by Elizabeth Martinez-Osorio
Since interim pastor Paval Gailans has joined us at Homestead (FL) Mennonite, he has had new ideas for outreach. Noticing that I had an interest in art, he invited me to consider playing a role in reaching out to the community.
This invitation excited me a lot, and I began organizing what Gailans describes as a “Guided Painting” community event. With the help of the congregation, we purchased the supplies and printed flyers. At the time of the event, we encountered God’s bountiful provisions and God brought some new locals in who were drawn to the idea of painting together.
We came together in fellowship with good spirits to try painting, many for the first time. I sat in the middle of a group of round tables. Guests, many who did not know each other, were offered food and beverages along with the materials, paint, and plastic aprons.
It was an honor to guide the guests of all ages in painting at their own pace. There was a feeling of tranquility in the room. At times, though, someone would begin to find their painting hideous and refuse to continue. Another would feel as if they were getting behind. Another person would deviate from any instruction and try painting something else entirely.
I meditated on these frustrations and different experiences and marveled at the similarities with faith. I loved each person’s painting unconditionally, offering only compliments to the unique interpretation each painting held of its subject (a bowl of fruit or an orchid flower). No matter what each canvas held, all were beautiful in the eyes of the teacher.
Painting can be scary, because one doesn’t know for sure how it will turn out. There is a vulnerability to the process; a person puts themself into the painting and senses that it might be seen as not good enough. But in watching something take form, amazement can replace worry and fear.
I compared this vulnerability and internal struggle to the one inside the disciple Peter, when asked by Jesus to take a step onto the water to be with Him. Guests pondered this idea and by the end of our time together, they were greatly satisfied with their achievements. Each in their own time, they made a painting and were also reminded of how God loves them regardless of their mistakes.
Elizabeth Martinez-Osorio
Elizabeth Martinez is a young adult member of Homestead (FL) Mennonite Church and a local artist who supports her congregation through creativity, community, and praying.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.