Life is hard. Not only must we contend with our own personal struggles, but we’re constantly bombarded with the pain, suffering, and brokenness in the world around us, both near and far. Surrounded by such darkness and death leaves us weary and brokenhearted. And this is where the healing power of beauty becomes our lifeline.
Beauty is not just for our joy and merriment when life is going well. It’s a necessary weapon as we resist the forces of evil hell-bent on stealing, killing, and destroying the life Christ has come to give us. Beauty becomes light in the darkness – keeping our souls anchored in God’s truth and goodness when our minds are clouded, our hearts are heavy, and we do not know what to do.
Beauty heals by transcending the pain and everydayness of life – opening the door for us to reconnect with the life of God. While remaining in this world, beauty moves us beyond the dry facts of life and restores our spiritual vitality. Hope and desires are stirred in ways we cannot logically explain except for the effect of beauty on our souls.
Beauty also heals by nurturing our wholeness. When we’re spread thin and divided within and without, beauty brings harmony to our souls in many profound and delicate ways. And as we absorb its presence it becomes food to our inner man. We’re refreshed and our strength reinvigorated.
Perhaps we don’t give the healing power of beauty enough credit in our lives. This can leave us desperate, and eventually settling for cheap imitations, which might numb us for a while, but cannot bring true healing.
In this dark hour beauty is a serious matter. Far beyond casual aesthetics, it’s our defense against hatred and despair, complacency and division, and the many powers of darkness in this age. Beauty cleanses our souls as it also reminds us of the goodness that remains in the world and God’s spiritual economy.
In the end, seek the healing power of beauty and let it wash over you. It’s our lifeline in this dark hour.
