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?
Thank you so much Elli. You are an inspiration in such unexpected ways, you wouldn’t guess. Your paintings are amazing.
After seeing this same movie when it first was aired, I too had a strong urge to help in the cause of saving these children. This may not be the venue for such a thing, however, here it is. The Tim Tebow Foundation and Operation Underground Railroad are fighting the war against exploitation of children and human trafficking if anyone wish to support such organizations. Just google them.
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Yes. I think these are great organizations! Thank you!
What a moving experience you shared Ellie! One/two sentences really clarified HOW the arts can change a culture. “Before God does anything on this earth, it is first sung, written,sculpted or painted.”
(The the follow up…about bright light in a dark world brings hope)
May I use your words giving you credit as I move forward?
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Absolutely. Thank you! 😊
Thank you Elli,I am a big fan of your whole family’s art works. The kings are so amazing! Then I read what you wrote & felt like I was on the plane with you crying and never even seen the movie. Thank you for sharing with such vulnerability. You ask if there was a time that changed my perspective on life and that’s a big yes! Although I can think of many events it was when I was having my 2 or third surgery for a rare cancer I had a NDE that took my fears away. I had to close my my business of 35 yrs leaving me dependent on my husband & lost everything except my determination,faith ,family ,friends ( the important things). I started art therapy at a support class for cancer patients and rediscovered a long love of painting.I have stalked every bit of information I can find to grow as a artist & just was accepted into a small town gallery.I have a lot to learn & hopefully always will. Some day I’ll save enough to start your mastery program which I feel is amazing for what you get. So meanwhile I bought Dedira’s flower class and loved it. I don’t usually share this deep online however after following you watching the outstanding artist I felt Compelled to reach out and say thank you for all that you do..
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. 😊💕
Thank you so much, Elli, for your open heart in sharing your experience that has led to The Great Kings series. When you are an octogenarian kings in your life are so clear. They are the few who did not abuse, the few who gave heartfelt encouragement and the stalwart who stuck beside you through the imposing lies that line life’s otherwise magnificent pathways.
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Yes. There has been some great examples.
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