By Christa Parodi
When
I heard the words, "He won't love you any better when you become
better. He loves you 100% right now," I desperately wanted to believe,
and even more than believing, I wanted to live with that kind of
freedom. I had the head knowledge, but I had not really experienced the
"I love you as you are" kind of love. The "try harder" and "do more"
part of me wanted to see what it would be like to safely gaze into the
Father's eyes and see what he sees.
As
this journey unfolded, I found myself on the floor one day moving paint
around a canvas with my fingers in circular loop patterns. Bravely I
showed up at a Christian worship arts conference all by myself. For this
serious, color-inside-of-the-lines kind of girl, this was a long
over-do invitation to play-to get messy. Insecurities and the pressure
to perform started to mysteriously melt away as the tears started to
flow and drip onto the swirly painting. Salty tears were mixed with a
rainbow of vibrant colors. Even though I did not know where this worship
art experience was taking me, I knew it was my custom designed ride to
finding that place in the Father's heart that I was desperately hungry
for.
Enjoy a moment of rest! Check out our Resting Place from our issue Friend O'Mine
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While
this healing encounter on the floor was messing me up in the best way
possible, Jesus was gently opening doors that would impact my community
back home. Sliding open two barn doors and inviting women into a sacred
space where worship and art collide was the next step that took place in
this unlocking of the heart journey.
Stepping
foot into what I have named The Worship Barn is an invitation to simply
receive love from Jesus. This isn't one of those step-by-step painting
classes. Tenderly an atmosphere of vulnerability is birthed and worship
flows heavenward and is so brilliantly poured right back all over us.
There's nothing to produce. It's worship. It's wholeheartedly partnering
with the Holy Spirit and realizing that he really is steadfast and we
don't have to be afraid.
As
I host workshops for women I have realized that craving a space filled
with permission and wonder isn't just my own unique longing. Creatively,
women are opening up those dry, weary places in their hearts. Brush
strokes glide and fingers pitter pat while healing oil is released over
them by the Lord. Learning how to live from that place of not having to
strive has been given fresh revelation and experience in this barn. In
the process of painting, God has lifted my head and led me on a journey
that has helped me come to him and bring others along as well. May we
stay wide-eyed, sit on the floor with our King and let him fill our
lives with color so we can spread the color of love to a "God-hungry"
world that is waiting with their paintbrushes.
Don't forget to register for our September webinar on "Answering God's Call"
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Christa
Parodi is passionate about inviting others into a creative space to
discover more about the extraordinary love of God. As founder of The
Worship Barn she gives artists permission to let their worship and art
collide. Christa lives in Ocala, FL with her husband and three children
ranging from ages 12-19.
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