Yesterday, I and my wife Wilma had a meeting with a
group called “Inner City Youth Alive.” They have a fundraising event happening
in October and were interested in Wilma speaking for that occasion. It turns
out that this annual event is very unique in that they always include an art display
related to the theme chosen for their fundraising events.
As we learned about them, they also were also learning
about us. Wilma made them aware of the art I was doing and so they, unbeknownst
to us, made the journey to Altona to see my show at “The Gallery in the Park”.
It was after this that they called to arrange a meeting with the both of us.
Inner City Youth Alive is a faith-based, non-profit
organization located in the North End of Winnipeg, one of the city’s most needy
neighbourhoods, ministering the youth and their families since 1986. You can
check them out on their web-site www.icya.ca
We met at my studio and talked. They told stories
of their work with hurting, broken youth and their families. Drug dealers,
gang members, violence, death and murder, alcoholism, addictions, serving time
in jail, etc. were all part of their stories. Also included were how these broken
people also sought to help one another, with amazing acts of love and kindness
no one would expect or ever see.
After the meeting, Wilma mentioned how my dream of
making a “David as a youth” would so fit into this scenario.
I cannot let go if the idea of making a “David” for
this occasion. A David as a shepherd boy who had been neglected and forgotten by
his family. Working as a shepherd, the least of any job at that time. The
lowest of the low. Yet, a young man who out in those fields met his God in a
real way and had the time to meditate, worship, commune and understand as no
one had even in Moses’ day, the unique love God had for him. (and us.) David chose not to become
angry and bitter over his being ignored and neglected, he became strong as he
became convinced he was loved, appreciated and admired by his God! All of this has became clear as we read his life time of poetry and songs in the Psalms.Who cares
what your family thinks of you if you know your “the apple of God’s eye”!
I envision a piece representing this strength and
confidence. David standing as a shepherd boy, protecting his sheep. A youth, 17
yrs. of age, strong and confident. One or two sheep laying, sleeping, at rest,
safe at his feet. He’s standing alongside a pillar of rock. He’s already killed
the bear and the lion to save his sheep. He’s wearing leather and fur clothing,
ready for any kind of action. His staff in one hand alongside the rock pillar,
one sling around his neck like a necklace, being the shorter one used for short
range shots, the other sling, the longer one for longer distance shots, is in his right hand,
ready. His bag of ammunition is full, small smooth special stones lovingly chosen
and gathered over many days and months, just the right size, weight and smoothness
for accuracy. He is sharp and ready to protect his father’s assets. His cloak
lays at the foot of the pillar used as a cushion for his well used harp.
He is the young "lion of Judah", and even he doesn’t
yet know that. He has no idea that in a few days his life will change
dramatically. Not only will he be singled out by a priest for an anointing
ceremony, confirming the fact that he will be the future king, but also soon after
that stunning experience, he will be facing the greatest challenge of his life.
He will be facing a nine foot nine inch giant of a man in a life or death military encounter! An experienced deadly warrior who has no idea who
it is he’s dealing with. That he is facing a 17 year old, spirit filled young
man who has just been anointed to be the nation’s future king. The giant, of course, has no idea that this
boys future is to be the king, and that if he attempts to engage in battle with
this young “lion of Judah” there is no other option but his doom.
For every youth, male or female, regardless of the
tragic history, there is hope!
Will I have it ready for the date of this event in
mid October? I make no promises but I will do my best. I would love to unveil this
piece on that occasion. It just seems to fit.
If you want to see how to use a sling, check out “The
Sling Video” on U Tube. It’s awesome.
“Among all
these soldiers there were seven hundred select troops who were left handed,
each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.”
Judges 20:16
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