A column in which Marzanne Slabbert explores the enigmatic fusion of faith and art in South Africa. Join her on an artistic journey and explore the many ways in which God is using the visual arts!
Today, as I prepared tomorrow’s journal prompt for the “21-Day Biblical Affirmation Journey” with my Art in the Garden ladies — somewhere between feeding the dogs, ordering groceries online, helping my sister prepare for a job interview, and making arrangements for my mom’s cataract surgery — Lauren Daigle’s words on an old America’s Got Talent episode unexpectedly struck a chord. Addressing the contestants, she shared a message that was both weighty and profound: “Having a talent is great, but having a message and a purpose is something well beyond…”
Those words resonated like a heartbeat in the background of my day. They hold a depth that invites pause and reflection, like wisdom you might one day pass on to your children or keep close at life’s end. These words hold the power to unlock discernment and act as both a guide and a yardstick for our lives. They ask each of us a series of simple yet profound questions: “What will you do with us? Will you brush us aside, or will you place us on your vision board — for next year and every year after that?”
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All I know is that I don’t want to forget these words. They’ve settled deep, aligning with Proverbs 16:16: “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver.” Through Daigle’s words, I felt God’s voice reminding me to stay close to this truth: each of us needs God’s guidance daily to clarify our purpose and to reflect it in all we do, whether it’s creating art, teaching, or even the seemingly small, everyday moments. God wants to create alongside us, to breathe His life into every situation!
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A golden purpose, still unfolding
Through my years with Art in the Garden Bloem, God has revealed a beautiful purpose for the gifts He’s given me. Again and again, He whispers to my spirit” “Marzanne, art is a tool I have given you to reach My people. I want you to use art as a fragrance that draws people close so they can hear about Me. I want to set them free, heal their hearts, and lead them to victory! I want to rebuild My temple within them and guide them into My purposes for their lives. Will you help Me? If you will set the table, I will do the rest.”
This vision has reshaped my understanding of art. It’s not just a skill or a talent; it’s a sacred medium through which God can bring healing and transformation. It is a continual call to deepen my purpose as both an artist and a mentor for others who feel drawn to use their gifts for His Kingdom.
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Kintsugi and Jesus: brokenness made beautiful
One of the most beautiful symbols of this redemptive power is the Japanese art of Kintsugi. In this technique, broken pottery is mended with gold, transforming it into something even more beautiful than it was before. To me, this art form captures the heart of Jesus’s purpose. He didn’t come just to fix what is broken in us; He came to restore and redeem, making us better than we were. Through His grace, our wounds become woven with His love, making us stronger, more beautiful, and more whole than we ever imagined. How good is our God!
Reflection questions
As artists, leaders, and guides, let’s think together about how we can carry this message of transformation forward. Let’s invite God to be the gold that fills our broken places. Here are a few questions from Focus on the Family that can guide us as we reflect:
- Name something of yours that broke. Did you try to fix it, or did you throw it away?
- When our hearts break, does God want to leave us as we are, or does He want to heal us?
- Have you ever had a broken heart?
- What did you do to heal from that broken heart, and how did God help you through it?
- How can you use what once broke your heart to help others who may be facing similar struggles?
And for artists and group leaders guiding others in creative expression:
- How can art serve as a tool for His purpose? How might it help others discover God’s presence in their lives?
As we journey together, may these golden words and questions inspire us all to keep our focus on a purpose that is firmly rooted in God’s heart. Let them lead us to live, create, and serve with purpose—like gold, timeless and radiant, glinting with the beautiful truth and wisdom of Jesus!
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