What’s your insta? If you have one. I also love drawing and I’ve been trying to draw pure things for God because I was part of the anime community so my art was super different back then. I suffer with pride with my art, so your message made me draw to you to ask you if you’d like to be friends idk if it seems weird
@@amoodyb and sorry! I thought i responded to this earlier(┬┬﹏┬┬)😭
@@samara7938 It’s all okay, I was curious because I don’t have Christian art friends and idk, I was wondering if you’d like to be my friend ☺️
Love this so much! I've had alpacas for 22 years and am a fiber artist. I've always been overwhelmed by the joy Good has given me in these wonderful animals and their beautiful fiber! Love your encouragement, Melissa, and love you!
My heart is always so welcoming towards artists! Art in ALL of its disciplines (painting, photography, writing, quilting etc,) is by far the most MISUNDERSTOOD of things by the world in that its not a skill that relies on formula which makes it difficult for most to understand. Art is created through FEELING. People can't equate art of God because they don't see any moral value in it. Art is simply your visual interpretation of what God has already created. Art typically doesn't have a monetary value to it so again its misunderstood by most. Art is truly an expression of the soul - one can create things of darkness or of beauty. Art IS the expression of God's imagination. "Let those who can hear, hear,..."
A shout out to single Dad's also! They are rare but out there. I wanted to play guitar at 9 my mother bought a guitar and a book. That was it no tuner no help. I worked at it but never got it. In my 30's my daughter found that guitar asked about it, I told her the story. Her response was what's stopping you now dad? My answer was nothing....I now play guitar and love it.....no lessons just a tuner and TH-cam.... She also found my writing.... now I am published....never give up!!! Listen to your kids and your heart! Thanks Melissa
Thanks for sharing this, at 70, I started a new hobby, leathercraft and I enjoy it. My makers stamp is: The Solid Rock Leather Works. Praise Our Lord for gifting us with interests and abilities. Through them, we showcase attributes of God.
I am 42 and still the slow kid... Kinda sucks, but hopefully somewhere down the line it'll be a blessing for someone... Jesus, help me. Amen.
I love this video .. I painted a lot in my younger years .. I was a young mom “16” I know way to young .. but it got me out of the crazy Christian home life that I had… With sent to my grandmother… What a blessing lot happened before that but a year and a half later I was gone with my grandma.. fast-forward I’m 68 May oldest daughter is 52 my youngest is 33.. i’ve always loved God never gave up getting out of church a lot… Now I’m just sad all the time.. I guess that’s a pretty strong word I never stop watching things like your videos I love John MacArthur I know you didn’t mention him in your 10 people that you enjoyed listening to or really like in that apologetics… He has really helped me over the years… I guess I’m really needing somebody to talk to and I know you’re so busy and I can be able to answer this just talking into it tonight… My 35-year-old daughter every time she walks in the house and I’m reading the Bible where I have a gospel music on she just yells she just gets so angry at me… It says I’m alienating her and if I don’t stop she’s not gonna come around anymore… And I don’t even talk to her about anything because I can’t I want to but I can’t she gets so mad.. anyways I would love to thank you so much for everything you do you’ve been such a huge help in my life… Blessings have a beautiful day🙏
Hiya Peggy. May God continue His work in you. When your daughter comes, spend time with her. °as she wants to spend time with you. Family is important to God.
Hello there, Peggy 👋😊
I had my daughters at quite a young age, too, though not quite as young as you. Two of them are walking with the Lord, but the middle one isn't anymore. (I'm also 68.)
You didn't say whether you turn off the music and spend time with your daughter when she drops by. Do you do any other activities with her - lunch together, coffee at a cafe, a walk in the park, or something you like to do together?
I'm sure you are concerned about her spiritual state, and I think you are right to say nothing until she asks you. Keep praying for her, and look for opportunities to show her that you love her and enjoy her company.
Invite her to dinner, or even go shopping with her if that's something she likes to do. (Something I do with one of my daughters when she comes to town is visit opp shops and 2nd hand stores, even though I don't really like shopping.)
Just throwing a few ideas out there, because I don't know your situation 😁👍👍
My church has a 24/7 prayer house called gateway house of prayer… it’s actually a barn. But every Friday night they have a creative art watch. And the last Saturday of every month we have a class called creative release I don’t get to go to the art watches very often (I’m a mom of 4 kids). But I make it a priority to get to the once a month classes. The whole point is God is a creative God. He created us to worship Him! He created us to create for Him! I have been so healed by creating and found a deeper relationship with God! Thank you for this story!!
Melissa, I REALLY thank you for sharing! This is exactly what I needed! As an artist and fashion designer I always have some doubt in balancing self expression and artistry with ensuring that it won't be a stumbling block to others even though it's done purely to share the very talents God has given me; i always try to ensure that whatever I drew will never EVER include gore, horror and the sort and make it distinct from darker shades and elements to convey a style or message (in clothing styles, conceptual art and so on). In the end I simply ensure that I've done my part because art will always resonate and mean something different to some other people, in hopes it won't be taken the wrong way.
My recent confusion is how to use my talent to draw more "Christian" art because I thought that this God given talent could be used to evangelize or make a stance for Christ with maybe doves or crosses and so on, but I struggle with actually drawing anything and getting inspiration since it's not my specialty and it ends up compromising the actual artistic process; forcing it became uninspiring and a pressure instead of a release to De-Stress and give glory to God. Listening to that bit at the very end was enlightening to me, so now I got an idea of different ways to put my stance for Christ in my work process in stories, descriptions, and so on instead of forcing it to be in an unrelated drawing, tysm and God Bless 🙏
I love this! I write Christian poetry and it's such a niche thing to do that I have no idea what to do with it. 😅
It's so true to do all things for the glory of God big or small. The way you explained your time with God painting is the same way I write to page; bible open, worship music, prayer, a real devotional time. 😊
Thank you for sharing! ♥️
Publish a book of your works! Collab with a Christian artist that can visualize your poetry and publish together!! Or creatively print or have made your poems creatively on canvas and hire an artist to visualize your poetry and sell the prints framed!
TOTALLY love the smell of art supplies. Thought I was the only one.
Thank you for sharing this part of your story. There's a lot to relate to in there.
As a teacher, this was really encouraging. Thank you.
Thank you so so so much! I have been struggleing aganist my crafty side because I have been told its a distraction from serving God. I used to draw, knit, crochet, write until my laptop broke lol. But lately I have been longing to do these thing again.. your testamony has inspired me to pick up and glorify God. Thanks.
Hi Melissa! We have a similar background. I came to love art b/c of my father. We didn't have much growing up. But, we did have crayons and markers. I did art up until sophomore year in college.
I wanted to learn about oil painting, but got real intimated. Fast forward, a couple of life events happened to me bad postpartum in 2011, in late fall of 2017 I wanted to end my life and got help.
After that event, the Lord opened up my heart to paint again. I painted for a year straight. Then he told me to stop. I understood why. I didn't pick it back up until 1/2 a year later. I did sell one piece but that was all.
The Lord met me at my lowest places. And its true, I love the aroma of acrylic, oil, and watercolor too! The time I spent with the Lord in painting has deeply impacted me. To this day, I work hard to be positive. And there are not so good days that it feels like your going down under again. But, the one thing I learned is that God never leaves. He never leaves his children alone. And for that, I am forever grateful to him, family, and for the love of art. 🙏🌷
Thanks for sharing your journey. I'm an American living in Europe and I always think we need more Christians using there artistic gifts for the kingdom. Personally, I started getting into "Art with God" after the death of my parents... it has been so therapeutic and I find that when I draw guided by the Spirit, God's truths stick with me all throughout the day. (like if i do art based on a biblical passage I read) There is a heart connection there which is different from just reading the Word. God bless you Melissa as you continue to use art for the glory of God.
I'm a mom and artist too. I Can definitely relate to your story, thanks for sharing!
yes thank praise the lord. I too am an artist. Before Christ my work was dark, and demonic. I need to be diligent and paint for the glory of His name. Thank you for the testimony.
Thank you Melissa for sharing this! I’m going through a very tough time at the moment with depression and anxiety. I really appreciated this video. I am homeschooling my 8 year old son and like you with your art, homeschooling is that for me. I can be creative and my son and I can learn, explore, and spend quality time together. Your Art is beautiful and you definitely have that gift from God. My struggle is I work full time also outside the home and I want to some how cut back to homeschool my son better, but I’m not sure it’s possible. If you see this comment and wouldn’t mind praying for me I would so appreciate it. Thank you!!!!
Melissa, thank you for sharing this part of your story. I have dyslexia so I can understand being slower than classmates. I painted when I was younger but as I got older I put painting aside for various reasons. Now I am in my 70's and have been thinking about painting again. Viewing your "mixed baggishness" today has inspired me to pick up my painting passion and my paint brush. Thank You again!!!
Amen
I was going to mention Bezaleel and Aholiab overseeing the work of the Tabernacle. But you kind of hit on it a little later. The fact that God filled them with His Spirit blew me away. It's a knockout punch on the subject of the importance and usefulness of artistic abilities in the Lord's work.
Thank you for doing this video. I think God steered me towards watching it. I've really struggled to do any art for a few years and I used to draw every day. I think I started crying before you got through the first few minutes of your video lol. The pandemic, mental health and illness have all taken a toll. I feel encouraged now. Thanks for sharing.
I really needed to hear this .I like you even more now ! LOL . I have a love for gardening , and I constantly feel bad that it is a "waste " because it isn't spreading the gospel .I feel shame at creating a beautiful garden like I am wasting time and just enjoying gardening..Now I see it in a different light .
God's original command for people was to keep the garden!
Art is definitely a release. As you know, I carve a Jesus pumpkin every Halloween. It takes awhile, but the finished product is always worth it.
Isn’t it wonderful that our creative LORD has given us such amazing creative talents. 😄
I love your story Melissa and I'm glad you are a fellow artist! My art is music tho. I love composing canons, preludes, and chorales off of popular movie/tv/video games tunes and arranging music for different instruments, including hymns. Thankful to God for giving me this gift while I have it.
We definitely do need more Christ followers who are artists.
Oh thank u so much for this! It must have been The Lord that allowed me to see this. It actually brought tears to my eyes...I know it sounds silly but it's true. A few months ago I had this strong urge to create. I started with clay sculpting. I was amazed that I was actually doing it and was getting compliments from family. Then I bought acrylic paint just for the purpose of painting the clay scuptures. Long story short, I'm now drawing, painting and pour painting. While I'm working I put on my favorite gospel playlist and worship God. I just keep asking God what does He want me to do with it if anything. I love doing it and want to share it...I just have no idea how or where to begin. Your message is like God speaking to me. Now I know for certain, I'm on the right track! Thank u for sharing this story about your life. U truly have inspired me...I was also the slow kid in school....lol.
Always good to see more Christians doing art!
I always loved drawing when I was a kid and I could sketch faces somewhat but my mom wanted me to sing so instead of putting me in a drawing school she wasted a lot of money and time on me to learn singing. Now I am a mother of 2 girls and I try to find what their gifts are? If I figure it out I am willing to help them grow in that. I lately started learning crochet and I love ❤️ doing it! And I usually listen to religious lecture or streams when I do it! During the day I have to take care of the kids so I wait for the time to put them to bed when I start my crocheting 🧶 😊. I want to say I am so glad that you shared this it meant a lot to me! ♥️♥️♥️ Peace of Christ be with you.
This is beautiful, how God encouraged you during a rough time
and revealed to you your painting gift ✝️❤️, I love your artwork.
OMGSH! I'm excited to watch this. It is soooo timely in my life; it's weird.
edit after watching: I loved this🥰I'm so inspired!! Now just to put the pencil on the paper...
Thank you so much Melissa this was very encouraging!!! I'm just starting at school for graphic design and was thinking on how to go about praising God with my abilities. Thanks for the godly guidance and for opening yourself up :)
I just love this story so much ❤ thank you for your wisdom 🙏
Melissa, I feel like you are describing my life! I have 3 boys.. 10, 6 and 1. Its so hard sometimes. God brought painting into my life in 2019 and it has been an amazing gift. It has helped me relax and it has helped me support my family a little bit financially. It has given me my confidence back. I thank God every day for the gifts he has given me. Its very hard to make time for "me time" sometimes and art has really helped. And like you said, its a special time with God. I've been saved since last December and my life has just been an amazing journey since then. I see motherhood in a whole new way. God has gifted me with 3 amazing children and I am honored to raise them and be their mother. He has given me this amazing talent in painting and I am so grateful for everything He has done for me! 😊💜
This was very inspiring I just got to figure out how to use my art for God’s will.
Thank you for sharing the sister Melissa I remember when I first heard the saying that “worship is in everything we do” in college I was really thrown off by it & didn’t know how to make sense of that. One of my professors in Christian University wrote it in his book as you mentioned like in savoring a taste of food and even washing the dishes, it made more sense to me. Even my professor for Worship Studies told the class the same let our art be worship to God & something. She wrote to me in my Graduation picture that will forever be ingrained in me. Thank you for sharing your story as well because though my form of art is more music and I think some other areas but not as much as music, that’s how God really spoke to me and really help me in adark time. It strengthen my relationship with God & to understanding His heart by just hearing worship music (even if I didn’t understand it well in another language) and also reason why I wanted to study music and have it be in my profession, be teaching or writing songs, etc. I have struggled with the points you mentioned & really have even noticed a responsibility when comes to having the gift that God gives us of course you know it’s up to us if we want to use it to glorify him or not. As believers we should definitely be careful about how we use our gifts to glorify God & honor him. I was really into drawing in middle school & high school, I was very careful with what I drew. I drew things that were my interests but I was also very careful what I drew and not to draw things that I know will not glorify God. I haven’t drawn in a long time & still have a lot of the drawing supplies today & even if I don’t touch much on it, I’m glad a professor in Christian University told me to continue with my art & not stop. Even if I don’t draw as a profession but as a hobby that was the most beautiful advice a professor told me. My amazing Worship Studies professor wrote me this, “let your art & your life be worship” as mentioned in the Bible that all that we do, do unto the Lord. Such beautiful words to hold on to
Thank you for sharing your journey in the arts. I've been doing stained glass for a number of years for studios. Given pattern, glass color and instructions on building a window. Now retired having color glass to build for who knows how long and trying to figure out what I want to build. Watching this video has inspired me to let go of the borders I was taught and embrace the freedom of expression.
Wow, thanks for speaking on this Melissa. I also love the Lord and love art (specifically character design), and view it as honoring Him. I hold to Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Very encouraging Melissa. I really appreciate your ministry. You are very open and well grounded. In biblical context. It gives me a sense of assurance when I listen to you. I’ve been enjoying a lot of your different videos and I just want you to know how much I appreciate it. Then I came across this one today, and I am an artist as well, so I thought, “ OK I listen to that,” and I am amazed at how many things you said totally relate to me. So thanks again God bless you.
Loved this! Especially during pandemic times, I link my "sanity" to hobbies. I cross-stitch, crewel embroider, and do diamond painting. God loves color - and so do we! My study of Scripture also became much deeper and I marvel at God's creativity all around us! Thank you, Melissa for your wisdom in sharing Scripture, your creativity in art, and I chuckle at your satire offerings over and over!
How brave to share that you were a special education kid. I worked in the public schools for 19 years as a teachers aide. Most of that was in special education. From pre k to 5th grade. I absolutely loved it. I had my own learning challenges. I worked with a wonderful teacher who taught me more in a year than I could have learned in college. She brought out my talent of being able to identify what was keeping a child from learning. I was able to help many students conquer their obstacles. Its a very exciting gift to have and use. Kudos to your teacher who encouraged you. I love watching you. You have taught me so much!
Thank you Melissa. I needed to hear this 💙 Valuing my talent is something I've been struggling with for more than 15 years.
The fact that people misinterpreted your art was encouraging. All my kids are artists trying to find their place in this world.
Thank you, I am 58 YO woman. I have not painted for a long time. I use to set an alarm to the time I would paint, but my brain..busy, overload. When I do paint (mostly watercolors) Quiet time with my thoughts, I relax and quiet time with God.
When I have a headache that won't go away I do Neurographic Art, then paint it. Neurographic Art on top of a watercolor that did not turn out.
When I am closer to God, in my bible every day I can draw & paint very well.
I absolutely *love* the 3-piece tree painting and the painting on your wall, where you used the gorgeous, bright colors that Leonid Afremov used so often.
Wow !!! Really beautiful !!! Thanks for sharing how God led and enabled your artistic expression 💞
I absolutely needed this encouragement today. And remember that I can make time to paint. Thanks Melissa. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this.
This has been very encouraging ! I have really struggled with understanding where my art stands after I had come to Christ. There is so little value in the arts in the Christian community that we either omit it entirely or we make bad art with good intentions for it to portray the Gospel. Art first and for most has to be good art and your faith will shine through what you do.
this....
YOU are a breath of fresh air!! God keep on blessing you Melissa 🤗💕👏🏻
thank you for sharing. we are the handiwork of God- man, that kind reminder hit my heart. God is so good.
I can so relate to what you are saying here. I used to paint, CAD design & 3D printing, and did stained glass work. I wish I could share some of my work with you all. I dont get to do it much anymore because of shaking hands.
God Bless you.
Your path picture in the background looks just like a painted and blue-tinted version of a photo I took!! This is fascinating! 😲 When I took the photo, it had a symbolic meaning to me which ultimately led to a song I wrote with a friend. Sometimes things get "foggy" in life, but regardless, the Lord is present to guide us! 🤯
That's a great testimony. It's wonderful how we can use creative talent as an outlet and dedicate that to God. I'm not an artist, I'm creative in other ways, I like to bake and decorate cakes. The decorating is art, but the blessing is when people are so appreciative of my work. It's such an encouragement.
This is awesome... Im so greatful God used this to bring you Joy and Comfort only as he can!! AMEN!!
Wow, you're a professional not a semi-professional. You're the Raphael of this postmodern era. May Elohim be with you and your family.
In 2016 I went through a strange, low point. We had four kids 7 and under- one in school, the rest at home. I started pursuing music. I had played violin from the time I was 7, but hadn't touched it in awhile. I got together and played with our worship leader. She invited me to play in the worship team. And I've even sung some harmonies here and there. When I was a kid, I remember whenever the Bible story about the hidden talents was preached, I'd feel so guilty that I was hiding my "talents". I have always been a very literal listener/thinker. 😁 It's been a huge blessing to play violin in church! I know what Melissa is talking about- for me, there is no other way to express that deeply, except when I play. I also journal and sometimes sketch. Sketching is so relaxing, but it took me awhile to accept that one since it wasn't as encouraged as the music. Love the Ephesians passage! "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
Mellisa I listened to this as I was hoeing in my garden because of genesis 2 I think 15 where He says “and the Lord God took the man who He had made and put him in the garden of Eden He had planted to tend it and to keep it”. I think it is a form of worship and I think it is like what you are talking about. I pray for His help as I give this day to His glory. Peace to you Melissa.
You brought back some beautiful wonderful memories for me. Without my crafting that was my sanity to get through having three children under the age of five. God always gave me the creative outlet of needle and thread and creating clothing quilts and all types od needle crafts. Be honest I never thought it was a form of worship but you're right that was in my moments of solitude of just me and Him to bring joy to my heart and also to those that received gifts. I give everything away seldom have I ever sold anything.
I went through similar things with my second and third son. Thank you for your testimony
What a beautiful testimony.
We manufacture skateboards "Kingdom boards" and often get judged by our laser artwork design by believers. But God created everything for his glory and for testimonies. God sees your heart, continue to do what He has desired for you to do
Blessings
Thank you Melissa for being so open and candid about this!!
Thank you for sharing your art journey. I had a very abusive childhood and God has used art to bring a lot of healing into my life. I do mixed media and always start a piece by writing scripture on the canvas. And then I will express a memory from childhood and cover it over again with written scripture. As always with mixed media the scripture is not always apparent, but I know it is there as does God. Doing this has helped me to move past the "junk" that kept me stuck for years. It's a process and God always meets me in my studio :)
This is really cool, I'm a guy and never had children so wow for what you moms do. What I can relate with is God has shown me I have art skills not painting, it's working with wood and metal work, bird house, metal figures all sorts of crazy stuff. In my case it's more of a hobby, but has brought me some money to. I find it is very Therapeutic and has helped me to comune with the Lord in my work. Thank for sharing very Inspirational
gesso. I like gesso 😉. I like making things like cards and journals. sometimes, I like to write. sometimes i paint. creativity has helped save my life. your paintings are amazing! love your story, thanks so much for sharing this ❤!
Omg! Thank you! you addressed everything I've been struggling with by myself! I've been keeping my self from painting because I thought it was prideful and I've been sitting on a bunch of pieces that I really want to share with other artist or people.
I loved this video! I didn't realize you are an artist and used it as therapy and time with Jesus. I have been loving your teachings and respect you much. I am a seamstress as well as loving to paint. I blast my worship music and hear God so much during my sewing/art time.
Thank you Melissa, I've been at conflict with my talents and afraid to use them for a long time.
I'm in tears right now! Thank you for this. God is so good. My daughter is an artist and she is only 11. She is amazing but I can't afford classes. But God will provide a way for her to learn...the Tube of You's....lol. She does watch a ton of art videos on TH-cam. She is very talented. Can anyone pray for her? I would really appreciate it. God bless.
Lord Jesus, please guide this little one. Bring her the encouragement and teaching she needs to discover and increase her skills. And may she know it's all from You and to You!
Art is a beautiful way to communicate. 🌺
Tx for sharing your story, feels like we can coffee and chat, I'm just bit far... South Africa Pretoria
Love to listen to you and can relate, me too came out of new age
Lots of love! Naomi
Baie liefde! Naomi
As an artist who has struggled with finding my place in the Church over many years I find this video very refreshing and felt like tearing up at times watching it. Thank you, Melissa, for putting this video out and encouraging believers to go forth when it comes to art. When it comes to the backlash from Christians ,or the just plain ignoring by the Church, when it comes to art I think it has to do with the fact that visual art can't be controlled due to so many interpretations of it can be made by the viewer and people find that scary. It's fear. Many Churches and Christians also don't, if they were honest, see any value in art. It's frustrating. Christians also expect Christian artists to work for free. I think they take the scripture of "freely you've been given so freely give" literally. They don't expect the pastor to work for free, or the receptionist at the front desk to work for free or their doctor to work for free but when it comes to artists and their artWORK they do. This needs to change. I do understand that there will be times that God asks someone to give of their time and talents for free. That's true at times. For example if politicians, meaning the world, can use art for their political runs, example of Shepherd Fairey for Obama's election campaigns, and they KNOW the power of art and they PAY the artists good money then WHY doesn't the Church get the memo? If the World gets it then why is the Church late to the party? There is more to art than just Worship Arts (meaning worship music).
Thank you Melissa for your beautiful paintings, great videos. God bless you sister!
Wow, this was so encouraging to me, thank you for making this video. I have been struggling with this topic, thinking painting and making art was a waste of time and not being profitable to the Lord. This was very helpful!
You are such a blessing and breath of fresh air! I have a 1 and 3 year old and another on the way. I never had any hobbies aside from softball growing up. This really encourages me to dig in there and experiment with what fills my cup in this stage of life. I had a hard time conceptualizing how something like baking could be glorifying God.. but you are very right in the fact when you have little ones and making that time with God is so important and at times you feel distant when your head is being pulled so many ways.
Your art is incredible. I can tell you put your heart into it. Thanks for sharing!
I love watching your art videos. I love your process when you paint - I think they are beautiful. Thank you for addressing a sensitive subject that so many mothers can relate to.
I have loved drawing and painting my whole life and ended up with an art degree, and working as a graphic designer for almost a decade, prior to getting married and having kids. I could totally relate to a lot of this video. Thank you for sharing your story, and I love your art! Especially the way you use color.
Melissa thank you for sharing your story I have never been good at art but I'm sure that the Lord has blessed me with a gift that I can use for his glory your paintings are beautiful
Thank-you for sharing. Yes, I'm an artsy person and took Algebra 1 like twice in college. I've been not painting but it's been on my mind God can use me some how. I also have 2 kids and it gets crazy.
Thank you for sharing.
I need to understand my gift better or I should say how to use my gift. Financially I can't, meaning this: it takes money to start a project, so in the mean time I have to figure out how to share my gift that will bring glory to God.
Thank you again Melissa I needed to hear what you shared.
Thanks for this Melissa.
Thank you so much for sharing! My gift is singing, and I am blessed to do it mostly for an audience of One, since my church doesn't have "special music". He will lead if that needs to change.
I also love the smell references - I'm a mechanic professionally and the smell of engine oil is one of my favorite smells!
Great video. I think some people associate art with new age or “darkness” is because recently we see how people (hollywood, new age, leftist?) use art and how often it’s celebrated. I love your background. I feel it.
I’m grateful that you gave your perspective on art because it’s something I struggled with.
I love art and fashion but I don’t want to be associated with the world’s version of either.
I recently came across your page & currently binge-watching to learn as much as I can regarding the Blurred Lines of Christianity. I also really enjoyed this video as well. Being your authentic self unapologetically & and the way that we can use our artistic skills to praise honor our father
Thank you for sharing! I agree 100%! I knit. I'm not especially good, but it's my way to really relax, with worship music on the background, or very loud, and I'm singing allong. And then I pray...or just knit silently, or listen to the audiobible, many ways to do it, but it's always with the Lord and therefor so good!
@Melissa Dougherty Thank you so much. I'm trying to unlearn a lot of things and this is a great idea. I Love your story and it's going to bring healing to my life and heart!
Thank you for this!! I'm pregnant and have a young toddler and have been struggling a lot as a mom. I need to get my paints out again!
Thank you Melissa x you're so right x and it's encouraging x as you're helping relax and know that it's alllll OK x thank you
Melissa, your channel is an absolute God given delight. I love your mixed bag approach. Your channel is definitely one of my favorites! BTW, have you ever read Ron Hutchcraft's Word With You. I think you will thoroughly appreciate the way he teaches God's word. He has a wonderful sense of humor, and sensitivity combined. Listening to you reminds me of him. God absolutely made you unique, & it brings me great joy. You bring laughter with humility, and deep understanding back into my life through the way you do God's work. True laughter, and joy have been absent in my life for too long. Through you, God is bringing it back. I thank God that you are His servant. Much, much love😃😄😂🤣. Your mug/cup is great. Thank you for the kind words to teachers. I am one, and have always loved those "odd/different" students with an extra something. Forgive me Lord. Keep going girl, God is keeping you close