Beauty in Ashes

When I came across this image on a popular photo sharing web site I was captured by this beautiful woman and the endless stories that linger behind her haunting eyes. The photographer says she is a beggar living on the streets and can not speak English. She doesn't have to say one word ~ the deep lines woven into her skin says more than words could speak.

Look into her eyes. I can't stay there long. I am so moved by this photograph, it tugs strongly on my soul and draws emotion up in me from an unfamiliar place. (What is that about, I ask myself and God.) I'm consumed with great compassion for this woman and wonder about her childhood. What happened in her life that she has to live on the streets depending on the scant offerings of strangers. Does she have a daughter, a son? Who sings happy birthday to her? Does anyone even care...

I wish I could meet this woman, invite her into my home - sit with her in amazement of the beauty she brings to earth despite the struggles of her difficult life. "Beauty amidst the ashes..." It's a paradox.

Art has power to touch the human soul in ways that are unexplainable.

Thank you Jesus for this moment to interact with such an image. There is something about this woman's eyes that remind me of You, it's powerful beyond measure. Thank you for art and the creativity you built into each person. May we all live fully into our creative side so that more beauty can be captured and offered to our broken world. Amen