Beauty From Ashes
Beauty From Ashes
Dreams that makes beauty out of ashes
Meet my friend, Libby Finan from Birmingham, England. We met through an online Bible study a couple of years ago, and a friendship was born through Facebook that includes deep conversations, prayer, and with the help of GIFS, much laughter!
With a degree in fine art and English, Libby worked in the corporate world of marketing and communications for 16 years. But, by the age of 40, Fibromyalgia had taken its toll on her body. Fibromyalgia is a disease that causes widespread constant pain, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Libby was determined to continue working but unfortunately this was not to be, and her career came to an end in 2019.
Libby held a belief since she was a little girl that she was created to create. She harbored a dream of being an artist-but had only toyed with the idea of bringing it to fruition. However, in October 2020, as she lay on her bed trying to move in every conceivable way to get relief so she could get a couple of hours sleep, she made a decision. And thus, her Facebook friends were greeted the next morning with the following news:“I have decided to design and sell Christmas cards this year because (a) I need a challenge to keep me sane (b) I can be creative from my bed during flare-ups (c) I love the thought of my creations making others happy (d) I might earn some money! So, watch this space.....Cards designed by Libby Finan at Created to Create coming soon!
”Libby’s art business ‘Created to Create’, was launched! What began as an online shopping spot for Christmas cards, grew in just two short months to an online shop with Libby’s designs on art prints, greeting cards, and a wide array of products from coasters to clothing. She also expanded to personalizing artwork with names, dates and scriptures to make them extra special for people. The aim of her work is to bring encouragement, hope and joy to others.
As the Christmas season ended for the year 2020, Libby’s designs had reached 4 continents! In her message of thanks to her supporters she says: “This new art business has been a dream of mine for a long time, and it is a blessing to be doing it. I am determined to keep going and to not let chronic illness stop me from doing what I love –creating and hopefully encouraging others too. We are all created to create.”
The amazing thing is that these designs began from her bed where she lay in pain, and often in the small hours of the morning. In fact, it is only because of no longer being in paid employment that Libby was able to pursue her God-given dream.Libby’s sister-in-law summed it up perfectly as God bringing beauty from the suffering. Indeed, from the ashes of burn-out, and the grief of chronic illness, God brought beauty, new life, and a dream come true.
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory” (Isaiah 61:3 NLT).
Instagram @libby.artist
Reflection
Do you agree or disagree with Libby’s statement, “we are all created to create?”
Name the creative dream that you have, but perhaps have allowed an illness or some other obstacle to stand in your way of pursuing it.
Does the scripture reference in Isaiah 61:3 provide new meaning and encouragement for you? If so, tell how.
Goals
What are 3 steps you can take to remove obstacles that might be preventing you from fulfilling your God-given dream?
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. (Isaiah 61:3 NLT)
