JB Digital Art Blog

People flow into the naves of Gothic Cathedrals across America, seeking the source of hope. But like a paper boat, they find themselves carried along its dark forbidding walls as by a river; a way they had hoped flowed to the sea, and yet finding themselves in a gully, say to themselves, alas, we have followed the wrong course to our ruin. Where now shall we go? "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James the Apostle 

The door slammed shut, leaving me in a cold, empty room. I stood still, listening to the echo of keys clanking as the lock was secured. Silence pressed in—I was alone. A shadow crept across my mind, closing me off from within. This place was strange, filled with harsh sounds, rancid smells, and faces drained of color and joy. A voice crackled over the PA system: “Free Time.” Moments later, my cell door creaked open, and I stepped from my cage into the corridor. Unsure of where to go, I shuffled down the long, dim hallway. In a barred window, I caught sight of my reflection. Pausing, I felt a faint urge to grieve, but no tears would come. The fire that once burned in my heart had turned to ash. My reflection revealed the battles I had fought—against demons within and without—etched deep upon my face. Weakened by despair, my strength drained away. Like a wind-up toy at its end, I slid down the wall until I lay curled upon the cold, unforgiving floor. Darkness surrounded me. Then, a f...