Emerge: A Lockdown Creation
May emerged like a Phoenix rising at the end of a long winter. The days grew longer. Adding minutes to the day light hours felt hopeful even if we didn’t know what was on the horizon. And the weather! How glorious was it to bask in the warmth of the sun in our gardens.
You would never know we were experiencing a global pandemic as the rhythms at home seemed mostly the same. But they were anything but normal.
Home has always been a refuge for me, yet I found myself with the restrictions confining us to our home, anxious and restless. My solace was found in that one hour a day when we were permitted to leave our home to be outdoor.
During those weeks, I would venture to the nearby wood. An ancient wood that was once part of the King’s land and the royal hunting ground of Rockingham Forest. There is something about walking in a place that had been traversed for centuries by wayfarers that comforted me. Breathing deep. Everything was going to be ok.
“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!”
John 14:27 TPT
After two months of a national (and global) lockdown, our family could leave the house together. Though businesses remained closed, nature would not be stopped. It was a glorious spring unlike any I’d yet to experience here in England.
We set off to explore Old Sulehay Wood for a walk through the woods. I wanted to take my family to a place that had brought me much comfort throughout the lockdown. Though so much seemed uncertain, I felt at peace, hopeful.
Just before we left the wood, I spotted the more delicate and petite forget-me-nots peeking through the grass. Their brilliant blue could not be denied. So small and yet they commanded attention. Bending low, I collected a few and immediately felt inspired to use these to create an image.
Forget Me Not. They often symbolize the remembrance of somone in parting or death. But I soon learned that these blue beauties can also be used to symbolize a connection that endures all challenges and measure of time.
When I returned home, I set out to gathering more flowers. I collected the remaining tulips from a flower arrangement on my dining room table, wilting in the vase. Outside, I clipped the first flush of rose blooms to add to my creation. The final touch was to place the Forget-Me-Nots in the scene.
Remember me. I haven’t forsaken you. I have not left you. I have you.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
I titled this lockdown creation ‘Emerge’. Representing both the season emerging from a long winter and for our family finally being given permission to leave our homes and emerge into the world again. At peace and with courage, we emerge into this uncertain world knowing the Lord goes before us. I am not forgotten.
“Emerge” created and photographed by Kyle Campbell on May 15th 2020
