[su_dropcap style=”flat”]F[/su_dropcap]IRST, WHAT IS Charism: A Charism according to Theology is a divinely conferred gift of power, personal influence on other people individually or as a group, a good gift that flows from God’s love to humans..
Not long ago, I attended an Adult Forum and the speaker, very educated, with ton’s of degree’s, but really an expert in defining one’s Charism was about to speak. I decided to check it out. One of the first things we were given when we walked into the room was a sheet that had a list of the things that (those) who were going to be in the audience, were good at, or that which they had an interest in.
As the talk got underway and the speaker began to point out how often times (WE) think we are doing what we have always loved to do! But soon we found out that our Charism landed us in another arena. For example, I checked off the questions thinking that what would be at the top of my list is serving the public, helping others, being a servant, such as in the field of nursing, public servant, etc.. To my amazement, I discovered that what I was really good at was teaching, writing, the arts!. Then I also discovered that deep down inside, these were also the things that I enjoyed doing the most. Each of us have Charisms and we hopefully know what they are, that they are what we are doing and not what we have to do.
I started painting when i retired from Law Enforcement, always wanting to do Religious art in some way, but I did not want to limit myself. I also wanted to write and share with as many people who were interested my life’s experiences, thinking that maybe something I wrote would help someone, somewhere.
I attache one of my 1 of 8 paintings since this is the season of Lent in the Liturgical year of the Catholic Church. However, this painting does not limit itself to Catholic Faith.
Original Artist unknown,This Rendition in Oil by Lynn Forrester
©2013 not to be reproduced in any way.
When you look into the eyes of Christ, know that He suffers for all living souls who are going through so much in life. He cares.
So getting back to Charisms, follow what is on your heart. Try things that you would not have thought have of, who knows how good you will be! but better yet, as in my case, I may not be the best, but it gives me joy and peace when I have a brush or pen in my hand..
A quote from Henri J. Nouwen; that I think is beautiful..
To identify the movements of the Spirit in our lives, I have found it helpful To use four words: “taken” “blessed” “broken” and “given”
Take what is given to you, that is blessed as God’s gift of talent, regardless how broken, it is given to you freely. Do something with it.[su_spacer]
until next time…
Lynn, this is just what I’ve been grappling with myself. It’s like you were eavesdropping inside my head all day yesterday. I would love to attend an event that you described. I think it would tie up my chaotic thoughts and make sense of them. I love your painting. My sister, who was a nurse, found her passion in painting too. She didn’t think she and a dropper full of artistic talent until she took a painting class. That was 25 years ago. Her specialty is lighthouses. She visits, takes photographs, then paints. I love her work. She also is an exquisite seamstress.