Know God | Make Art

Why “While We Rest”?

My Meemaw grew up doing chores like picking cotton and canning okra. By her own admission, she asked for a lot of rest breaks during these activities. And her mom (my great-grandma Beasley) always replied with something along the lines of…

”Sure! While we rest, we’ll shell a bushel of beans!”

As you might imagine, that wasn’t the kind of rest my little Meemaw had in mind.

I always get a good laugh from Meemaw recalling the wide-ranging “while we rest” activities of her childhood. But I think there’s something profound in Grandma Beasley’s “while we rest” mentality.

One definition of Biblical rest says, “Rest is to cease from one's works with the idea of release from anxiety, worry, and insecurity.” (Precept Austin)

Meemaw’s stories remind me that all my activities should be done from a place of resting in Christ.

I want to make art, and live life in general, from a place of resting in God’s unmerited favor and grace that’s freely given to me through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This idea of rest reminds me to redeem my time for God’s purposes, and to stop trying to find my identity in the product of my labor.

Grandma Beasley did this particularly well. One of her favorite “while we rest” activities was tatting crosses to enjoy and gift to others her entire life - even after she was legally blind. My Meemaw carries on the tradition by crocheting crosses. And my mom carries it on by creating beautiful interior spaces for all to enjoy.

Although Grandma Beasley met her Savior a few months before I was born, her legacy continues to inspire me to prayerfully steward my life… especially my creativity. And to do it all from a place of resting in Christ.

About Me

I’m Hanna, and I’m a beginner, not-formally-trained artist. I’m on a mission to rest in God’s ability to use imperfect things to glorify His Great Name.

If you’re interested in using art as a tool to grow closer to God, you’re in the right place.

So while we rest, let’s go make some art!