When you think of a symbol what
comes to mind? Symbols are the visual images that trigger a response to
remember. A symbol can encompass a slue of emotions good and bad. The bible
both OT and NT is riddled with symbols. These symbols sometimes manifest
themselves literally like the blood of the lamb God asked the Israelites to
place over their door during the exodus. At other times symbols can be
encapsulated in things like parables and visions. The de facto Christian symbol
has to be the cross. I can’t think of a symbol that triggers a wide array of
response than this. To some the cross represents oppression, hate and death
while to others grace and salvation.
When we first arrived at Remar
Center, Vanda our contact gave us a tour of the property. There was voice that
kept asking me as I
walked around what’s missing? I couldn’t put my finger on
it at first. We have seen a lot of Christian based ministries this year and
they had something that this place was lacking. Towards the end of the tour it
hit me, other than the sign out front there were very few symbols that said
this property is God’s ground. I am not a believer in flashing Christian
symbols to prove to the world that we are holy. However, what I do believe in the
visual power of seeing symbols repetitively and especially scripture. There are
four adults on the property to watch 150 kids. Everyone out there knows that
each of these kids is not getting touched each day physically let alone
spiritually. So why not paint some truth and symbols in a place that they have
to pass everyday.
So our teams derived a plan to
bring a little light and love into the orphanage visually. We wanted to give
the children something they could point to and educated one another. We all
worked hard with the little amount of time we had and the results far exceeded
my expectations. I encourage you to think about how you can apply more symbols
in your own life. A great place to start is in your home.
