To the person who has felt defeated,
“While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.” ― Maya Angelou
I have never fully understood where some artists are coming from when they create some of their pieces. The range of nearly empty canvases to immense detail of a design can be found in two pieces that are side by side. Room after room filled with prized masterpieces, spanned out so that each one has its own spotlight; it has its time to tell it's story. The elements of design so eloquently sculpted/put onto a canvas. The artists don't see the paint, they see an emotion. They have told a story.
Most of the time I see a beautiful, finished product. A piece of someone else that I have photographed for my fine arts course or even pose beside to post on my Instagram. Seldom do I think about the process.
You might be thinking, "OK, where is she going with this?" Hold on, there's a point to my rambling.
The first time I visited an art museum was for my Humanities Fine Arts class. The IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) was gigantic, and I was thrilled to finally see it. We were given a time limit and let me tell you- it was not enough. I began to mosey through each exhibit, filling out paperwork as I needed for my class when I came upon the weirdest, most eye-catching sculpture on the second floor. I pulled out my phone to photograph this skeleton sculpture that was leaning its forehead on a pair of yogurt cups against the museum wall. I will admit that I didn't see much artistry in the piece, or see any amount of beauty in it either. My reason for photographing it was because I thought it was a joke. But as I looked at it longer, I saw how it had a slumped posture- tired and frustrated would be adequate descriptions. He was over it. And so in a 180° turn, I could relate to the weirdest art piece in the place. I, too, was tired.
I have been that skeleton so many times. I'm a full-time college student at a new school this year, working a full time job with a 45 minute commute. I am in a Bible study, am the captain on my campus Love Your Melon Crew and I have trouble saying "No". And man has God closed a lot of doors this year. I had to leave the school of my dreams, buried my hero of a grandfather, had my time in a toxic relationship.. I had been defeated.
I sought refuge in myself. I am such an independent little thing and I had myself convinced that I was invincible. Being a planner, learning how to just go with it was one of the biggest challenges I ever faced against myself. When you're in a dark place, you fight everything. Hours and hours were spent in mental warfare because I couldn't lay down my anxieties and worry. And within all of my fighting, I grew weary.
Maybe you can relate. You went through hell and back and back again. Perhaps you're feeling a little defeated now?
I'm not going to talk like I have life figured out, because anyone could tell you I am far from it. However, I can say with confidence that everything is going to be okay. Maybe not right now, or tomorrow, but it will. There are valleys and there are mountains. But one without the other would make for flat land with nothing new to come your way.
When you're feeling defeated, seek out your loved ones. I can't stress it enough, there are people that care for you in your darkest hours. If you're like me, I had times where I shut my eyes to hide from my problems but also hindered myself from seeing those reaching out to me. I will be honest in saying you may find your real friends though your trials, but I challenge you to reach out.
To my college students, COLLEGE IS HARD AND IT SUCKS SOMETIMES AND IM SORRY BECAUSE I CAN RELATE. Just hold on. The light is at the end of the tunnel with your shiny black graduation cap and a piece of paper you might not ever use, but you have proved to yourself that you can make it and do the impossible.
To those who are parents, working two jobs. Hang in there. Finances are a bummer. So is adulthood sometimes. Take time to read the Word, exercise, go out on a date. Heck, stay in for a date. There are so many challenges you'll face in your day to day life but think about how far you've come and the support you have and can give.
Most important of all, friend, seek the Lord. Because our God is a loving God filled with mercy and grace. I think of a dear friend in my church family who has faced trial after trial with having children and adoption. My heart aches for those who face that kind of pain. Every week I would hear updates of what sounded like a living hell this couple was going through-I knew what defeat felt like, but I couldn't imagine the heartache and hurt filled their hearts when they saw their little girl who had been in their care for the last time because the adoption process did not go through. Maybe it's because my empathy is growing stronger and stronger, but I weeped for them. I saw them struggle. But God was there.
They see that now, even though their sight was leaving them blind and in the dark within the storm. I've seen the joy of the Lord within them despite their troubles. They have shown that when you have been knocked down you must stand back up- the Lord will help you do that. They now officially have a son who is in kindergarten this year. Guys, God is at work even when we don't think He is. Even if you'd say "Religion isn't my thing" I'm not talking about a religion I'm talking about a relationship with the One who created you. The True Living God is a God of healing and mercy. He hears you. He cries with you and carries your burdens like a champ. Read Psalm 125 if you don't believe me.
Keep the faith, and don't succumb to the pressures and weights life throws upon you. You were created to overcome and fight the good fight. And when you feel defeated, remember that you have been designed just like that skeleton in the art museum.
