About Lydia

Is that God’s artist statement? Early in the Old Testament, God is asked a question. Moses inquires, “What should I say to the Israelites when they ask who sent me?” God answers in perfect knowledge, “I AM who I AM.” 

Now, millennia later, I must answer, “Who are you? What do you do?” and I would love to answer, “I AM…” but I can’t. I AM not. I’m always changing, never perfect. God is unchanging; perfect; eternal. 

So then, what do I answer when asked, “Who are you? What do you do?”

I could say, “I might!” I might be a wildlife painter and liturgical artist. I might do both at the same time. I might enjoy portraying the wild and fantastic creatures that God put on this earth, while using my art to point right back to Christ. 

Let’s try “I could.” I could be thoroughly inspired by the people God has placed around me. I could be trying to connect thoughts of heaven and earth while still occupying the latter. I could be constantly painting, illustrating, and crafting while I’m here. 

Maybe “I hope” would suit me. I hope my artwork makes people experience a sense of grandeur and spiritual resonance. I hope it is dwelt upon, and read like a devotion. I hope for heaven. 

…But none of these are quite right. There’s something God has designed for me as a part of His church; something that shows how different I am from Him, but how close I am to Him. 

Maybe it’s “AM I.”

Who am I? What am I doing? No, AM I is not a question for God’s church. We don’t need to be asking these things. God has a plan for us. But if AM I isn’t a question, what is it?

Here AM I, send me.

Lydia Kratz Pasbrig