LEAST: I AM BLESSED
Artists Made Strong in Weakness
WHAT: A student festival of art in response to God’s blessings.
WHY: We too are the LEAST and in need of God and His strength.
Click here to view the complete LEAST brochure.
Matthew 5:3
You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
II Corinthians 12:7-10
So I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a thorn to keep me in constant touch with my limitations … At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, “My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” Once I heard that … I quit focusing on the thorn and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness … And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
A Soldier’s Prayer
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
HOW: Step into this process.
Consider the Scripture passages and the poem above.
Reflect on your own thorn (a personal weakness, an illness, a struggle in a relationship, a disappointment, a sorrow, a life circumstance, etc.) and how God has used it to shape you and bless you in ways you never could have imagined.
Respond to one of the following:
*What does it mean to be blessed?
*Choose one word that describes you and consider how it has helped you depend on God.
*How is your thorn a gift?
Create a piece of art:
Theatre – one act, monologue
Photography – one or a series of photographs
Dance – choreographed narrative piece or otherwise
Video – short film, public service announcement, music video, mini-documentary
Visual Arts – painting, graphic design piece, drawing, sculpture,
Music – instrumental, vocal
Writing – poetry, short story, essay
Other – art forms not mentioned above
WHEN: Submitted pieces must be received by October 8, 2009
Festival will take place on October 22, 23, & 24, 2009
October 23 & 24 will be open to the community and will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Click here for rules of entry and submission requirements.
Submitted pieces must be received by October 8, 2009, and will be juried. Selected pieces will be performed or displayed on October 22-24, 2009 at Wheaton Academy in the festival entitled LEAST: I AM BLESSED – ARTISTS MADE STRONG IN WEAKNESS.