When I first started figuring out how my new Nook tablet works, I–very cautiously as not to outspend myself–enjoyed uploading a few books to my personal library. I also subscribed to a year’s reading of the magazine, Reader’s Digest, and accessed a few apps for more readings and entertainment.
It was while reading the latest edition of the Reader’s Digest that I came across a single picture page titled, “Faces of America,” by Glenn Glasser. The picture is of an artist, Joe Beene. I know nothing of Joe Beene except for what the picture reveals–he is quadriplegic.
In a sun-room style area, the yellow walls are brightly lit from the many windows and glass door on the left. The center focus of the picture, you see the artist at work. Joe is not just any artist…he is a painter. And in the picture, he is painting by mouth. The picture is a side view, so you cannot see the painting straight forward, but even from the side angle…one can see an extraordinary, vibrantly-colored painting!
There is no article, no details, no explanations. There is one question:
What was the darkest time of your life?
Joe Beene: When I had everything.
(Reader’s Digest. April 2014. page 33.)
And I sat thinking about this simple statement again as I finished my morning coffee–Could I say the same?
…
This is the time in your life when you must learn to let go: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.
Young, Sarah. Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence. Nashville: (Thomas Nelson, 2004.) March 24 entry.
My Life with NF2 
AMEN!
Hmm… I like that ~ “peace in His presence”… it’s hard to let go of all that I hold dear in this world *(husband, family, friends, pup dogs, etc.) but the more I hold on, the more I become fearful of losing all of that and then I start to not trust in the Lord completely to take care of everyone. Such a backwards concept than what the world projects we are to do ~ such a great and glorious calling we have in Christ!! From sharing His love with others to letting loved ones “go” and entrusting those we care for to the Lord’s will, to His perfect will, to His loving arms. Such a hard thing but rewarding in the end…. I have a long way to go in all this. XOXO, Megs
Ooh and isn’t it amazing what these mouth artists can paint?! Some amazing beautiful works of art! I’m not sure I would have the will the patiently learn how to do it. So cool:)
Their paintings are quite exquisite! I have so much more appreciation for them after doing my own..and mine was just abstract, not detailed! Joni Erickson Tada does wonderful pencil sketches too. You can see them on her site, just google Joni and Friends.
*to patiently learn* 🙂