I'm starting the process of working with some friends out in Colorado who are building a new co-working space. This was just a fun drawing while thinking about what I could draw on their walls.
New York is Cool, But
I read this article today and knew it couldn't go untouched. Whether it's a true story or not, the idea is completely ludicrous. So in honor of all those paying heaps of cash for new facial hair, I give you this:
Behind the Handpersand
Two days ago I woke up with an urge to try something different. To push myself beyond my comfort zone and work with my hands. To be honest, this isn't the first time I've had this thought, but most of the time I'll either ignore it or keep myself busy with other work so I don't have to face the unknown. But not this day! I was determined to move past my own limitations and try something new.
The design is based on this illustration I did two years ago. I love the idea of blending two different worlds (in this case, typography and the human body) into something quirky and fun. Also, I'm hugely inspired by the simple flash tattoo style of Sailor Jerry. Having a couple tattoos myself, I just thought it was necessary to add a few tattoos to the arms of the handpersand.
I'm very happy with the finished product, even though the edges are a little rough. But I'm learning, and I feel more confident for the next time.
Here are some photos of the process:
The Handpersand is now available in my shop at: shop.kylesteed.com
The Risk of Relevancy
At what lengths are we willing to go to sacrifice the Gospel for the sake of being relevant and "liked" in our culture? How long will we continue to copy the world and attach the word "Christian" to it? I don't remember who said it, maybe Derek Webb, but it goes something like; "The label, Christian, attached to anything but a person is just a marketing term." And I'd have to agree with that. How are we really advancing the Kingdom of God by copying the ways of the world? And who are we really fooling?
I really like what my friend Tim Thornton says:
"It's one thing to have a culturally relevant expression and another to hide the truth that is worth seeking in the name of seekers."
Is it because we don't want to be thought a fool that we water down the gospel? Are we that prideful and arrogant? I can only speak from my own experience, but yes, I have been that prideful and arrogant in my walk before. Then I learned to repent. But If you try to appeal to everyone, you will end up standing for nothing. Not that being a Christian means you completely remove yourself from culture, on the contrary, we should be an even greater impact on our culture. However, it's not anything we do in our strength, only by the grace of God.
So maybe it's not a question of being relevant or not, but are we doing only what we hear the Father saying?
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today we honor the memory of one of our nations most profound leaders.
Be Still
in faith
Sometimes, not often enough I feel, I get this stirring in my soul to write. Maybe it's only after I've walked through trials of my own and come out the other side that I only feel I have something smart to say. I don't know. But, what I do know is that in the midst of so much information on the internet today it's easy to give up before you even start. And if the past two years have taught me anything, it's this: life can only be lived one day at a time. So breath in deep the breathe that God has blessed us all with and don't worry about tomorrow, for today has enough troubles of its own. On another note. Today I received an envelope in the mail from my local Postmaster. Enclosed in said envelope was half, okay not even half, of a torn up check from one of my clients that somehow got lost within the great mystery that is the United States Postal Service. The check itself was already two weeks, but that's not the part the baffles me. On the back of this envelope, in a very informal tone, is printed 5 short paragraphs apologizing for the damage to my mail and how they know how important my mail is and blah, blah, blah.
But here's what I really wish to share with you. My gut instinct was to drive straight to the Post Office and give them a very big piece of my mind. I mean, who are THEY to mess with ME? Right? Does this sounds familiar to anyone else? And then it happened, The Lord very softly spoke to the storm upon the horizon of my soul and said, "Be Still." Who am I to judge another human being for something that was out of their control? Who am I to think that I deserve to have my mail delivered on a gold platter? Exactly, I am one that is called to extend forgiveness freely just as I am freely forgiven. I am one that is called to judge not, lest I be judged.
So this holiday season when you feel like you've been dealt an unjust hand, I urge you to step back and ask yourself: Who am I? And I pray that the love of The Father washes over you and speaks to your heart with the same gentle affection, Be Still.
Just enough
in faith
Why do we ask for just enough from the God who desires to give us all of who He is? Didn't Jesus teach us a better way to pray? Read Matthew chapter 6 and you'll see an example of prayer that doesn't ask for just enough, but instead asks for the very will of God to be done. A prayer that invites the Kingdom of God to come, here on earth as it is in Heaven. That doesn't sound like just enough, that sounds like everything we will ever need and more.
I don't know about you, but I'm tired of just enough. I desire all that God has for me.