The Calling To Awake

“It is like trying to save a drowning man…” So let’s say this Cloak represents and represents every denomination, every religious leader, every religious act and the expectations and religious laws therein. Imagine with me… A drowning man. The man fully dressed. Boots, jeans, his shirt and this Cloak of Christianity. He knows how to swim. He knows how to tread water, but the waters are too rough and he’s been exhausted from trying to stay afloat. Perhaps in this scenario there is an undertow starting to pull him down by the length and weight of the drenched Cloak. The very thing he was awarded when he gave his life to Christ. The very thing he was given by the church to keep him safe from the elements of the world. That man was taught and believes that this cloak is to keep him safe - and should never be taken off, but if he does not take it off the garments weighing him down, he will surely drown. It will pull him down, take his last breath, and he won’t be able to rise back up. This ...

       I really enjoyed having Shawn here again last week! Again, he was a huge help and quiet the woodsmen considering we didn't have electricity the entire time he was here. The power was restored Thursday afternoon - minutes before getting ready to take him back home to Columbia, SC. We were just shy of a week without power due to Hurricane Helene. The county workers and linemen did an amazing job supporting and restoring our community back to functioning order. It hard to believe how much got done in just a short amount of time, as the damage was pretty extensive. Our prayers and thoughts continue to go out to our neighboring towns and states. There are many still in need of assistance and will need continue support to help rebuild.       Shawn, completed a product I produce for, The 3D Print Barn. It is a Ennis House - A Frank Lloyd Wright Tile Design or Blade Runner Inspired Vase. Every part of these cement vases are handmade. Shawn took the...

I had a chance to thank God’s Healing Springs Baptist Church this past Sunday for their donation. I was also asked to give my testimony. It was a whirlwind of emotions. Where I know God orchestrated this whole encounter - it didn’t make it any easier to follow in obedience. But God gave me strength in a situation I know was not my own. Not many know why I’m well suited for the vision given for this creative mission community. I understand the chain reaction and ripple effect of misunderstood and unresolved trauma. I can empathize, relate and help encourage those still stuck within the cycle of shame & guilt filled repression.  I am one of those individuals who was molested at an evangelical church by a church member. From about 9-12 each Sunday morning. Like many abused children, I didn’t come forward right away, because I was told and felt like I wouldn’t be believed. The first time I voiced the abuse - I wasn’t believed by those in spiritual authority. I was threatened b...

     Saturday friends came to brainstorm and talk about the structure of the upcoming creative mission organization. From right to left we have, Amy Jo, Mary Ellen, John, and Nanna. They came from Columbia to help plan the next steps of a non profit, grant writing, and forming a board of directors. Mary Ellen, is a natural networking agent and is well connected in Columbia, SC. She has talked with people who are willing to come give their talents to help in these initial phases.       The idea is to free licensed counseling for each person that comes to stay on the property. So far people have an overwhelming willingness to give of this special gift. A licensed therapists from the Columbia area is willing to give one day of her week to come to the property and give free counseling sessions. Another counselor I know is willing to give of his time via zoom sessions from Columbia. These types of services will be pivotal for the growth and restoration of t...

The Application of Broken Pieces Using a metaphor to invoke a deeper thought process towards healing. Giving a person a viable application and reminder of how their brokenness can be repaired can be a life altering gift. It can show a person that if we put forth the work through passion and understanding we can end up not only restored, but more unique, resilient and useful than ever before. We all know of the Japanese technique, Kintsugi, a 400 year old art form used during a time when vessels were too hard and expensive to come by that the broken vessels needed to be repaired instead of replaced. In Kintsugi the brokenness and scars of the piece are highlighted and proudly shown. This type of art form has brought a powerful application that can help others understand that their scars, their pasts, their very existence isn’t lost. That their life doesn’t have to be discarded. That their existence is desired and very much needed within a world full of people with seen and unseen scars ...