Some concepts cannot adequately be expressed through words alone. Some things are better said with an image or picture. I think that’s why first impressions are so important. It’s a visual image we see and it speaks volumes.
As I’ve been painting a painting a day since January 1st, I’ve found myself digging deeper for subject matter. Images that normally wouldn’t find their way into my work are appearing. Yesterday I painted a painting entitled “Out Of The Shadows”
I’ve been facilitating a bible study/class/support group for victims of domestic abuse for the last three weeks. My eyes are being opened to the reality of a woman’s journey out of a silent suffering that occurs behind closed doors. As I was preparing for the lesson yesterday I painted “Out Of The Shadows” I was deeply feeling the sense of hiddenness that so many women feel when they hide in the shadows of abuse. Many times the hardest thing to do is admit that emotional, psychological and spiritual abuse is taking place. If they admit that this is happening then they will have to admit that their dream of a happy, successful marriage or relationship is nonexistent. But admitting the truth does set one free. And coming out of the shadows does begin the process of freedom from abuse. One of the tools that the abuser uses to keep his victim bound is the tool of silence. If the victim remains silent, the abuser has won and she is the one who continues to suffer.
I am honored to assist these courageous women begin to find their way out of darkness and into the light of truth and love. In the painting, a woman is covered by dark long material. She is breaking out of the silence and away from the identity of a victim. She is coming out into the light. In the background you see her abuser. As she steps forward, he is exposed. This is something he does not want and he turns away from the light.
This painting is symbolic of anyone who is stepping out of any kind of darkness of lies and into the truth. May it give you courage and understanding of the many women who suffer daily from abuse. God is making a way for women of all backgrounds and faiths to come out of the shadows and get the help they need to find freedom. If you are one of those women I urge you to contact your local YWCA and talk to someone there. The group I facilitate is Christian based and its founder lives in Oregon. God is moving heaven and earth to make a way for women to find their way out of the shadows and into the light. Let Him help you for He so loves you and He will never leave you. There is nothing, nothing, nothing that can separate you from Him.
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“Out Of The Shadows” Acrylic Ink and Acrylic Paint on Yupo paper
deborahnellart 