The Balm
Works Created as a Balm
Balm: an aromatic preparation (such as a healing ointment), a soothing restorative agency (Merriam-Webster.com), anything that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain (dictionary.com)
This page will hold the art I create. It all started as I was doing identity work and Rockhouse simultaneously. Listening prayer was a significant factor in both, and while I learned the art of listening and hearing the Holy Spirit’s voice, He asked me to step into making art. I had this yearning to do more art. My soul was craving it. I didn’t know what that looked like or how it fit into my identity that He calls me, so I asked God what He wanted me to know. Months before, I had asked God who He called me, and I heard Healer of Nations. I immediately doubted, questioned, and was honestly afraid that I wouldn’t and couldn’t live up to that name because it felt too big.
But months later, I continue to hear “Healer of Nations.” As I have leaned more into my true identity by trusting and believing His words, I have found that He has graciously revealed more details surrounding my identity. One detail was that I’m a Healer of Hearts. I didn’t understand how healing hearts could be wrapped up in doing more art. But I learned that wasn’t the point. The point was to obey the small thing He has asked me to do. A seemingly simple act, but something I think will lead to another asking of obedience – this is only the beginning!
During a listening prayer, I received these words: “Art is a balm,” and “Art heals your heart.” I use Bag Balm every night before bed on my lips, and I’ve had a nervous (or boredom) habit where I bite and pick my lips forever, but the Bag Balm, overnight, heals my chapped, dry lips. I’ve sensed again and again that art can be a balm, something that soothes and steadies the heart, including my own. I’ve seen this in my most anxious days when anxiety felt too big to do anything. Art grounds me. Specifically with watercolor, it slows me down, allows me to think about color mixing, what color or wash should be next, and how I should apply the paints and in what order. It’s very methodical, keeping me present.
I hope that what was restorative in the making might also be healing to encounter. Nations are full of hearts that need healing, including my own. I’m excited to see where God leads me next. Whether the healing comes through brushstrokes or sentences, I hope to make room for it here. For some, the colors may resonate; for others, it may be the language, the story, or the naming of a shared experience. This is offered with open hands, trusting that what heals is different for each heart.
xo, Lo
