October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and thanks to LaQuisha Hall (@confidentcanvas), I did some research into local organizations that support and provide aid to women that are leaving abusive situations.
Bethany House of Northern Virginia (@bethanyhousenv) is a Christian ministry located in Fairfax County, Virginia, providing emergency shelter and support services to women and children escaping domestic violence. They provide women with safe, restorative care while giving them the support and resources they need to transition into independent lives free from abuse. BHNV is funded by grants and donations from businesses, charitable foundations, churches, organizations, and individual community members. Go check them out and read more about their mission!
In recognition of this incredibly important issue, LaQuisha began a campaign under the hashtag #restoreyourroyalty on Instagram. I decided that I wanted to participate and journal a passage in the Bible about God’s promise to restore us after times of trial.
In 1 Peter 5:10, Peter writes, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” God promises to not only walk with us through the trials of this world, but to restore us as we are coming out of those trials. There is nothing that our God can not do!
Because purple is the color of domestic violence survivors, this layout is done with purple as the primary color. Shanna Noel, owner of Illustrated Faith, graciously created a free purple styled printable for the month of October all about the process of healing. It is the perfect set to use to begin a Bible journaling page on this topic!
I also utilized a separate piece of watercolor paper that I covered in tons of mixed media elements. To me, it continues to be so soothing just to see these elements mix and blend on the page, layer after layer. It is a very cathartic process because I tend not to worry about what the final product will look like. It turns out that once you cut these mixed media sheets into various shapes, they nearly always look cool!
I actually cut the page into the shape of leaves, representing autumn leaves falling to the ground. Fall is my most favorite season. It is a constant reminder of the changes and evolutions we have to go through as God continues to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish each and every one of us. I added the quote, “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go and begin again.”
A huge thank you to LaQuisha Hall for bringing this topic to the forefront and for never backing down from difficult subjects. I pray that she would be continue to be a light in this world! I encourage each of you to go search the hashtag #restoreyourroyalty to see the other amazing artwork being shared!
Keep it creative,
-The Scrappy Wife
Supplies: (Some of these are affiliate links…thanks in advance for supporting my blog!)
- Illuminated Scripture Journal
- Healing Process Printables
- Prima Metallic Watercolors
- Koi Watercolors
- CraftAmo Paintbrushes
- Distress Oxide Sprays
- Dina Wakley Gloss Sprays
- Dylusions Shimmer Sprays
- Distress Oxide Ink
- Jane Davenport Acrylic Paint
- Adhesive Tape Glider
- Leave Stamps from Papersource
Elisa,
Thank you so much for doing this. This video was actually a hard one for me to watch. I was in an abusive marriage for over two decades and finally escaped in 2013. Abuse comes in many forms: physical, sexual, mental, emotional, and even financial. I experienced all of it, but God was with me every step of the way.
Last year, I remarried, a wonderful, gentle, and Godly man and we are about to move into our very first home. God is indeed a God of restoration. (In fact, I have that word, “restoration” tattooed on my arm). Your process video meant so very much to me, especially the symbolism of falling leaves; letting them go, so after the winter, God can replace them with new and wonderful things.
Again, thank you so much.
Suzi
Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing how God has worked in your life! 💜💜💜