less refined...

  Welcome, you have just found the collection of thoughts regarding art, culture, and worship.  I hope you come to enjoy and even look forward to my weekly postings.  I hope you find that this blog encourages you, as well as provoke thought.  

  Why less refined? We live amidst a contrast of pop culture and the Divine.  Our world may tell you to dress for success, dot your "i's" & cross your "t's", check your emotions at the door, and above all else, don't make a fool of yourself!  Now, there is a time for those things to be sure, however, when I read the Word...when I spend time in prayer and get even a glimpse of God's character...I hear something different.  Throughout Biblical history, God compels men and women to engage Him with a staggering level of honesty and transparency.  The facade of our exterior aesthetic is melted away in His presence.  The unrefined mess of our real lives is what God is after.  Over and over we see this passion for our truest selves described in Scripture.   One example can be found in Psalm 51: 

   "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.  You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."

  It's a little unnerving.  Even scary at times to be that vulnerable.  But, I believe in a God who's love is so great, so immense, so relentless that I can be free from the shackles of this worlds expectations.  Like David, "a man after God's own heart", I pray that I may find myself a little undignified in the presence of my King.  Perhaps, if I am willing, I may even come to embrace my stubble and shed my refined veneer.  Much like the mocking bird of this painting ["escape"2007], consider freedom from the bondage of our worlds perception.

rob.