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?
Last year I watched a number of videos with Tim Ballard, Jim Caviezel, and the Director of “Sound of Freedom” sharing and it had a profound impact on me. I felt devastated at the demonic atrocities involving children on the one hand, and thrilled on the other that an army of artists has been rising up and fighting this darkest evil. I went onto a website aimed at finding missing children in my own country and was more shocked. My plea of “Lord, what can I do as a painter?” has now begun to be answered reading your story and seeing your painting. You are an incredible artist – I think I will be looking at this every day as I have never seen anything like this! And the way in which you write about hope in the midst of the most difficult situations is compelling. The question I’ve been walking around with today has been what can I do about Israel, particularly in light of tomorrow’s legal hearing, which is disturbing me beyond what I can say. Your story and painting are most timely and I feel so privileged to be able to hear and see what you share especially in light of these challenges. Looking forward to how this unfolds. Love and blessings from South Africa.
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Elli Milan Art replied:
yes!! we are a mighty army and we will fight this!! We artists are more powerful than we know!
It undermines my world to know what goes on behind closed doors. My heart breaks for all those in terror… I cannot watch that film it would be too hard.
Fortunately there are far more good men and it delights me that you’re painting the kings and to understand your inspiration.
I too was called to paint … a rather precious man we both love. I called out choose someone else. I’m not a painter. But then my feed flooded with your mastery programme and your great wisdom.
I watched your podcast with Beverley last night and understood more.
Shine bright Elli you have a commission from the highest power and are surrounded by angels.
With deep gratitude
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Thank you! You ARE an artist and God can use your art in a powerful way.
Oh Elli, my heart was completely struck and my spirit rose up with a resounding battle cry as I read your email. I have avoided that movie, knowing that it would it haunt me and I would feel so helpless and undone. It takes courage and a stout heart to make ourselves aware of utter wickedness. Wickedness that preys on the innocent and helpless. Like you, how can I go back to life as I know it after that? I’m thankful for these “brick wall” moments (and I have had many, gratefully) that stop us dead in our tracks and remind us that life on this planet is not, and can never be, only about our own peace, safety and prosperity. As Marybel said above, I am determined to generously support organizations that are making a difference with my art sales. We may not be able or even called to physically fight on the front lines, but there are so many positions needed to wage a war than just the courageous souls on the literal battlefield. Darkness is a spiritual battle first (Ephesians 6:12) and the prayers of believers prayed with power and authority (in the spirit we can ALL be bad-ass swat teams!!) will crack and crumble the walls of evil so that those on the ground can rush in. Thank you for sharing your heart with us! xo.
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Yes, bad-ass swat teams, flighting with our brushes and our prayers and our angles!!!
Totally agree. Last year I was driven to start a theme / series titled Eternal Existence. As I continue to work on this theme and contemplate what it may mean, grapple with the idea of representing this idea in image form, I have no idea if it will help anyone but do believe somehow it has to bring hope and more joyfull living to those of us still living physical existences. We have to follow our gut and pray for the positive results we anticipate. With Love and Light keep well.
I have followed Tim Ballard for years so the movie was not a shock to me. My life was torn apart when son was born blind, 20 years ago, as a want to be artist this shattered me, my life has never been the same. Thats one reason I joined the mastery program to find myself again and help the healing though love and light I hope to show through my art. One way I believe to heal the world is to heal oneself and to focus on our own frequency only then we can pour love back into the world. I believe there is more lovely people on the plant than bad. Thats what we must focus on so the light shines brighter.
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