Lumiere Charity Photograph Gallery: July 2023

PENSIVE ANGEL

Photograph taken with permission. With thanks to the sculptor

So it's like this. As humans, often we look at things from humankind's perspective. Looking up from earth to heaven, we think of God our Father. We ask our guardian angel to help us - (knowing that Jesus Christ explained that all of God's children have an angel in heaven interceding on each one's behalf - (Matthew 18:10).

Yet do we ever think of matters from the angelic perspective? Mom had invited me to visit a local sculptor in Africa. When we visited, I was amazed at the beauty and precision with which the various images were made. This image of a pensive angel made me stand in wonder at the angelic beauty. It is almost as if the angel - a fledgling guardian as it were - has received the mandate from God to be guardian to a little human.

The angel looks out over heaven, hands clasped in prayerful thought, as if pondering how to go about this momentous task. How shall I protect this little one? What issues shall I warn my little charge against? How can I keep this little human made in the Image and Likeness of God safe from the wiles of the evil one?

A stone lies at the feet of the angelic sculpture in the photograph, with the word "Liefde" engraved upon it. This is the Afrikaans word for "Love". A fitting encapsulation of the vocation of each angel guardian.

Let us remember our dear guardian angels. Let us spare a thought for the multitude of guardian angels who have had their charges wrested from their angelic care through abortion, murder or sin. Let us pray for all who have not - or do not - listen to the angelic promptings of their angel guardian, that their hearts may become open to the guidance of their angel.

Let us pray the following prayer:

"Angel of God, my guardian dear,

to whom God's Love commits me here,

ever this day be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBYEQvVRRKQ

With thanks to youtube

AFRICA - DEEP IN THOUGHT

Photograph taken with permission. With thanks to the sculptor

DIAMOND HEART (AFTER THE RAIN)

This beautiful South African plant held a heart of water after the rain - which glistened like a diamond in the sun. Intent on gardening, I stopped; arrested by the beautiful sight.

As the plant was - after the rain - so, too, are we. Each of us has many layers, different talents, various capabilities - much as the many-layered leaves of this little plant. Within our hearts, all of us contain a diamond. Each of us has a prism of the Almighty God within our being, we are all made "in the Image and Likeness of God" (Genesis 1:27). Humankind has been made in God's Image in our moral, spiritual and intellectual nature.

Let us never disrespect another individual. If we do so, we run the risk of disrespecting the Image of God within that person. The diamond within our being also may be tears, sorrows or grief. We may have a struggling Image of God within our souls due to sin, difficulties or lack of knowledge. Yet: here is the wonderful truth. We are all bound towards God, on many different roads. Let us reach out our hands across any perceived divide and connect with others on their traverse towards God.

Let us discover the diamond within our hearts and souls; and help others, to discover theirs.

AFRICA - RHINOCEROS

With thanks to the sculptor

ROSE STAINED GLASS WINDOW

Rose window often refers to a circular window, especially those found in Gothic Cathedrals and churches. The windows are divided into segments by stone mullions and tracery. The term rose window was not used before the 17th century, and comes from the English flower name 'rose'.

Like the Eastern mandala, rose windows often symbolized how various smaller parts could form a harmonious whole and attain perfect unity.

Our families, societies, places of worship and countries form rose windows. Every family has family members. When all pull together with their diverse personalities and talents, a familial rose window may be formed. I know, I know . . . sometimes easier said than done. But a family is a living rose window. There are times when sorrow and suffering weave less light-filled experiences into our lives. Yet there are always the luminous joys and the good times - much as the rose window.

Every society has members. When all join together, a beautiful harmony may be created. Let us uplift those in difficulty, support those in need, and rejoice in all achievements. Let us form rose windows of peace, joy, tolerance, respect and patience within our societies for all.

Our place of worship has congregants. Let all who believe in God be a light upon a hilltop to the world, a rose window of individuals with talents working together to bring peace, harmony and the message of our Loving God to all.

Every country has citizens. Let us uplift the beautiful countries into which God willed us to be born.

Let your individual life be a mandala, a rose window of beauty to the world.