CREATING SPACE TO LISTEN
Christine Labrum
Artist & Spiritual Director
MORE DRAWINGS WITH TEXT
Leaning In
Pen and Ink/Watercolors
2012
8 x 10 in
(original unavailable - prints available)
Many times we find truth or echoes of our own story in another story. This image was created in response to C.S. Lewis's stories of Narnia, particularly an excerpt from Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis.
I started reading C. S. Lewis's children's books, the Chronicles of Narnia to my girls. When we read Prince Caspian my heart was moved by Lucy's late night encounter with Aslan. The truths of how God calls us, gently convicts us, and empowers us were so clearly pictured in the story.
"Oh dear, oh dear," said Lucy. "And I was so pleased to find you again. And I thought you'd let me stay. And I thought you'd come roaring in and frighten all the enemies away-like last time. And now everything is going to be horrid.""It is hard for you, little one," said Aslan. "But things never happen the same way twice. It has been hard for us all in Narnia before now."Lucy buried her head in his mane to hide from his face. But there must have been magic in his mane. She could feel lion-strength going into her. Quite suddenly she sat up. "I'm sorry, Aslan," she said, "I'm ready now.""Now you are a lioness." Said Aslan.
The Doorway
Pastels/Watercolors
2012
8 x 10 in
As we journey we encounter many doors. Each one offers a choice; we face a decision to go through it or not. It is often an invitation to deeper trust. Much is unknown beyond the door.
One must leave what is familiar to embrace the new. An invitation to something new can be daunting. There is risk in leaving what is known. This door has a small stained glass window that hints at light on the other side. Darkness and a cold familiar security exist within the high stone walls of this place. How long have we been in this place? Why did we initially stop here? What do I truly desire? Has God placed a door before you? What has He revealed to you of the place where you are? Has He whispered an invitation to you in the deep and quiet places in your heart?
This image reveals a path beyond the door. It is dawn and the light is growing brighter. The rocks have been cleared away from the beginning of the path but there is much ground yet to travel. There could be segments of ease or of hardship and challenge on the path ahead.
The Storm and the Seeds
Pastels/Watercolors
2014
8 x 10 in
This image was the prayer that led to the cross image, "Navigating the Storm."
When the storm hits how do you pray? How do you trust? How do you grow?
There are seeds that are sown in the storm. Tears water the seeds. The rains water the seeds. And new growth stirs.
Gentle Whisper
Pastels/Watercolors
2012
8 x 10 in
The prophet Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal before the people of Israel at the big showdown on Mt. Carmel. Queen Jezebel, a follower of Baal, threatened to kill Elijah. Despite this victory where God made His power and presence known Elijah is exhausted and discouraged. Physical fatigue, fear, and uncertainty drive Elijah to pursue God.
After sleep, and being fed by an angel of the Lord, Elijah journeys 40 days to Mt. Hebron and settles into a cave. God comes to him and asks, "What are you doing here?" God tells Elijah that He will come to him. There is a violent wind that breaks the rocks but the scripture tells us that God is not in the wind. There is a mighty earthquake but the scripture tells us that God is not in the earthquake. Then there is a fire but God is not in the fire. Finally, a gentle whisper, or a still small voice, and Elijah wraps his face in his cloak and goes out of the cave to be with God.
The stillness where God comes to us is striking. The question God asks echoes in my heart and in my soul, "What are you doing here?”
Prayer
Pen and Ink/Watercolors
May 2010
8 x 10 in
In September 2010 I attended my first Kairos: School of Spiritual Formation retreat, Visualizing your Spiritual Journey. I was prayerfully considering application for the spiritual direction training program and the retreat seemed like a good opportunity to experience Kairos.
I looked forward to that weekend, but I almost didn't make it. My dear "kindred spirit" friend, Michelle, had been battling stage 4 cancer for over three years, and, in recent weeks, her body was shutting down. She was in her last days of life here. I was able to see her one last time two days before I was scheduled to leave for retreat. Michelle and I shared a deep friendship. Somehow attending the retreat seemed to honor the friendship and the things we both valued.
My tears were many that weekend. I prayed for Michelle as she entered into the presence of her beloved Savior, I prayed for her husband and three boys, and I prayed for myself. Probably thousands had prayed for Michelle's healing, but God took her home.
The core of my prayer that weekend was that God would redeem the suffering and the loss. My heart longed for God to bring beauty out of darkness and life out of suffering. Our retreat project was to create an invitation to God. This was mine... different from my usual style because this was messy and emotional, painful and sad. Yet God's grace was evident even still.
Cleft of the Rock
Pastels/Watercolors/Acrylic
2013
8 x 10 in
The image was created in response to the account of Moses inteaction with God after the ten commandmants were given and the people of Israel had sinned (Exodus 33). On the mountain Moses asks God to reveal Himself, to show him His glory. I am drawn to this story of Moses' interaction with God, and I am moved by His desire to see God. How boldly he asked God to reveal Himself. God honored his courage and his desire. I want to be so bold.
I am awed at God's willingness to stoop to reveal Himself, even in part. What kindness and grace! And I wonder at that dark place in the cleft of the rock. How dark was it? Was it silent? How did it feel? As we ask God for more of Himself are there dark places in our lives that hold the same waiting before the wonder?