My contribution to You:Create – desktop wallpaper.

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I had a hard time deciding whether or not to post this today. To most of us, this little picture above is just that: a picture. But, there’s a story behind it. One of my dear blog-friends is hosting a creativity challenge on her site right now – she started it a few weeks ago.

She is an inspiring young woman of faith. She is full of strength and beauty and compassion. She’s wise beyond her years, and has challenged me to take whatever is handed me in life, whether I want it or not. She is a blessing to those who know her – people from all across the world. She’s an amazing writer. And beautifully creative. And her heart is full of nothing but love.

But there’s something else about her… Something that will leave you speechless.

See, Sara (or Gitz, as we all know her in the comments around here) suffers from a degenerative disease that has rendered her homebound. Ankylosing Spondylitis. She’s in chronic wincing pain. Her immune system is very weak. She can’t leave her apartment, or see anyone who has any hint of sickness. I don’t think she’s left her apartment in well-over a year.

We — the hundreds of other internet junkies that love her — are her community. We are a part of her world. And she is a part of ours. And she plays a huge role in this network of Christian (and non-Christian) creative fun-loving social media enthusiasts.

And, this weekend, a thick and heavy shadow was cast over her world. In short, her father quickly and unexpectedly passed away. The funeral was yesterday. But, because of her illness, Gitz was unable to be with her family. Through the blessing of technology they sent an internet stream of the wake and service to her apartment where healthy friends had gathered.

So what does this have to do with Gitz’ story? It’s all in that quote. Creativity is, in some ways, like a birthing. Like a spark of Light and Life. Like a release of a small part of me to go out into the world and become its own entity of hope and faith and joy and freedom. I didn’t know about Gitz’ father when I created this little piece of art, but I knew Gitz’ world. I knew that she too creates out of darkness and would understand it.

And, here again, in the imprisonment of her disease, Gitz has seen another shadow fall on her heart.

A desktop wallpaper may seem trite to you. But, to Gitz, stuff like this decorates her “door” to the rest of the world.

For you, Gitz, and for Light,

mandy