Lent 02.27.24
Living in a metropolitan area, I don’t get the luxury of stars but I like to imagine a world where the skies told their own stories. In "Lift Off," the elements are like main characters, inspiring whimsical fantasy. Cut-out layered clouds build into the horizon of the sea. The forceful wind tunnel blows over the sinking foot of a probably panicking Peter. This is a moving piece that is meant to tell a story in any direction it is turned. Like the theme of this series, the viewer should feel like they are on a journey with Peter. "Lift Off" is intentionally dark with beautiful highlights of color and sparkle. It is because of the darkness that the colors shine bright. These two things are complimentary, not contrasting. The fear that entered Peter with the wind was most likely heightened because it was dark out. Without knowing exactly what was around him, Peter became vulnerable, thus causing him to reach out. The wonder of darkness exposes us and invites us to seek connection.
—from the artist's statement for "Lift Off" by Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda (@nicolette.faison) | @sanctifiedart
Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda has incorporated many Adinkra symbols from the Gyaman people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire into her art. Learn more about their meanings and significance at adinkrasymbols.org.
WEEKLY CENTERING PRACTICE Center yourself in prayer. Pray to God using this template: “God, thank you for_______. God, rescue me from _______.”
DAILY QUESTION Peter gets out of the boat and walks toward Jesus (Mt. 14:22-33). When in your life have you intentionally moved closer to Jesus? What prompted that?
PRAYER Seeking God, you know that there are some days when I run to you—days when I am wise and strong, centered and rooted. But you know that there are other days when I am like a leaf in the wind—tossing and rolling, carried by a different stream. Help me to be intentional in my seeking. Plant a passion deep in my gut to find you under every rock and around every turn. Like Peter, I want to get out of my boat. Like Peter, I always want to walk toward you. Amen.
