Art Words Theme-"Internalize"

This piece was in response to the "Artwords" theme this week. The call was for an interpretation of the word "internalize". The image of this word peeked my heart's interest. I was immediately drawn to thoughts of how negative messages to conform in our culture can be internalized, invading our hearts and robbing them of their God-given uniqueness. Our eyes can take in an onslaught of images and subtle messages from the world around us that translate into a relentless trap deep within. I think especially for women we are faced with a continual stream of lies in our media in regards to our worth and what we have to look like to claim it. The pricetag of internalizing these lies is a high one. The words on the piece are a little hard to read from the photo but along the left edge ,"success, money, too fat, too thin, good girl, more is better, super woman, perfection, not enough, measure up, anxious heart, hiding, pretending, depression, having it all, shame, emptiness". In the lower right hand corner, "relentless comparison, soul death" and inside the key, "Guard your heart and mind". It is a constant vigil to guard our hearts by monitering who or what takes residence in our minds. Lies about our worth can enter so quietly yet create such unrest and brokenness in our souls. Thankfully they can be stopped at the door and challenged with the truth....that we are created, loved and valued just as we are...today and always!