Music is so important to this series. In times of chaos, I've learned to look to the creators-- artists, musicians, writers, speakers. Each piece was heavily influenced by music, some pieces are tied directly to a song that plucked at the emotion that I was trying to expose or access.
Ultimately, I looked towards the master of creation, artistry, and music - God himself. A God of order, design, creativity, justice, humanity... He is a God of rebirth, restoration, redemption.
As you look at the artwork, I'd like to share a little about God's design of snakes... What can we learn from it?
“While a snake's body continues to grow, its skin does not, so it must shed. Kind of like when humans grow out of their clothes. Before a snake sheds its skin, eyes look opaque or clouded, because the newly formed skin will cover its eyes. A roomier skin layer is generated, and the old layer is discarded. This shedding, or sloughing of the skin, removes harmful parasites - This is called ecdysis (ec·dy·sis /ˈekdəsəs/). Snakes can shed their skin as often as once a month. Snakes initiate the process of shedding their old skin by exposing their vulnerable areas and scraping them against a rock, tree or similar hard surface. They will also help the process along by seeking isolation and writhing through tight, uncomfortable spaces to engage in the process. The new skin emerges healthy, glowing, stronger, and no longer restricts the snake from dominating its ecosystem. After a snake sheds its skin, it is left behind often as a predatory warning.” (Washington State University, 2022.)
I propose the question:
What old skin is overdue to shed to make way for rebirth and healing in your life? Is it time to press in and scrape away things? What would emerge?