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?

Share your story in the comments below!