WHY? ABOUT GIVEN WORD NOW:
Given Word Now publishes words and pictures from the writing and art play of Ginny Emery.
Why art play? While following the large crowds pushing and craning for views of the paintings in a Monet Exhibit in London in 1990, I became disillusioned by what felt like an atmosphere of idolatry. Then a quiet voice I believed to be the Holy Spirit spoke with unforgettable warmth and clarity within my heart. The words were few, “He just trusted Me and played.”
I never bothered to check out Monet’s life style or faith. I knew that most creativity is just that—playful exploration (sometimes for hours, days, months and years) that trust to do what is in it to do.
Between family responsibilities, I’ve been trying to do that for most of my life. Why put it on a webpage now?
First, a website is an act of faith and courage.
Second, it’s an act of obedience. “Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9) That directive usually sets off an inner conversation with myself that goes something like this—
Speak out. Give what you’ve done and what you’ve learned and received from God and others. Do not hide your light under a bushel.”
“I’m not good enough! I can’t always tell light from dark. I don’t know what’s my own drivel and what’s inspired. I’ve got warts.”
“So what! Everybody does. And God’s people don’t pretend to be better than they are. Jonah’s petulance and disobedience wasn’t hidden. Moses’ anger is in The Book, so is King David’s murder and adultery and Elijah’s cowardice. Gideon’s insecurity isn’t glossed over. Peter’s hot temper and denial of Jesus isn’t denied.”
“Do not hide your light under a bushel. Spots on the lampshade, distortions on the glass, and smoke from the candle are part of your story.
Remember, you are not a big deal. Only Jesus can say with full assurance, “For I gave them [my disciples] the words you gave me … I have given them your word.” (John 17: 8 and 14)
Get off your high horse, give what you’ve got, trust anyone who reads this, encourage others to speak out, and leave the results to God.”
OK. Then, others out there—reading this, Speak out! Winston Churchill said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak.”
“Yeah, but, he also said, “Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
“Too many have been sitting down and listening for too long.”
“Yeah, but, I’m just me, an ordinary woman. I’m not into politics or causes; I’m not super bright or super educated. My only testimony is that in the midst of my simple and often messy life, Jesus has proven Himself alive and real.”
“Enough yeah, buts. That’s the point, Jesus has proven Himself real to you. Don’t try to speak beyond who you are and what is given you. Don’t pretend. And do not fear to be who you are.”
Some readers may have influential words to speak about social justice; education, economy, local government, special groups and other concerns God has placed on your hearts. You know who you are. I urge you, “Fear not to speak out.” Bonhoffer’s words are telling: He said,
First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer
And if we don’t have anything to say, let us be still.
This segues into my final reason for this website; it invites community.
When I write, paint or play with computer graphics, I am alone. I love silence and solitude in work. But when I am done, I sense a loneliness friends and family can’t fill. It’s a longing to share my work and play. Readers and viewers may like or dislike, welcome or judge. But in isolation it’s impossible to know if our work and play is a self-absorbed exercise for our own distraction, a healing therapy and personal release, or if we might actually bear gifts for others.
One morning last spring when I began to write, the words flowed forth like a river. I was carried to places far from my current thoughts and situation as my pen moved along the lines almost faster than I could keep up with it. It was so other, so beyond me, that I was insecure, almost fearful. I read it to a friend who knows God more closely than I do; I wanted her discernment. Tears rose into her eyes as the words touched her deeply. The words were not for me or for this blog page; they were given for her.
We’ve all had similar experiences at various levels. Sometimes the exchange of words is so simple and automatic we’ve no idea it might be from God. Over fifty-five years ago, in a youthful fit of full-moon-whacky hormonal despondency, I was walking across a college campus thinking of ways to kill myself when a kind smile and a quiet “Hi!” from a fellow student changed my thinking. I don’t think he ever suspected he changed my life that day. We never spoke again.
Perhaps words given to me or to you will make a difference in someone’s life, but only if they are given. That is why this website.
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GINNY EMERY graduated from Beloit college with majors in English literature and English composition. After raising three children she earned a MAT in reading from National Louis University and a Masters degree in Fine Arts from the University of Illinois. Her three published collections of poems are Places, Pursuit, and Giving. Giving received the 2019 Illumination Gold Medal as the year’s best Christian poetry.
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