EBM Commissioned three pieces of art for the distinct purpose of representing our healing journey through Christ. The Tree of Brokenness, The Tree of Restoration, and Return to the Garden. Thanks to Studio Sixtyone (www.studiosixtyoneart.com) and Ashley Benedict for her tireless effort in capturing the vision.
Return to the Garden – Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, all believers have the capacity for intimacy with God. That same intimacy that we experienced as we walked and talked with Him in the Garden of Eden. At His crucifixion, when Christ declared “It is Finished”, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom providing complete access to the His throne room. Our ability to step back into the Garden and enjoy full, uninhibited intimacy with Him was restored – as it was always intended to be.
In Ashley’s words: “I had somewhat of a vision of what I wanted to do as I started this painting, but really just figured it out and made a lot of decision changes along the way. When I was first asked to create this piece, I immediately thought of Kari Jobe’s song “The Garden”. In the song, she sings about seeing the hope and life in the Garden that we have access to once again because of Christ. I listened to this song again and again as I painted. It was life-giving to me to hear those words and to be able to physically transfer that vision – that message onto a canvas for others to see and take part in. My hope is that those who see this piece of artwork are able to see deeper into the heart of God and his unconditional, sacrificial, gracious love for us as his children”:
Lyrics:
“I had all but given up Desperate for a sign from love Something good, something kind Bringing peace to every corner of my mind
Then I saw the garden Hope had come to me To sweep away the ashes And wake me from my sleep
I realized You never left And for this moment You planned ahead That I would see your faithfulness in all of the green
I can see the ivy growing through the wall ‘Cause You will stop at nothing To heal my broken soul
I can see the ivy reaching through the wall ‘Cause You will stop at nothing To heal my broken soul
You’re healing broken souls
Faith is rising up like ivy Reaching for the light Hope is stirring deep inside me Making all things right Love is lifting me from sorrow Catching every tear Dispelling every lie and torment Crushing all my fears You crush all my fears You crush all my fears With Your perfect love
Now I see redemption growing in the trees The death and resurrection in every single seed”
Song: The Garden; Artist: Kari Jobe
Click on the link below to view it on our website or on our YouTube Channel HERE.
