On the first Sunday in August, we begin a new series titled Perspective. Our series is based, in large part, on a book by Andy Andrews titled The Noticer.
Perspective is a theme Andrews weaves throughout his book as his main character, Jones, shares wisdom with the people he meets. The advice Jones offers revolves around helping others to gain perspective.
Artists Mark Willenbrink, Mary Willenbrink, Vanessa Wieland and Maria Woodie, in an article posted on the ArtistsNetwork website, shared this insight:
We’ve probably all heard (or even uttered) the phrase, “That really puts things into perspective.” Perspective is all about relativity; when you pull back and look at the larger picture and take a different view, maybe things aren’t so bad, or maybe there’s a solution where it seemed like there wasn’t before. Drawing with perspective will help you understand the big picture of your work and perspective drawing for beginners is much easier than you think.
In their article, the artists offer an introduction to the use of perspective in various art forms. Noting that while the techniques and possibilities of utilizing perspective in art are many. In our companion book, Jones takes illustrates the art of offering new perspectives to persons struggling with life challenges.
Luke tells a story about a time when Jesus visited His friends Mary and Martha, along with His disciples. Martha busied herself preparing a meal and offering hospitality to their guests. Meanwhile, Mary sat with the men listening to Jesus.
Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed.
Luke 10:41-42
Martha wasn’t happy with her sister and complained to Jesus that she wasn’t helping. Jesus said to Martha, “You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed.”
Jesus offered Martha a different perspective to consider. And, of course, Jesus tells you and me to consider different perspectives when we’re a hot mess.
Jesus tells us elsewhere that trouble will find us but He offers a peace that transcends all challenges and a Way of love that brings His peace to all humankind.
Here is the outline if you want to read the chapters from our companion book as we progress through our series:
| August 4 | Chapters 1 & 2 |
| August 11 | Chapters 3 & 4 |
| August 18 | Chapters 5 & 6 |
| August 25 | Chapters 7 & 8 |
| September 1 | Chapters 9 & 10 |
I pray that you will join us each Sunday morning at 10:30 am. We share our weekly episodes on Facebook and our YouTube channel. We go live at 10:30 am. You can find these links along with more information about us, or join our live broadcast on our website at FlintAsburyChurch.org.
Pastor Tommy
Andy Andrews. The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2011.
Article contributions by Mark Willenbrink and Mary Willenbrink, Vanessa Wieland and Maria Woodie. “Learn to Draw by Putting Things into Perspective,” © ArtistsNetwork, 2024. Retrieved from: Link.