The Detailed Chat for the Unveiling
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| This bumblebee didn’t get the scientific memo! |
Why?
How?
Who?
Why did I paint murals in Rugby, North Dakota for free?
Short answer: God!
My goal is to be obedient and of service as Father God’s business calls me - not to work for hire! This means I did NOT receive payment for my services. I only desire to hear from my Father God, “well done…”.
In Chicago street art goes up on public spaces regularly, with a hint of anonymity/namelessness. In producing the murals, I too thought I’d be invisible. The murals are not my legacy. I never thought the murals should be about me at all, but about the gift, truly from Father God. It may be Father God’s message to you all that He sees you and cares deeply for you all.
Think about this for a second.
God brought someone, (me), from a fair distance - someone who looks nothing like you other than we are all humans made in Father God’s image; to be of service in this specific way - produce public art about your town. Frankly, I’d say this is Father God attempting to get your attention. He’s saying He sees you and you are indeed special to Him and is calling you to Himself, even those who flatter themselves as being “religious” - perhaps you have missed the proverbial mark, (being religious is not what Father requires - what does Father’s Word say?)… And for those who say, “… that’s not how my God operates!” “That’s not my Jesus!” Beloved, it is this Jesus you deny, that gave freely for you! He gave everything - His Body and Blood for you - “…while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. Christ has given freely of all He has. As His follower how can I do less but to give freely of the gifts, as He directs; he has given me?
i-am not what I was several years ago, (in truth I’ll always be Father’s work in progress, till I cross through the Veil), however, at this point i-am now living in such a way that i-am willing to be bold in the defense and answer for my faith - go the extreme for my faith. “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3: 13-15. Additionally, as in the gospel of Luke chapter 5, Simon Peter, James and John; “…they forsook all, and followed Him”. Me too.
i-am an example here for such a time as this to change the minds of people - so they see what a transformed life looks like - thanks to my Jesus.
While following is good. We should be mindful of what exactly we are following. Everyone is fully capable of self-selecting - but in reality- some make automatic choices, that we suppose are our own, but actually, there are sometimes nefarious person in the shadows that are directing what appears to be “choices” and so make different kinds of differences - the nefarious person’s choices, (i.e., political parties for example). Many people are programmed to follow, and sadly follow blindly. This is why reading Father God’s word and history is so important.
HOW did I do what I did?
Father God again!
From Jun 15th to July 15th, Monday through Saturday from 9am-6 sometimes to 9pm, I rose in the morning to paint and returned to my home to rest… I dropped to my knees every night and prayed for Father’s peace and restoration. In the morning I’d rise and go to my knees and ask for peace and direction and strength and by Father God’s grace He surprisingly chose to work through me despite my grumbling and complaining. Father God did a hand-over-hand - WHY? I would not have chosen me to do much of anything. i-am an abstract, emotional, heavy thinker type of artist. Stuff needs to connect in my work… I look for the flow in the interaction of the positive and negative spaces… So my art takes way too much time, when Father God is saying “let’s get ‘er done!” Hence the hand-over-hand that I willingly submit to - i-am not stupid! Of course, I submit to GOD!!! (Emphasis needed for those who do not! Respectfully written!)
Also, oddly, some among you think it’s appropriate to expect someone in retirement to continue to work - just for you, when there are others - younger and available to work? Is the retired dentist supposed to work indefinitely because you desire their specific service? While it may be flattering, in truth it is exhausting and potentially depletes all resources of the person pouring from their cup of services. It’s like “the tree”, in the 1960’s children’s book entitled “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.
Who am-i?
i-am a child of God.
Totally beloved. Totally redeemed. Totally a Christ follower.
I often tell folks I’m dust. This is referring to Genesis 3:19 “… for out of it, (dust), wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” i-am unassuming. People say i-am a good person and that I’m good hearted. But what does scripture say? “… both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All , (this means ALL-everyone, ever! from Adam til this present time), have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one… the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by HIS GRACE as a GIFT, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by HIS BLOOD, to be RECEIVED BY FAITH….” Romans 3:9-12, 22-25. Sit. And chew on this for a bit - I’m just saying.
There is nothing in my opinion about my physical appearance that stands out. Although, I do have one peculiarity, the iris’ of my eyes have grey limbal rings, like my maternal grandfather. I prefer sitting in the back when in rooms, but always in the front of a bus, the area designated for seniors, (this be me), and handicapped persons. I speak quietly because - I used to expect my students, when I was a teacher - to listen intently.
… But for the most part i-am totally unique, (just like everyone). There’s only one of me - like only one of you. We are all created and so called to do something - We all have purpose. No mistakes on Father God’s part. He intended for us all to be in time and place where we are to cause action and so reaction for HIS purposes, because He’s GOD!
Frankly, I see the joy in this journey… while so many do not and sadly some choose not because they feel they are loosing control - when really, do you have control and with this control that you think you have, are you at peace or are you afraid when you’re alone? You suppose you can’t do or have what you want, (some of you want what’s not yours to have, (like someone else’s spouse, or you want out of your marriage for the greener grass, for example))… Play out these wants that don’t align with God’s Word… Play out everything - examining the consequences… So consider truly - how does it work out for all those who could be potentially affected. For a second, imagine how others see you as you do what you want, (most times folks pretend no one sees or knows, (king David had this problem too when he chose to go after Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. How do you think Uriah’s parents felt when and how their son, was killed at king David’s orders… Think about Bathsheba - what were her choices… and the baby that died? Folks rarely think about how their sinful actions affect other people) … and so …you have our present world today… Folks deeply in need of Jesus - the Savior…
I started this posting with the rhetorical questions below and it morphed into how I would answer folks questioning me about the why, how, and who -since June 15th all the way and even after July 15th…
I pray that folks see Jesus
I pray that folks just think on Jesus and give Him more than the meaningless lip service they give Him everyday… JESUS IS GOD! HE ALONE DESERVES WAY MORE.
I pray that folks sit with Jesus daily.
I pray that folks read His Word.
Initial questions that I think about when painting…
Why is it we don’t appreciate someone until they’re gone or no longer available?
Why is it we think more of ourselves, when actually we are way less, (remember if you have to tell folks about your accolades what does that say about your motivates… When you go before the throne of God, (and everyone gets to go…) and tell Him what you did… Matthew 7:21-23). Or sadly, some think way less of themselves when really there is so much more than meets the common eye’s surface glance, (which isn’t such a bad thing)?
Why do we perceive people to be so different when they too are people and there is more in common than makes us different but we elevate the differences - Why? To wear the differences like badges? To wear titles? Why?
Why do we self impose scarlet letters? They are indeed scarlet for a reason - They’ve been bought for, with a Life giving cost, (Jesus), but we choose to walk under the burden being chained and so oddly refusing to walk in freedom, (Father God’s freedom - Grace, Joy, Peace,...)
Soli Deo Gloria
Nina
This is what I read for the unveiling - similar but different
I have a detailed explanation of all that I’m presently paraphrasing, on my blog for the world to see at ninabenson.blogspot.com and look up wynwood walls- Miami, FL.
THREE QUESTIONS I HAVE BEEN ASKED SINCE JUNE 15TH AND BEYOND
Why am-i here in Rugby, North Dakota?:
Shortest Biggest answer:
God!
I dare not suppose to know the mind of God - scripture says, in 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him?”
Not me.
Looking to scriptures when Father God called anyone to go and do - it was for His purposes :
For example: Noah in the book of Genesis. God told him to build a big boat on dry land because He was going to cause it to rain - a lot, and destroy nearly everything - less Noah and his family.
God sent Jonah out to the people of Nineveh. However Jonah was very reluctant, but after three days in the stomach acids of a big fish, Jonah changed his mind and was about God’s purpose…
I also believe that Father God does seem to enjoy taking that which is marginalized and showing the masses, that what seems small - and insignificant, at first glance - is only just that - the surface, that first glance - when many miss - everything. As in the story of Rahab a prostitute who lived in Jericho. God uses her efforts to save the children of Israel.
Father God uses Ruth a Moabite to continue the lineage that leads to my Savior Jesus and so on and on it goes…
Father God likes taking what people look down upon and says look again - look deeper.
i-am not like you, and i-am not like what you see on your television. But we all have choices to go along with what we want. Just like I made the choice of NOT to clomp the people of Rugby into the handful of mindless, narrow-minded people who persistently view me through the lens of social media.
I want it to be perfectly clear. I -did- not- get paid for my efforts. I willingly did not want to get paid, because this was something between Father God and i… And I know that made some of you very uncomfortable as you felt you had to pay me, gift me, with something… I’ve got a rhetorical question for you: Why do you feel the need to trump a gift? Just think about that.
Doing Ashley’s building was truly an extra that I wanted to do - in that I don’t believe it was part of Father God’s plan. Yes, I do things outside of God’s will everyday, sometimes all day. i-am willful just like all of you and sometimes it’s ok and sometimes it’s sinful. But painting, actually doing all kinds of art, is a gift I get to share. It’s a passion of mine, as my son pointed out.
This does not mean people get to exhaust me just because I have a gift… Jesus did not heal everyone He came in contact with, nor did He supply endless loaves and fishes… He came to give something better. His gave His life freely for sinful people and He was - rejected and sadly still is… Makes me wonder about people.
How do I do what I do?
Another short BIG answer - again:
God!
I can do some things that some people believe they cannot do. I produce art with ease, and I do enjoy it - most times. Like things we all are passionate about, sometimes there is a considerable amount of pain and suffering that accompanies the passion, but there’s joy after its production. My case in point - childbirth. To me, that’s what makes something a gift from God. I get to enjoy it and others can receive some benefit as well.
BUT others have gifts that they are hoarding as their own and they could share. They don’t have to give what they do away freely, but they can and should be paid a fair wage - especially, if it’s providing a fulfilling service and/or is beneficial. Encourage those who have talents and support them, even work along side of them and 😏 learn something .
This is a good enough segue to say THANK YOU
I’m going to try to thank folks in the order that I met them, but then it gets scattered...
Barb - first person I met in Rugby on a cold October morning - Not fearful, kind, a willingness to assist
Joel from Cobblestone - First man I took a ride from in Rugby because I looked like I needed assistance - took me all the way out to Cobblestone. I’d NEVER would do that is Chicago.
Amy and Corey at Dakota Farms - just kind and welcoming - extending hospitality to a stranger without fear.
Joyce who also insisted upon giving me a ride
Cindy at Cobblestone - the folks at Cobblestone put up with my quirks.
Helen and Mariah and Raymond and Gaylan and the young couple that drove by in van who bought me a CORE water and El-veena - You are all so sweet! And especially caring.
Dawn from Wild minds and Jennifer from Pierce Tribune - thank you Dawn for your ladder and both of you. - for your words and ideas… I took them all in and heard them and they are resonating in my head.
Helen from church -who got out of her car to talk to me… This was huge!!!
Andrew Sinclair for his encouragement and direction - His words were priceless.
Mandie at the library - And Robin and Jessica - all so incredibly welcoming and trusting - fearless.
Pastor Chris Neuendorf , Debra and Peggy - from church - who are some majorly connected prayer warriors and have become deep friends
My awesome neighbors, awesome sisters in Christ - who pray - Janice, Veronica, Ruth, Beverly, Sue, Loraine, Zach and wife Cassandra and the boys
Special shout out to Gary and Deana - never have experienced such care from a group of people in a neighborhood…
I know you names and you care to know mine - this is not Chicago
Laurie, Brian and John for not being fearful and so affording me the opportunity and honor to do Rugby’s first mural. THANK YOU!!!!
And a side note: For those who think the first mural should not have been on a bar… I think my Jesus would so be in a bar… not sinning ofc, but telling all the JoAnne’s that they are worth so much more than they think of themselves and telling all of the Samuels that they can get back up again and start over and choose differently this time and most importantly, telling them all - they aren’t alone - none of them…. Yes a bar… my Jesus would so be there.
Who am i?
Answer: Child of God - Whom He is yet working on
i-am a work in progress. i-am still trying to figure life out - now more so than ever, according to the Word of God. As a child I felt insignificant and so grew up feeling like I should be invisible. Even recently, as an adult living in an apartment, paying more for rent than I do my mortgage - I felt I should be as quiet as possible. So living in Chicago a person can easily be invisible to others, but you miss out on life as one works hard to be invisible.
Some years ago when Father God allowed a car accident that made my car the meat in between two vehicles - I started taking public transportation to the school where I taught. I began to really see people, strangers, for the first time. While being the lone fish in the fish bowl of Rugby… this fish is also looking back at you …
End …
In short I have no regrets coming to Rugby… I know i-am not one of you, but like Rahab, Ruth, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Gentile woman with the possessed daughter, Jesus called a dog … All of them took major steps of faith to go and do - to act and react… I think with Father God’s direction and life’s ups and downs, good and bad… it all works out good for those who are called according to His purposes.
Thank you all
