They got mad at Monet because he did things differently.
They were comfortable with portraits & painting to the edge of the paper.
Impressionist painters were hated…until they weren’t.
Using visible brushstrokes, natural light, and combining complementary colors, they pushed art to a new, unfamiliar realm.
Is this why so many of the impressionist painters were friends? Alienated from the art community that turned their noses up at them and their paintings. They found community in bringing light into a dark situation. They found love in capturing their friends’ faces with paint.
No more perfect lines. No more “this is the way we’ve always done it.” Monet and friends pushed boundaries. Brought fresh vision to the art world.
I wonder when Monet had his moment. You know the one where he decided to press into discomfort knowing his art would be criticized, yet at peace with what he had to say and how he would say it on a canvas.
Is there anything you’re holding back from because you fear what’s on the other side?
Doing what they say. Not ruffling “company” or “family” feathers.
From having the hard conversation that will put your board members on the edge of their seats, but advocate for thousands of employees’ fair pay and benefits.
From sharing your “unpopular giftings” that bring love and life but aren't as ‘flashy’ to the world.
If you decide to follow Jesus, it means coloring outside the lines at times or painting within the borders, showing restraint.
It means using different brushstrokes, a wide range of colors, and often working with teams or, as impressionist painters would say, complementary colors.
Being a follower of “THE WAY” means going “THE NARROW WAY.” The road might feel lonely often, but you are not alone. There are fellow travelers along the path looking for you, too.
The way of Jesus means being 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 with the 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 (𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦) and doing it anyway. Even if YOUR loss means OUR COLLECTIVE gain.
It means bringing love, light, and unity to ALL people with no restrictions or handcuffs.
It means fighting for the least of these and being more compelled by love than hate.
It means getting dirty, washing feet, and trudging through the quicksand of life.
It means potentially distancing from a loved one’s hateful jargon, building bridges, and paving pathways for flourishing with a new family.
𝗦𝗼 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗜 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸?
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆?
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗯𝗲𝘆. No more holding back.
My Musing: I have learned to “just write” as the Lord leads. On our last night in Paris, looking out the window of our hotel room (see picture below), I jotted down these thoughts reflecting on visits to Monet’s house, then seeing his paintings at the Musée d’Orsay. My words are never fancy, but in light of this week in our country I’m feeling a burning in my bones to encourage you to stand up, speak up, and stand in the gap for the sake of our siblings who will be affected by the new bill passing. Pushing past comfort is part of following the way of Jesus. Do the thing that God has told you to do, and keep your ears close to his heart and your eyes peeled.
Yes, it’s a time for us to stand alert and imaginative. Thank you, friend for writing this. 🙏🏼
Thank you for your inspiration. It gives permission to be who God created us to be.
I didn't understand the part about "standing in the gap for our siblings". Did I miss something?