Elijah’s birds, study; 2015; 14.5″ x 10.5″; watercolor and pastel. Colleen Briggs.
In the wilderness, I build a fire for you. I call you softly by name: come, creep near, warm your hands, shelter in my arms.
Like a fearful animal, afraid to trust but desperately cold with nowhere else to turn, you come. We huddle together against howling gusts.
But without warning, a wind-whisper triggers memories just beyond your consciousness, sensations of other arms clutching you close. In terror you leap from my embrace. You kick the fire with all the fury your little being can muster. Sparks flare and rage beyond the little circle of rocks I so carefully and hopefully laid, my tender dream of mutual affection.
Trees clustered close, like friendly sentinels, burst into flames. I panic; I reach for you. You run, wild-eyed and out-of-control into the night.
Then thunder cracks, and lightening dances with trees, lit like torches.
A sudden torrential downpour quenches flames with sizzling ferocity, splatters blackened earth.
I call you by name in the murky dark, this time frantically. I fumble through smoky haze, tripping over slippery, smoldering stumps.
You are nowhere to be found. We are lost to one another.
And then around me, people emerge from shadows, people drawn by the sight of a flaming mountain. They rustle in undergrowth, forage for dry grass buried under soaked bushes. Wordlessly they place kindling in my hands. Like Elijah’s birds (1 Kings 17:1-6), with earnest eyes, they assure me we are not alone.
Together, we lay another fire, knowing only God can light a spark in this dark night.
But as surely as ravens swoop in with meat and bread, enough for the moment, I stand tearfully confident – He will.
Colleen Briggs Images & Writing 
Your painting and words brought me to tears this morning. Thank you for sharing this.
And yes…He will.
you understand, and that has brought me great strength during this passage. even if we never meet, i’m so thankful for your life and transparent writing!
Colleen, your painting and words speak to the heart [always].
Such beautiful movement…
Enjoy a beautiful Full Moon! 🙂
As do yours Marina! Grateful for your imagery that encourages my heart in a way words can’t.
Ah, Colleen …likewise! 🙂
He will. And your artwork will help that spark to flame higher.
There is definitely a healing in art that i can’t seem to find in any other way. i only hope that my artwork can contribute to healing for others as well. thank you for the encouragement!
Colleen your words rend my heart. Such love.
thank you for reading with your heart dear friend!
I hope my life, words and encouragement bring you kindling just as your life, words and artwork bring kindling to me.
You are a treasure!
you are indeed “kindling” in my life, Jody! i’ve loved being introduced by you to other creative sparks out there. your blog posts have opened my eyes to the multitude of ways people are using their creative gifts to honor God.