Love is an Oak Tree
“Love is an Oak Tree”. I painted this piece in Nepal. I had never painted before and was somewhat hesitant to accept the invitation to try. But as the Race is about embracing vulnerability, I went and submitted to the process.
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Twenty some Racers in a room, each with a blank canvas before us. Live prophetic worship playing softly in the background. Vague instructions and the freedom to fail
Two colours dabbed on a palette. One paintbrush in the hands of a broken and contrite heart. I was about to come undone.
The moment the paint brushed the canvas, I felt as though the lines and stokes were speaking words my heart had been longing to articulate. Tears flowed as I began to see the intricate entanglement of brokenness and beauty come to life before my eyes.
Love as an oak tree.
Understanding and meaning behind this piece has evolved month to month, leading me to new depths of intimacy with the Lord. Love is being redefined.
The World Race is a mission trip, but it is so much more. In many ways it is not at all what I anticipated and beyond what I imagined. Mission is simply the context for connection, the learning ground for Love. And Love is the ministry that leads to death and resurrection, brokenness and reconciliation, loss and redemption.
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Love is an oak tree because the seed must die before it can bring forth life. As an acorn carries the greatness of an oak tree, in Christ, we carry the seed of righteousness. I am being planted as an Oak of Righteousness (Isaiah 61:3).
The World Race is about learning to die. I am dying to who I thought I was, to who I thought I should be.
Love is an oak tree because when Love is planted, it always becomes what it was meant to be. It cannot become anything else. An acorn will always grow to become an oak tree.
Love is an oak tree because roots grow beneath the surface, unseen. Transformation transpires in darkness and in silence, in the Secret Place. Growth is gradual but sure in every season.
Love is an oak tree because in all its fullness, it multiplies. Acorns become great oak trees that produce acorns that become great oak trees.
The World Race is about coming alive. I am coming alive to who I truly am, to who I’ve always been.
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Thank you for your prayers and support from home. I definitely feel the effects of your love and know that this growth from acorn to budding oak tree would not be possible without you.
Love from Cambodia,
Steph
