Where'd you go Bernadette? Is there a place for Artists? (Spoiler alert)

Have you seen the movie, "Where'd you go Bernadette?"  It has an interesting point.  I was struck with a deep understanding both of the lostness of Bernadette and the statement of her friend when he said "If an artist stops creating, they become a menace to society.  That is SO true!  

From my perspective, artists are a different species.  They may be difficult to understand, but they are often listening, seeing, and feeling the world with totally different intensity.  That intensity is a clamor   that rings in their ears like a dissonant chord.  Creators must create.  (really... are we not all created in His image as creators?)

I'm thinking of Genesis.  I have heard many ask the question, "Why did God make man?"  Considering the mess we have made of ourselves, it's a really good question.  But looking from the perspective of an artist, God is the creator... and creators must create!  

Exodus 31:3 says, “Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship,"  The passage goes on to describe many others that God had filled with the ability to create beautiful things for the tabernacle.  He created artists to create, He also created singers to sing! 1 Chronicles 9:33 says, "These are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the rooms and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night."  Day and night they were employed to sing.  That sounds like heaven to me!  These passages say to me that God has made a place for the artist.

At the end of the movie, Bernadette, a very famous architect  who hadn't worked for years, suddenly was inspired to design a project.  It seemed to me a bit unrealistic that she should get the job so easily.  It doesn't seem that simple does it?   Right now the emphases is on STEM subjects.  And that's good stuff to learn.  But, if you are an artist, it's hard to stir up interest in say... computer programming or biology.  There are masterpieces to create!

It is hard now to find a place for artistic juices.  No one is seeking a painter for the Cystine Chapel!  Nor a court composer for the upcoming ball.  But tucked inside us all is a gift... It may not be perfect by the worlds standard, but it sets our soul free when we move in it.  Seek the LORD, seek the place He has for you and Create!