People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. (Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a writer & researcher).
(as quoted in The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown – page 74)
I loved this quote when I read it. I have gone back to read it more times than I can now count. In so doing, I have discovered a few things:
- Stained glass is an art form that started as early as with the Egyptians.
- Its purpose was to tell Bible stories at a time when most people could not read.
Those stained glass windows in churches displayed the beliefs of the church. The history of the church, in picture form, was easy for all to grasp. In looking at the stained glass windows, a person could learn the biblical events shaping the beliefs of the Church. And when the lights were on inside the church, the windows came to life with soft and illumined hues that radiated those stories.
“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”(2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT)
That’s us. Jars of clay, housing His Spirit. We’re fragile and broken lives. He is The Artisan who brings each piece and sets it back into place for one unique purpose – for His light, now inside of us, to shine out of us.
We’re stain-glassed windows.
Each and every one of us.
Today I am joining … Three Word Wed. and Tell His Story and Wed. Prayer Girls and A Little R &R and Wordless Wed. and Whimsical Wed. and Wedded Wed. and Works For Me and Imperfect Prose and Wholehearted Wed. .
I love stained glass windows and it happens to be my hobby as well. Beautiful post. Happy WW!
It was such a joy to read that stain glass if your hobby. Sometimes I wonder why my brain makes connections that it does. And then I read a comment like yours & realize it is not for me to always know why but just to share. Thank you for stopping here this morning! Hope you come back 🙂
I happen to love the connections your brain makes!! Love thinking of ourselves at stained glass windows. Love you, Joanne!
{hugs}
Sometimes my brain connections make me wonder 🙂 so I truly thank you, Beth.
I’m so happy to be your neighbor at Imperfect Prose today. I love that we are God’s stained glass windows.
May we always be a reflection of Him Who is inside us. So glad you stopped here!