The Hidden Gospel

In the third grade, I proudly toted my custom-made plywood History Fair try-fold display, courtesy of my Loving Father, into the school cafeteria, my head held high among my classmates with their flimsy foam boards. I had spent weeks creating this piece of Art titled, "Indian Communication."* 

The topic of the History Fair was "Communication Throughout History." The majority of my classmates chose one of two topics to research: the invention of the telephone or Morse Code. So basic. I, of course, had to be different. The idea came from my Mom, who knew my fascination with Native American Art as a young girl growing up in the heart of Utah. 

Equipped with a hot glue gun and plenty of paint, I set to work carefully stacking and attaching flat stones to my board to visually represent trail cairns - a way that travelers would communicate to those who would come after them that they were on the right path. 

Smoke signals were crafted with cotton balls, naturally; but the best part was my rendition of petroglyphs and pictographs. (Did you know the difference? My eight-year old self would be delighted to inform you). 

I told our volunteer History Fair judges all about the ways that these Beautifully Spiritual people communicated to each other, to their ancestors, and to their gods. 

"This is great!" He sounded impressed. I beamed at the Judge. "So what is the Significance?" 

"The what?" I replied. 

"The Significance."

"What does Significance mean?" It was a Beautiful word. 

"Why is this important?" he inquired. "Why does it matter for us today?" 

Silence. I had no answer. I know that is why I placed third. See my reaction here. 

This question somehow put a lens over my eyes as I grew up. "Why does it Matter?" Ever since, I've been seeking to redeem that sweet Third Grader's silence at the question the first time it was asked to her. 

Perhaps my silence was the Right Answer. Perhaps I was meant to place Third. After all, it's inspired this, and this feels Right.

Welcome to The Hidden Gospel. 

Communication is Significant because it is a way for us to connect to those we Love. All around us, our Creator is trying to communicate something to us. He loves us so much. Beloved, Pay Attention. What is He trying to tell you? 

Join me as I explore Artists, Authors, and Ancestors that point us toward Truths that they were trying to Communicate to those who will come after them to point them toward the right path. 

A caveat: Beauty is experienced subjectively. These experiences are only my own, and they might not be True for you. But maybe they will help you ask the right Questions that will lead you closer to the Truth. 

For me, the Truth is found in the Gospel Story and the Person of Jesus Christ. Let's fix our compasses there and head for True North. Perhaps we will make a stop at The Second Star to the Right on our way. 

*I was reminded of this Story as I sat down to explore Truths Hidden in Peter Pan. Thank you to Disney for adding the following message to this Beautiful piece of Art:  

"This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together. Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe."