What is peace? This was a question I asked myself some years ago, and of course my definition has changed since then. In my mind I viewed peace as a period in time when everything is going according to plan, or there are no difficulties, troubles, or just plain ole’ drama. As I continued to walk the path of life expecting only the best (I was very optimistic and even green at the time), a wind called challenges blew, nearly knocking me over. I began to experience the troubles of life.
What do I mean? I mean when I experienced my first heartbreak, when I began working in a job that I hated, when the provision for life’s necessities would not come fast enough, then my definition of peace changed.
Through my own life experiences, I have learned that peace does not come as a result of everything (or most things) going well in your life. It’s not based on your circumstances or happy events. Everlasting peace is internal. It’s inside of you. It's not on the outside.
We can look around the world today and see just how much there is a lack of peace. There is a constant threat of wars breaking out in numerous countries. Unfortunately, some wars actually happen. People across the world call out to governments, and monarchies for peace. But does it ever really come? Even when a peace treaty is established, does it always remain? Or is there a schism that occurs in the journey to peace, causing another disruption of chaos and violence?
No.
I believe peace is an internal knowing and trusting that amidst the chaos and confusion God will be with you. The peace He provides guarantees that everything will be alright. The worries, fears, and anxieties that cause an endless wave of unrest to come over us settles down. It speaks to the wind of challenges in confidence saying, "be still". The challenges may still be present, but it doesn’t rock you to and fro. So really, you become still in patience and calm as the wind dies down, and anxiety blows away.
I began creating what I like to call peace art, because on a windy and rainy day(s) of my life I picked up a sketchbook and a pencil. I simply drew what was on my heart. My own self portrait at the time. It was a way for me to show myself love, remembering the innocent smile that I had many years ago, that had seemed to be wiped away. I felt a calmness I hadn’t felt in a long time. A stillness and focus I never felt was possible for me because I struggled with low self-esteem and anxiety.
The purpose for creating peace art is so that people could experience a sense of warmth and gentleness. When they look upon it, they are reminded that there is hope in their situation, there is peace that can be provided, and that they are beautiful. Or whatever the feeling! Everyone is different. But most importantly whatever you feel I pray the feeling is good.
I hope you all have a blessed day. Let the peace of God come near you and remain within you. It’s available for you today.
If you are interested in purchasing a print of the "Peace of Mind" portrait it is available here or to check out my store for more.
To see what I am up to on a weekly, you can follow me on my social media pages, Facebook and Instagram
Sincerely,
Krystal