Black and White – What are Your Truths?
Today’s prompt is black and white. I have been pondering about this theme. What are my black and whites? My truths. I am joining #ScribblePicnic.
I don’t believe everything is black and white.
I don’t think others should be telling people what to think and what to do.
But I do know there are certain truths that I put my faith in. And I am sure that you do too. We all have our black and whites.
These are my Black and Whites about my faith which is my life:
I believe in the Apostles’ Creed (that’s my faith statement).
Jesus is My Rock.
I believe we need to love, care and help others no matter their colour, their faith, their background – whatever.
I believe God put me here on earth for a purpose and I am trying to follow that way. I try to listen to what He is telling me.
I believe I can communicate with my God. I write about what I learn as I continue to grow in my faith. I read my Bible daily.
I believe we cannot judge one another. There is One who judges. Period.
I believe in a community – a community of believers, of like-minded individuals (like artists), of young people, of seniors, (whatever) – a group of people that help one another. (That’s why I love our church.)
So today I am going to sketch my black and white.
.
But my faith needs colour.
I need joy, compassion, hope, love, excitement, energy, enthusiasm – I need life. Life to me is colour. So my black and white will be coloured with the zeal of living
If you enjoyed this article, I would love to hear your thoughts.
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Janis, my first thoughts went to something along these lines when I first saw the black and white theme, but I obviously didn’t go that route with my drawing. There isn’t really anything except black and white when it comes to faith in Christ, ” because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) Either a person believes and will be saved, or does not believe and will not be saved. The added color comes in the joy and other fruit of the Spirit that we have as believers, as you have so beautifully illustrated.
I enjoyed reading your post. I like the colour aspect you bring into it. Indeed, there are no gray areas with God, it is either right or wrong. But that is the beauty of having Jesus in our lives since He has paid the ultimate price. Since Jesus paid the price, we can enjoy being colourful by His Grace.
I also fully agree with you that there is no need to tell other people what to do. The truth is available to us all. Yes, it is our responsibility to make it known, but after receiving it, it is each individual’s own responsibility to decide what he (or she) is going to do with it.
Sometimes I think we should talk less, and just let more of those colours be seen in our lives, then more people would want what we have.
Great post, Janis. Keep up the good work.
Have a great day.
Oh I love that Jaco – using the colour of our lives to show Christ. If we could only do that. We use “words” but sometimes those words are full of judgment and even hatred. If we could only do Micah 6:8. To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Blessings
Janis
Janis, I really like the black and white comparison with your coloured version. It really SHOWS the difference between life/death….and a relationship with God. Well done. 🙂
Oh Alexandra,
Love that. Yes the colour brings God into the darkness into our present world. The joy, peace, compassion can be felt through colour.
Blessings
Janis
I have very certain black and whites, but I mostly live by my gray areas. 🙂 Nice to read your point of view and I also believe that NOBODY should tell anyone else what is right and wrong. Faith is very personal! We all follow our own path, and as long as we are not harming others, that’s just fine with me! 🙂
Rain,
I thank you for your thoughts. Sometimes we as Christians talk too much and don’t show our love, grace and caring to others. I think this is essential – to show that love. I don’t know what is right and wrong in some cases. I do know “right” from “wrong” though. As I follow what I am learning through my study of the scriptures I know that I sometimes just have to speak my faith. It is not easy to do this – but I feel compelled sometimes.
Blessings
Janis
Janice ~ you are a true trooper of your Faith, and I see take every opportunity to share it. Blessing on your passion for the Lord and your art.
Thanks Wanda,
He certainly has given me a passion to do so. Words seem to light a fire in my heart and I have to share.
Blessings
Janis
I like how you juxtapose black and white truth with the colour of life, Janis. Good comparison and take on the theme. I agree with you on everything here btw. Whilst I don’t really see the need for “going” to church anymore or supporting one man’s/pastor’s particular vision or denomination, or reading the bible regularly as it can hinder as much as build up due to one’s interpretations, etc, I do think we are to be that to those around us at large–that love, offering healing and grace, etc. It;s hard world out there! We each can do and offer something. 🙂 I think the way the world rushes to judgment so often so quickly only hurts and damages others so unnecessarily. I firmly believe in the “less one walks a mile in anothers moccasins” mantra. So so true. 🙂
Thank you for your contribution.
Thank you Michael for your wise words. I do believe though that asking God to reveal Himself in His Word can make the Bible come alive. When I read it every day it opens so many new ideas and doors into my heart. It must be read and understood in context and time of writing. It takes deep study using a study Bible and commentaries. When I am still confused I write my Pastor. I am a studier so reading my Bible is something I love to do.
As for church – for me it is like a family. We have our foibles, divisions and troubles. But we work through them and are able to help others by being Christ’s hands and feet.
Blessings
Janis
You always make me pause and think about something special Janis.
I wish my faith was stronger – sometimes I falter and am ready to give up on things, but thankfully it usually gets better.
Like what you chose for today’s theme.
Have a great week.
Mary –
Mary,
Thank you for being open. Faith is not easy. It takes work, commitment and time. But the result can be joy, freedom and excitement. And having faith when times are tough is the hardest part, isn’t it?
Blessings
Janis
Janis, this is very poignant. You’re right, there is a need for black and white and color. Wonderfully done!
Thanks Lorraine,
I liked the way my thought process went when thinking of the prompt black and white. And colour was definitely needed.
Blessings
Janis
Interesting thought process for this week’s theme, Janis. Nice work. I like the ‘before’ colour and ‘after’ colour pieces.
Serena,
Thanks so much. I love the way God leads me to think things through. And adding colour was a necessity. It couldn’t be left at black and white.
Blessings
Janis
very beautiful thoughts to go with your piece for the theme! Love that you added colour.
Christine,
I could not leave it at black and white. My faith is so filled with more than that – so colour showed that I hope.
Blessings
Janis
I like the bright colors in your piece, makes me think of sunshine and good things.
have a lovely day.
Lissa,
Thank you!! I love sunshine and good things too. I look for the good in every thing.
Blessings
Janis