Kings of Men: Changing the World Through Powerful Art
Recently, John and I took a trip to the UK with our daughter's family. I'm on the airplane, enjoying my economical, comfort-class wide seat on Virgin Air (highly recommended for long distances!). I rarely watch movies, but I browse through the selection of new releases, looking for something historical or inspiring. "Sound of Freedom" catches my eye. It's a movie I've been wanting to see since its release but missed in theaters. I want to take advantage of this opportunity, so I commit to watching it after dinner.
Discovering "Sound of Freedom"
"Sound of Freedom" is a true story movie about the life of Tim Ballard, a US government agent who courageously orchestrates an elaborate rescue operation of children being trafficked and sexually exploited in Colombia, with Jim Caviezel playing the lead role as Tim Ballard.
After dinner, John falls asleep for the night, and Dimitra and Jake take turns holding Zion, also trying to sleep. I start the movie and am deeply engrossed the entire time.
The film masterfully uses innuendo, providing just enough detail and footage of the trauma to make its poignant point without egregiously traumatizing the viewer. I am absolutely struck by Tim Ballard's selfless, heroic courage. He is utterly committed to the cause of rescuing these children and, against all odds, remains unwavering. I watch, completely inspired.
I hold it together until the end, but I am wet with tears as the final credits roll. As I sit silently sobbing, I realize that at this very moment, millions of children – yes, MILLIONS- are suffering in some demonic nightmare.
I'm completely undone. Just then, Dimitra turned around and asked me if I could hold Zion for a little while so she could rest. I have my precious grandson on my chest and feel his lovely, beautiful spirit relax and drift into sleep. I pray that God will forever keep him and protect him from such a hellish fate.
As I held Zion and continued to sob, I thought, what am I doing with my life? Being an artist feels trivial and pointless. I need to get off this plane and go to Colombia, Cambodia, or Cameroon to rescue children! How can I continue living comfortably, enjoying ice cream, or celebrating Christmas, knowing that children are tortured by these sick men in every corner of the earth? I must DO something!
A Call to Action
Then I quickly realize that I'm 5 feet 3 inches tall, don't speak Spanish, am 50 years old, and realistically cannot take on the militia of muscular, vile men who guard these networks. I don't even know how to shoot a gun! I cried out to God, "What can I do!? I have to DO something. I can't just sit here and wait for someone else to step up. God, rise up! Intervene. Save these children. Smite these wicked people. All of them!"
Suddenly, it becomes clear. In an instant, all the fragmented pieces come together, forming a cohesive plan of action that downloads into my mind.
The Vision of Kings
A year and a half ago, when I was in Greece, I felt like God inspired me and gave me a vision to paint kings. I envisioned kings of men in my mind, glowing with fire, surrounded by light, and wearing military-type clothes. I painted a couple of them but didn't understand why, so I stopped. Now, I could see that God wanted to release something through this art.
Without good kings, evil will prevail.
It is men who have built the sex trafficking industry. It is men who have groomed the female groomers. It is predominantly men who pay to enslave these children. It is the vile and wretched men who commit the most horrific acts on these innocents.
It is men, with their brute strength, who hold them captive and build fortresses around their evil kingdoms. It will require real men, kingly men, to topple these demonic structures. Kings who are protectors. Kings with integrity and valor. Kings of light and fire with blazing selfless love. The Bravehearts, the Gladiators, and the Robin Hoods must rise and fulfill their destiny to rid the world of such hell.
We can no longer tolerate this. As mothers, we must raise strong men. As fathers, we must be strong men. We must stop vilifying men; true men are not toxic in their masculinity. The only thing that stands between good and evil is strong, fearless men.
Changing the World Through Art
I realized that I must complete my paintings of the kings. Before God does anything on this earth, it is first sung, written, sculpted, or painted.
That movie changed me forever. I want my art to make a real impact and change the world. I want my paintings to shift culture, to wield magic, and be anointed for activation. I want my art to drive a cause, rebuild foundations, and tear down the dark structures. I envision my art as a bright light in a dark world, bringing hope to the hopeless and setting the captives free.
Have you ever experienced a moment of realization that changed your perspective or approach to your work? What was that like for you?
Elli,
Thank you for sharing such a deep and vulnerable experience. I do believe you are correct. We are living in some horrific times. Art has always been a communication to express the deep root of issues and emotion. All the passion and depth you have placed in your Kings series is truly amazing. The emotion and conviction they have in their eyes is so intense and beautiful at the same time. This all touches hearts, and the more it is expressed, the more the energy of the world can shift to a positive outcome. I love your faith as you pray to God to lead you. We can all be inspired with the God given talent that we have and trust in the outcome. It is a great purpose! Thank you for all you and your family do. I have learned so much from your classes online and videos. I hope to do the Mastery Class soon. Thanks for the inspiration, always!
———
Elli Milan Art replied:
Thank you for the encouragement! The mastery program will help you move into your purpose even more! Not to mention the amazing at you will create! 💕
That’s so great. The world needs more people like you! Thank you for your service and gifts!
I also watch the movie and had the same. And is truth as a women the best we can do is help to raise a word with better children that become good men, I have two boys, I hope I can do a good job.
———
Elli Milan Art replied:
Yes! Raise strong valiant men who will stand strong against evil! 💪🏽
Is it by chance that I find myself here, first thing in the morning? It’s Friday, August 30th. 2024. I resonate with this story and the frustrations felt.
I was abused myself as a kid.
I was temporarily adopted and abused by the son of my foster mother in England. This was my start in life! Long story short, I was set on a path to healing, without knowing it. I wrote a book about it and published it to the world (it’s on Amazon, not in my real name), 6 years ago.
It healed me. Writing it gave me clarity and helped me sort out my mind, what happened, and why. Now, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am helping others whenever I feel frustrated. I wrote the book to shine a light on why, how, and when sexual abuse even happens. It is a warning.
I met Jesus early but after the incident. He was like a friendly bodyguard back then. I’ve screamed at him as well as sat silently, approaching this scenario with laser focus. This dark issue goes around and around the world, non-stop! It’s just another way to find salvation and get to know the protector of our souls.
Such abuse is not talked about leaving the abused without a way to know what’s happening, and how to articulate it. It goes from generation to generation in families. I am collateral damage! People are afraid of it. It festers and it’s growing. Only The Lord can completely stamp it out. It is E V I L.
Of course, we can all do our part. I speak out. Thank you for sharing your story. Rest assured, people and organizations are out there doing their best to hold back the tide, fighting it in its many ugly forms. Art, for me, is about self-expression. Thank you for this course and for being a relatable, humble person – the most refreshing part.
———
Elli Milan Art replied:
Wow! I’m so sorry for your loss of your Childhood and what you endured. Yes! Jesus saves, heals and restores! We are in a battle for the women and children and the weak!
Thank you for sharing this story Elli. I haven’t seen the film but am now curious to do so. What you wrote really inspired me. I’m currently in portfolio on the Mastery Program but finding it hard to be motivated. I have been feeling, what is the point of sitting in a room making paintings? It’s been feeling like a frivolous activity and I can’t see how it can actually impact anyone. I love how you describe your journey of hearing God about painting kings and how it all came together when you saw the movie. I love that your painting becomes part of a greater cause. It’s food for though. Thank you
———
Elli Milan Art replied:
It’s the least frivolous thing you can do!! Before anything harkens in the earth it was first sung, written or painted. I. Noon if Ami’s God says he wil do something if it was first spoken through the prophets. Zechariah 2, shows us that it is the craftsmen or artisans who God will use to terrify the horns and end oppression. Art is the most noble thing you can do!!!
Leave a comment